Watch ABC’s Lineup Without Cable

Don’t miss out on your favorite ABC shows just because you don’t have cable.

Last updated Jul 25, 2024

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There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to watch a TV show and realizing you don’t have cable or the right streaming service to view it. No worries. You can access ABC’s lineup, including “Abbott Elementary,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “The Bachelorette,” in several different ways.

Let’s look at the different ways you can access ABC without cable.

In this article

How to watch ABC without cable in the U.S.
How to watch ABC without cable in the U.K.
How to watch ABC without cable in Canada
How to watch ABC without cable from anywhere
FAQs
Bottom line

How to watch ABC without cable in the U.S.

For cord cutters in the U.S., you can access ABC’s lineup in several ways. One simple way to access your favorite shows is by using the ABC app, which allows you to watch select shows without signing in to your TV provider.

However, you’ll only gain limited access to ABC content through the app without a provider login. The ABC app is available on a variety of platforms, including Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire tablet.

Here are some other ways you can access ABC without cable:

Antenna: If you’re looking to watch a show in real time, you may also be able to do so by going old school with an antenna, which gives you access to networks like ABC through local broadcasters — you’ll just have to watch the commercials.
Hulu: You can also access ABC’s content through streaming services like Hulu. Hulu offers a one-month free trial, and you can get access for as low as $7.99 a month following the trial. You may not get access to ABC shows until the day after they air. You can also bundle your Hulu subscription with Disney+ and ESPN, which will give you access to even more programs without cable.
Hulu + Live TV: If you want to watch ABC shows in real time, you’ll want to get Hulu + Live TV. This will allow you to watch TV shows when they air, and you can also record live shows. Hulu + Live TV is $76.99 a month. You can get a 3-day free trial for Hulu + Live TV.
YouTube TV: Another way to watch ABC is through YouTube TV, which gives you access to more than 100 live channels. YouTube TV offers a free trial, but the length of the trial may change. Standard pricing for YouTube TV is $72.99 per month.
DIRECTV Stream: DIRECTV Stream offers several different plans to access your favorite channels. The Entertainment plan gives you access to 90+ channels, including ABC. With a 24-month commitment, you can access DIRECTV for $69.99 per month.
FuboTV: You can trial FuboTV for free before signing up for the streaming platform, but it may offer different lengths of time for the free trial. FuboTV includes up to 267 channels, depending on the plan. Its Pro plan gives you access to ABC and 190 other channels for $79.99 per month.
Sling TV: If you decide to use Sling TV — both its Orange and Blue plans offer access to ABC in some markets. You can input your ZIP code on the Sling website to see if ABC is available in your area. You can stream on one device with the Orange plan and on three devices with the Blue plan. You can access all of Sling’s offerings with the Orange + Blue Plan, which is $55 a month.

How to watch ABC without cable in the U.K.

If you’re a resident or traveling to the United Kingdom, you’ll need to use a virtual private network (VPN) to access ABC. The network’s programming is available only inside the United States and U.S. territories.

By using a VPN while in the U.K., you’ll be able to mask your physical location by connecting to a server in the U.S., enabling you to access ABC programming through the ABC app or services like Hulu or DIRECTV Stream.

How to watch ABC without cable in Canada

Whether you’re traveling to Canada or are a resident there, you’ll need to connect to a U.S. server with a streaming-optimized VPN. Once connected, you’ll be able to access ABC through a U.S. streaming platform to watch favorites like “American Idol,” “Shark Tank,” and “The Bachelorette.”

How to watch ABC without cable from anywhere

Network television, like ABC, may restrict what content is available in different cities or countries. You’ll want to use a VPN to change your location and unlock geo-restricted content to bypass these restrictions.

When looking for a VPN to watch ABC without cable, you’ll want to choose one that has ample U.S. server locations. Some content may also be restricted regionally throughout the U.S., so if you’re looking for a sporting event that seems unavailable, you may want to try a different server location in the U.S. to see if it is available in a different market.

We recommend trying Surfshark to watch ABC. It starts at only $2.19 a month and has over 3,000 servers in 100 countries, including 600 servers in the U.S. alone. You can connect unlimited devices with Surfshark and add a dedicated IP address for a little extra.

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FAQs

Is ABC free on Roku?

The ABC app is free on Roku, but the same limitations apply on Roku as on other platforms. You may only be able to access certain content without logging into a TV provider.

Is Paramount+ the same as ABC?

No, Paramount+ is not the same as ABC. Most of ABC’s programming is available on Hulu, not Paramount+.

Can I watch the ABC app without a TV provider?

Yes, you can watch the ABC app without a TV provider. However, some content may not be available without signing in with a provider.

Bottom line

Even without cable, you can still access ABC’s lineup of shows with the ABC app, an antenna, or through streaming platforms like Hulu. If you’re looking to watch a live event, like an award show or a sporting game, you’ll need a streaming service with live coverage such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV to gain access.

With Hulu’s regular streaming package, ABC shows will be available the day after airing.

If you’re traveling out of the country or looking to access geo-restricted content from ABC, you can use a VPN to mask your location. To access ABC, you’ll want to connect to one of the top VPNs and find a server in the United States, since ABC is available only in the U.S.

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Author Details

Andrew Adams

About the Author

Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University. When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.