How to watch ABC: Live stream news, games, TV shows, and more

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One of the original Big Four networks, ABC has maintained its cultural hold on television and become a hub for sports, news, and entertainment over the years. However, the ability to live stream the network has proven a bit complicated, so we've put together everything you need to know about how to watch ABC.

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 Emmys. The network is also a fixture in the news scene, offering everything from "Good Morning America" to "20/20."

Unlike NBC with Peacock and CBS with Paramount Plus, ABC doesn't have a direct live streaming counterpart. Most shows (including "The Bachelor" and "The Rookie") are available on-demand on Hulu the day after they air, but you'll need to explore a live TV streaming channel package to watch the network live (with the rare exception of some ABC sporting events).

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. If any of our recommendations 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 for more information and potential savings opportunities.

How to watch ABC in the US

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, you can 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, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo are some of the best live TV streaming services we've tested out ourselves, and they often have generous introductory offers for new customers.

Sling TV

At $45.99 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 (plus 40+ other live channels). 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.

Fubo

Another top live TV package is Fubo. The streaming service carries broad ABC coverage and over 150 other channels in its base Essential plan. Subscribers can upgrade to Pro for regional sports networks or try out Elite for even more options. It's a comprehensive live TV alternative with a particularly robust sports offering. First-time customers can get a one-week free trial. Subscriptions start at $84.99 a month, but subscribers can get their first month for just $59.99.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream also offers comprehensive ABC coverage and more than 90 other channels with its signature Entertainment plan, which costs $86.99 a month (ABC is also available in the Choice and Ultimate plans). You can find some savings by opting into a long-term contract, but the more expensive month-to-month option gives subscribers true flexibility.

DirecTV Stream also recently introduced genre packs, cheaper genre-specific channel packages. The MySports ($69.99 a month) and MyNews ($39.99 a month) options carry some local channels in select regions, but you should check to make sure that ABC is available in your zip code before subscribing. DirecTV Stream plans come with a five-day free trial.

ESPN Plus

If you're only interested in ABC's sports offerings, ESPN Plus might be the way to go. The streaming service offers select coverage of live games that air on ABC and the ESPN family of channels. ESPN Plus doesn't offer every ABC game, so you should check the streamer's schedule before subscribing if you're looking for something specific, but it includes a wealth of NHL and college football games. ESPN Plus costs $11.99 a month or $119.99 a year.

ExpressVPN

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, including a breakdown of the app's cybersecurity perks, you can check out our ExpressVPN review.

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. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.