To watch ABC, there are several options depending on your preferences and location:
- Over-the-Air Antenna: The simplest and free way is to use an HD antenna connected to your TV to pick up the local ABC broadcast channel. This allows watching ABC live without any subscription, but depends on your antenna signal strength and proximity to a broadcast tower.
- Live TV Streaming Services: Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV offer live streaming of ABC along with many other channels. These services usually come with free trials but require a paid subscription afterward, often starting around $70 to $80 per month. They also include add-ons for additional sports and content.
- ABC Live Stream Online: In supported markets, ABC offers a live stream of their channel on their website (abc.com/watch-live).
- On-Demand ABC Shows: Platforms like Hulu and Disney+ (both owned by Disney) allow streaming of many ABC shows on-demand (not live) soon after they air. Hulu + Live TV combines live network TV and on-demand content.
- Free News and Select Shows: ABC News offers a 24/7 live news stream online for free. Also, some ABC episodes are available for free on ABC’s website and YouTube channel.
- Unofficial Free Streaming: Some services like Puffer TV offer free live streaming of certain ABC local channels but come with limitations like geographic restrictions and limited simultaneous viewers.
Summary Table:
Method| Live ABC Channel| On-Demand ABC Shows| Cost| Notes
---|---|---|---|---
Over-the-Air Antenna| Yes| No| Free| Depends on signal strength
Hulu + Live TV| Yes| Yes| ~$77/month| Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle
YouTube TV| Yes| Limited| ~$83/month| No contracts or hidden fees
DirecTV Stream| Yes| Limited| Starting ~$80| Offers 5-day free trial
Sling TV| Yes (limited areas)| Limited| Varies| Local ABC in select cities
only
ABC.com Live Stream| Yes (supported areas)| No| Free| Must be in supported
market
ABC News Live Stream (news only)| Yes (news only)| No| Free| 24/7 news stream
online
Hulu (on-demand only)| No| Yes| Starts $10/month| No live ABC channel without
live TV plan
Disney+ (on-demand only)| No| Yes| Starts $8/month| ABC shows on demand, no
live channel
Thus, to watch live ABC, your best options are an antenna or a live TV streaming service. For on-demand ABC shows, streaming platforms like Hulu and Disney+ work well. If interested in live news from ABC, their news stream is free online.
