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How to watch local channels in 2024
This post was written in partnership with DISH.
Local channels like ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox all offer exceptional programming options from news to sports to hit shows like “Law & Order Special Victims Unit,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “The Bachelorette.” For sports fans, local channels are a must since many of the top events such as the Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals air on them.
If you want to learn how to watch local channels, our guide can help. We’ll show you which streaming platform offers you local channels and what other features you receive through each service. We’ll also cover DISH and how they could be a viable alternative.
Which services offer local channels?
Here’s a look at which service providers offer local channels:
| DISH | DIRECTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV | YouTube TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ABC |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓* |
✓ |
|
CBS |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Fox |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓* |
✓ |
|
NBC |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓* |
✓ |
| *local channels only available in select locations | ||||||
How to watch locals with DISH (Featured partner)
| Plan | Cost per month | Channels | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| America’s Top 120 |
$84.99 |
190+ |
No |
| America’s Top 200 |
$104.99 |
240+ |
No |
| America’s Top 250 |
$114.99 |
290+ |
No |
DISH is a smart alternative if you don’t want to go with a streaming service but want to lock in your price for at least two years. In addition to price lock, each of DISH’s plans comes with 2,000 hours of DVR, free installation and all of your local channels.
This is beneficial in that you can stream hit shows from ABC like “9-1-1”, “Abbot Elementary,” and the “Good Doctor.” While DISH is more expensive than many streaming services, you also receive unique perks like a Google Voice remote. Also, the ability to lock in your price for two years could make DISH a more affordable option in the future, especially if the prices of streaming services continue to rise.
How to watch locals with DIRECTV STREAM
| Plan | Cost per month | Channels | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment + Sports Pack |
$94.98 |
75+ |
Yes |
| Choice + Sports Pack |
$123.98 |
105+ |
Yes |
| Ultimate + Sports Pack |
$134.98 |
140+ |
Yes |
DIRECTV STREAM offers access to all news programs on local channels like “60 Minutes.” On top of that, you receive all the popular channels like ESPN, CNN, HGTV and the Disney Channel.
Sweetening the deal even more is the fact that every plan comes with an unlimited recording room. Therefore, if you want to stream your favorite NBC programs, you have ample room to do so. Even better, each plan also comes with unlimited streaming devices, making it perfect for larger households. All told DIRECTV STREAM might be expensive, but it also packs plenty of entertainment too.
How to watch locals with Fubo
| Plan | Cost per month | Channels | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro |
$79.99 |
198 |
Yes |
|
Elite |
$89.99 |
266 |
Yes |
If you want to watch your favorite shows like “American Idol,” “The Cleaning Lady,” or “Family Guy,” Fubo is a great choice to consider. Their base plan is less expensive than DISH and DIRECTV STREAM. On top of this, Fubo offers more channels in their base plan than either of them.
In addition to local channels, Fubo offers you ample sports options. Stream games on the Big Ten Network, catch analysis and draft news on the NFL Network or relive classic games on NBA TV. Each of Fubo’s plans features 1,000 hours of DVR, giving you ample room to record your favorite programs.
How to watch locals with Hulu + Live TV
| Plan | Cost per month | Channels | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base with ads for Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus |
$76.99 |
95+ |
Yes |
| Base with no ads for Hulu or Disney Plus |
$89.99 |
95+ |
Yes |
Hulu + Live TV is a unique service that combines live TV streaming with on-demand content. Each of Hulu’s live TV plans features local channels like ABC, Fox, CBS and NBC. Further, with over 95 channel offerings, you’ll find something everyone in your home will enjoy.
Hulu also offers unlimited recording space. So, if you want to record a full season of “Dateline,” you can do so without worrying about taking up too much space. With access to on-demand content from Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus, this is a live TV service that’s big on content and value.
How to watch locals with Sling TV
| Plan | Cost per month | Channels | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sling Orange |
$40 |
32 |
Yes |
| Sling Blue |
$40 |
40 |
Yes |
| Sling Orange & Blue |
$55 |
46 |
Yes |
Sling TV is one of the more affordable options in live TV streaming. However, that affordability does come with limitations. Most notably, not every market has access to local channels. Check on Sling TV’s website to see what local channels are available to you when you enter your zip code.
If local channels are available in your market, it’s hard to beat Sling TV’s price. Also, sports fans will love the service, as Sling Orange features three ESPN channels. If you want more regionalized content, Sling Blue offers Fox Sports 1 and the NFL Network. Of course, you can bundle both options into the Sling Orange & Blue package, giving you the best of news, entertainment, and sports for less than you would pay with many sports streaming platforms.
How to watch locals with YouTube TV
| Plan | Cost per month | Channels | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base |
$72.99 |
100+ |
Yes |
YouTube TV is a smart option if you want to stream sports on local channels. With it, you can watch the Super Bowl, the World Series, The Masters, the NBA Finals and the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four. You’ll also have access to regional sports channels like the Big Ten Network, the SEC Network and the MLB Network.
Moreover, the base plan comes with over 100 channels and unlimited recording space. This means if you want to catch up on your latest Fox shows on your time, you can do so. YouTube TV is easy to use; you can add other streaming options like Max or the NBA League Pass easily, and you’re free to cancel at any time without worrying about early termination charges.
How to watch CBS on Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus is further proof you don’t need to pay much to receive ample entertainment options. The service, starting from $5.99 per month, offers you access to hit shows like “NCIS,” “Ghosts,” and “Fire Country.” With either plan, you’re also able to stream NFL games and 24/7 news on CBS.
That said, if you want to watch your local CBS channel, you’ll need Paramount Plus with Showtime. The plan costs $11.99 per month, and it includes access to your local CBS station as well as the ability to download content for offline viewing. You can also watch many of your favorite shows and movies commercial-free. Overall, it’s an affordable service that allows you to catch up with your favorite CBS programs, news and sports for less.
How to watch NBC on Peacock
Similar to Paramount Plus, Peacock offers two plans. The most popular option, Premium, starts from $5.99 per month. This includes access to over 80,000 titles. Meanwhile, Peacock Premium Plus is $11.99 per month and includes commercial-free content and the ability to stream your local NBC channel. Overall, Peacock is a great option, whether you want to catch up with the latest NBC shows or watch classics like “Parks and Recreation.”
FAQ
How can I watch local TV channels for free?
The best way to watch local channels for free is with a digital antenna. You can also try out streaming services. Many of them, like Paramount Plus and YouTube TV offer trials for new customers. Just make sure to set a reminder before your trial expires or they will charge you.
How do I get local channels on my smart TV?
You can access local channels by purchasing a subscription with a live streaming platform like Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM. You can also make a one-time purchase of a digital antenna to watch local content.
Is CBS on Paramount Plus?
Yes, there are CBS programs on Paramount Plus. Along with all of their hit shows, you’ll be able to stream CBS News 24/7 and watch NFL games airing live on CBS.
