As one of America’s “Big Three” broadcast networks, ABC live stream delivers prime time hits, live sports, breaking news, and award shows to millions of viewers. Whether you want to catch the NBA Finals, Dancing with the Stars, or the Oscars, streaming ABC live has never been easier.
This guide covers every way to watch ABC live online, from free options to full cable-replacement streaming services.
Watch ABC Live Stream
Connecting to stream arbitration server...
What Is ABC Live Stream?
The American Broadcasting Company, known as ABC, stands as one of the original “Big Three” American television networks alongside CBS and NBC. Founded in 1943 as a radio network and launching television operations in 1948, ABC has shaped American entertainment for over 75 years.
The Walt Disney Company acquired ABC in 1996, making it part of the Disney media empire that includes ESPN, Hulu, and the Disney+ streaming platform. This ownership gives ABC unique advantages in sports programming, with the network serving as the broadcast home for major ESPN events including Monday Night Football and NBA games.
ABC operates through a network of local affiliate stations across the country. In major markets, Disney owns these stations directly (like WABC in New York and KABC in Los Angeles), while smaller markets rely on independently owned affiliates that carry ABC programming.
ABC Programming Highlights
ABC’s programming lineup spans entertainment, sports, news, and special events that draw massive audiences throughout the year.
Prime Time Entertainment
ABC’s prime time schedule features a mix of dramas, comedies, and reality competition shows. Current hits include Grey’s Anatomy (now in its 21st season), The Conners, Abbott Elementary, Will Trent, and 9-1-1. Reality staples like Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor franchise, and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune consistently rank among the most-watched shows on television.
Game shows have experienced a renaissance on ABC with revivals of Press Your Luck, The $100,000 Pyramid, and Celebrity Family Feud drawing strong ratings during summer and holiday seasons.
Sports Coverage
ABC serves as the broadcast outlet for ESPN’s biggest events. The network carries NBA games including the Finals, college football including playoff games, select NFL games, and the annual Rose Bowl. The NBA on ABC brand has become synonymous with marquee basketball matchups, particularly the Christmas Day games that kick off holiday sports viewing.
ABC also broadcasts the Indianapolis 500, the Kentucky Derby, and select UFC pay-per-view prelims, giving sports fans multiple reasons to tune in throughout the year.
News Programming
ABC News provides comprehensive coverage through flagship programs including Good Morning America (weekday mornings), World News Tonight with David Muir (evenings), 20/20 (investigative journalism), and This Week (Sunday political analysis). The ABC News Live streaming channel offers 24/7 news coverage free on multiple platforms.
Special Events
ABC broadcasts some of television’s biggest annual events, including the Academy Awards (Oscars), American Music Awards, the CMA Awards, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. These tent-pole events draw tens of millions of viewers and remain among the few appointment-viewing occasions in modern television.
How To Watch ABC Live Stream Free
Several options exist for watching ABC without paying for a streaming subscription.
ABC.com and ABC App
Visit ABC.com/watch-live or download the ABC app to stream your local ABC station live. In supported markets (generally where Disney owns the local station), the live stream is available without any login. In other markets, you may need to sign in with a TV provider to access the live feed.
The ABC app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and most smart TV platforms.
Over-the-Air Antenna
ABC broadcasts free over the airwaves in every U.S. market. A digital antenna picks up your local ABC affiliate in full HD quality without any subscription. Modern indoor antennas work well within 30-50 miles of broadcast towers, covering most suburban and urban areas. This remains the most reliable free option for watching ABC live.
ABC News Live (Free 24/7 News)
While not the main ABC network feed, ABC News Live streams free 24/7 on Pluto TV, Tubi, the ABC News app, and ABC News website. This provides breaking news coverage and select ABC News programming without any subscription.
ABC on Live TV Streaming Services
For the complete ABC experience bundled with dozens of other channels, these streaming services include your local ABC station.
YouTube TV ($82.99/month)
YouTube TV includes ABC in virtually every market along with 100+ other channels. The service offers unlimited DVR storage, three simultaneous streams, and a clean interface that makes finding content easy. YouTube TV consistently ranks as the top cable replacement service for its comprehensive channel lineup and reliability.
Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month)
Hulu’s live TV tier carries ABC along with 90+ channels, and you get full access to the Hulu on-demand library plus Disney+ and ESPN+ included. Since Disney owns both ABC and Hulu, integration between live and on-demand ABC content works seamlessly. The unlimited DVR stores recordings for nine months.
DirecTV Stream ($84.99/month)
DirecTV Stream’s Entertainment tier includes ABC with 75+ channels and offers the most reliable local channel coverage of any streaming platform. The service now includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with subscriptions, adding significant value. Regional sports network availability makes it worth considering for sports fans.
Fubo ($74/month)
Fubo includes ABC in most markets with its sports-focused channel lineup. However, note that Fubo recently lost NBCUniversal channels (including NBC affiliates) and Warner Bros. Discovery channels (TNT, TBS). The reduced price of $74/month reflects these losses. Check Fubo’s channel availability in your area before subscribing.
Sling TV (Blue Plan – $45.99/month)
Sling TV’s Blue plan may include ABC in select markets, though local channel availability is limited compared to other services. Check Sling’s website with your zip code to confirm ABC availability. At $45.99/month, it’s the most affordable option if ABC is available in your area.
Streaming Service Comparison for ABC
| Service | Monthly Price | ABC Included | DVR | Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antenna | Free (one-time cost) | Yes | No | N/A |
| ABC App | Free (limited markets) | Yes | No | Unlimited |
| Sling Blue | $45.99 | Select markets | 50 hours | 3 |
| Fubo | $74 | Most markets | 1000 hours | 10 |
| YouTube TV | $82.99 | Yes | Unlimited | 3 |
| DirecTV Stream | $84.99 | Yes | Unlimited | 3 |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 | Yes | Unlimited | 2 |
ABC On-Demand Streaming
If you don’t need live ABC but want to watch ABC shows, several on-demand options exist:
Hulu
The standard Hulu on-demand service ($9.99/month with ads, $18.99/month ad-free) offers next-day access to most ABC shows. New episodes typically appear the morning after they air. This is the most affordable way to watch ABC content without a live TV subscription.
ABC App (On-Demand)
The ABC app offers free access to recent episodes of many ABC shows, usually with a TV provider login required. Some content is available without authentication, though with commercial breaks.
Device Compatibility
Watch ABC across all major platforms and devices:
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, TCL, Hisense
- Streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, NVIDIA Shield
- Mobile: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets
- Computers: Any web browser on Windows, Mac, Linux
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation, Xbox
ABC Owned Stations by Market
Disney directly owns ABC stations in these major markets, which typically have the best streaming access:
- New York: WABC-TV (Channel 7)
- Los Angeles: KABC-TV (Channel 7)
- Chicago: WLS-TV (Channel 7)
- Philadelphia: WPVI-TV (Channel 6)
- San Francisco: KGO-TV (Channel 7)
- Houston: KTRK-TV (Channel 13)
- Raleigh-Durham: WTVD-TV (Channel 11)
- Fresno: KFSN-TV (Channel 30)
ABC Live Stream FAQ
Is ABC free to stream?
Yes, in some markets. The ABC app and ABC.com offer free live streaming in markets where Disney owns the local station. An over-the-air antenna provides free ABC access in all markets. ABC News Live streams free 24/7 on multiple platforms.
Can I watch ABC without cable?
Absolutely. Options include the ABC app (in supported markets), an antenna, or live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.
Does Hulu have ABC live?
Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month) includes your local ABC station live. The standard Hulu on-demand service does not include live ABC but offers next-day access to most ABC shows.
What channel is ABC on YouTube TV?
On YouTube TV, ABC appears as your local affiliate (like “ABC (WABC)” in New York). Search for “ABC” or browse local channels in the live guide to find it.
Can I watch NBA games on ABC?
Yes. ABC broadcasts select NBA regular season games, playoff games, and the NBA Finals. These games stream on any platform that carries your local ABC station, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and the ABC app in supported markets.
How do I watch the Oscars live?
The Academy Awards air live on ABC. Watch via antenna, the ABC app, or any live TV streaming service that includes ABC. The ceremony typically airs in March.
Related Live Streams
Looking for more broadcast network streams? Check out these related options:
- ABC News Live Stream – 24/7 free news coverage
- ESPN Live Stream – Sports coverage from ABC’s sister network
- CBS News Live Stream – Another major broadcast network