When you sign up for Hulu with Live TV, a live television streaming service that combines on-demand content with live channels from major networks. Also known as Hulu Live TV, it’s one of the few services that lets you watch new episodes of network shows the day after they air—while also giving you access to live sports, news, and local stations. Unlike basic Hulu, which is just a library of past episodes, Hulu with Live TV acts like your old cable box, but without the contract or the extra fees.
It includes over 80 live channels, from ESPN and Fox News to HGTV and Comedy Central. You get local ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox stations in most markets, which matters if you want to watch the nightly news or your team’s game without a separate antenna. The service also bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ in every plan, so you’re not paying separately for Marvel, Star Wars, or UFC fights. But here’s the catch: ads are still everywhere. Even the "no ads" option on-demand doesn’t apply to live TV. If you’re trying to skip commercials entirely, you’ll need to record shows and fast-forward—something the DVR feature makes easy.
People use Hulu with Live TV because they want flexibility. They’re cutting cable but still want to watch the Super Bowl, the Tonight Show, or real-time college basketball. It’s not the cheapest option—Sling and YouTube TV are often cheaper—but Hulu stands out because of its on-demand library. You can binge The Bear after watching the Lakers game. That combo is rare. Other services might have live TV, but none have the same depth of past seasons from FX, NBC, and ABC. And if you’ve ever tried to find an old episode of How I Met Your Mother on another platform, you know how valuable that is.
Setup is simple. You just need a smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick, or gaming console. No box to rent. No technician to schedule. But the experience isn’t perfect. Channel surfing feels slower than cable. The guide is clunky. And sometimes, the stream drops during big events. Still, for most people, the trade-off is worth it. You’re not locked in. You can cancel anytime. And you’re not paying for channels you never watch.
What’s missing? Local sports networks. Some regional channels like Bally Sports aren’t included. And if you live in a rural area, your local stations might not be available. But for urban and suburban viewers, Hulu with Live TV covers the essentials. It’s not about having every channel—it’s about having the ones you actually care about. And with the ability to add premium channels like HBO or Showtime, you can build a service that fits your habits, not someone else’s bundle.
Below, you’ll find guides that help you fix buffering issues, block mature content, split the cost with roommates, and understand how streaming services like Hulu track your viewing habits. These aren’t just tech tips—they’re ways to take back control of what you watch, how you pay, and who’s watching you.
Hulu with Live TV gives you over 90 channels including local networks, ESPN, CNN, and FX. Find out exactly which networks you get, what’s missing, and how the Disney Bundle changes the deal.
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