Before I list the individual networks, here are some global things to consider as you’re determining whether or not you can cut the cord and keep your shows.
Broadcast Networks
You may be able to watch shows from ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, NBC, Univision and other over-the-air broadcasters by using an internal or external antenna.
Third-Party Content Providers: Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus
A lot of the most popular TV shows are available on demand through one or more of these popular providers of streaming content. If so, you can then watch your shows through a streaming media player that supports those providers.
Watching Shows from Websites on Your TV
If the above options don’t work, most networks have a good selection of episodes on their own websites. There are different ways to get these from your computer or mobile device to your TV, including using PlayOn software or by display mirroring.
This is a short list to start, with just the networks I’m most often asked about and links to find out more. I’ll continue to add on to the list over time. If a network you’re looking for is not on the list, add a comment and I’ll add it when I get a chance. If you have info you’d like to share with others, please add a comment about it as well and I’ll incorporate it into the post.
NOTES
Networks are listed in alphabetical order.
Live programming available via antenna only applies if you can access the signals where you are.
Available through PlayOn means you need to purchase PlayOn software and install it on your computer.
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View Comments
How about HGTV AND DIY NETWORK?
Are those available on the Amazon Fire Stick?
Thanks!
Hi Cal.
You can get HGTV and DIY Network apps for the Fire TV Stick here: http://amzn.to/2mHhReW.
However, please note that doesn't mean you'll be able to watch all their content if you don't have cable. You'll need to install the apps (which are free to install) and see what they make available without logging into a cable subscriber.
I hope that helps!
- Elizabeth
I am cutting cable and the only problem I have is finding a source for OWN.
Hi Colin.
Yes, there aren't a lot of options for OWN that I can see since they require a cable subscription to watch full episodes of most of their shows online. PlayStation Vue is a service that provides bundles of live streaming networks and their lowest level package does include OWN. It costs $30/month, which may not be worth it unless there are other channels in the package you'd like to take advantage of. You can watch PlayStation Vue through the Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Chromecast streaming devices in addition to PlayStation consoles. The service also provides the ability to record shows.
https://www.playstation.com/en-us/network/vue/
I hope that helps!
- Elizabeth
My wife and I are also trying to cut costs. We watch a lot of French TV on TV5. Is there a service such as Hulu or Netflix that offers streaming TV5? We are looking at buying a Tivo system. Is there a comparative list of channels and suppliers that offer the channels so that we could search for other channels we might be interested in watching?
Hi Michael.
As far as I can tell, there's no great way to get all of TV5 Monde online. They do have a YouTube channel so you can see some of there content there. I'm not familiar with the channel, so I can't tell if this is a good selection or not:
https://www.youtube.com/user/tv5monde/videos
I'm not the best person to ask about Tivo because I don't use it, but from their website it looks like you can get a Tivo Roamia to record programs from an antenna (not included) and it includes the big-name streaming providers, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, plus a few others.
https://www.tivo.com/shop/ota-detail
https://www.tivo.com/quick-links/welcome-center-roamio/get-more-from-roamio
If other readers can provide better info, please do!
- Elizabeth
What about hallmark or insp any of the christian shows? I am still unclear. Do you need cable and is there associated costs? I am trying to cut costs.
Hi Brenda.
Unfortunately it does look like Hallmark's streaming service requires a cable subscription:
http://www.hallmarkchanneleverywhere.com/Home?NodeID=27
Every network has its own systems and rules so your best bet is to Google the name of the network plus the word "streaming." e.g. Hallmark streaming
I hope that helps!
- Elizabeth
I am having a hard time trying to convince my husband to get a fire stick, he pays over $120.00 a month for Charter and I am trying to show him how much we could save, he says with the fire stick we have to buy antennas for each tv we are senior citizen, but not to old, so I really like the information you have out
Hi Phyllis.
Thanks for the nice compliment!
As for your situation, it really depends what you and your husband like to watch on TV to know if canceling your Charter account will cause problems for you. You could add antennas to each TV, which are one-time costs and give you access to live programming from your local broadcast networks (NBC, ABC, PBS, etc.) You can find more info in this post:
Watching Live Broadcast TV with an Antenna
But again, without knowing what networks you generally watch, I can't say if the Fire TV Stick will help you or not.
- Elizabeth
Thank you.
little confusing but informational, good to know there are options.