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One of the original Big 5 networks, ABC has maintained its cultural hold on television and become a hub for sports, news, and entertainment over the years. But actually being able to watch it has proven a bit tricky, so we've put together everything you need to know about how to watch ABC, including live streaming options.
ABC is a staple of the TV scene, as known for its marquee sports events as it is for its original dramas and comedies. The network carries Grey's Anatomy, 9-1-1, Abbott Elementary, and much more, in addition to NBA, NFL, NHL, and WNBA coverage. Plus, you can find several popular awards shows here, including the Oscars and the upcoming Emmys. The network is also a fixture in the news scene, offering everything from Good Morning America to 20/20. This year, ABC also hosted the September presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
ABC is included in almost all major cable plans, but most ABC stations were recently pulled from DirecTV following a licensing dispute with Disney (if this is the case for you, you might want to check out our guide on how to watch ESPN, too). Fortunately, there are several live TV services you can use to supplement the blackout or replace your cable packages altogether.
Whether you've recently lost ABC in your cable lineup or you're just a cord-cutter hoping to watch a one-off event, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to watch ABC from anywhere. And if any of the below streaming services catch your eye, make sure to check out our guide to the best streaming deals and bundles and our breakdown of the best sports streaming services.
If you don't have cable or recently lost ABC in your TV package, you don't need to worry. There are a few different easy ways to watch the network. You can get your local ABC affiliate over the air in some areas using an antenna. If this is the case, try one like the very affordable Channel Master Flatenna at Amazon, which we highlight as the best overall antenna in our best indoor TV antenna guide.
If you're looking for instant access to ABC without any extra hardware, it might be time to check out a live TV package. These month-to-month live TV services are low-commitment cable alternatives that you can cancel at any time. Sling TV and Fubo are two of our top picks, and they both currently have generous introductory offers for new customers.
At $40 a month, Sling TV will be the cheapest option today. You'll need to opt for Sling's Blue plan to access local channels like ABC. It's important to remember that local channel coverage and availability vary by region on Sling, so you should double-check to make sure you can access the network in your area before subscribing. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia are among some of the regions that get ABC through Sling. If you do opt for Sling, you can usually get about half off your first month.
Another top live TV package is Fubo. The streaming service carries broad ABC coverage and over 180 other channels. It's a comprehensive live TV alternative with a particularly robust sports offering. First-time customers can get a one-week free trial. Subscriptions cost $79.99 per month, but subscribers can get their first month for just $49.99.
There's a simple fix for those traveling away from home who still want to keep up with their streaming subscriptions: VPNs. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy tech tools that allow people to change their device's virtual location on a temporary basis, meaning that they can use their usual websites and apps from almost anywhere in the world.
Our go-to recommendation is ExpressVPN, a top-rated option with a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more information, you can check out our ExpressVPN review and see below for highlights.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
