Hulu + Live TV has become a major player in the streaming TV market, offering a comprehensive package that combines Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+, ESPN+, and over 95 live TV channels. But Does Hulu Live Have A Guide to help you navigate this extensive content? This article dives into the features of Hulu + Live TV, exploring its channel lineup, add-ons, and how it stacks up against competitors, and answering the question of whether it offers a guide to enhance your viewing experience.
Hulu + Live TV offers a wide range of channels and on-demand content.
What is Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu + Live TV offers a cable alternative with no long-term contracts. It provides live TV streaming, cloud DVR for recording, and Hulu’s on-demand library including Hulu Originals.
You can watch on various devices like smartphones, tablets, streaming sticks (Roku and Amazon Fire TV), and gaming consoles. Some programs are available for offline viewing, depending on your plan.
There are two main plans: Hulu + Live TV and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV. The standard Hulu + Live TV plan includes 95+ live and on-demand channels, Hulu’s on-demand content, and access to Disney+ and ESPN+, starting at $83/month. This plan includes 50 hours of cloud DVR storage.
Hulu offers exclusive original content like The Handmaid’s Tale.
For ad-free on-demand viewing, you can upgrade to Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV for $96/month. This plan includes everything in the standard plan but removes commercials from most on-demand content. You can also download select titles for offline viewing.
Both plans can be customized with add-ons, including extra DVR storage, premium networks, and unlimited screens.
| Hulu + Live TV | Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV |
|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $83/mo. |
| Number of Channels | 95+ |
| Ads for On-Demand Content? | Yes |
| Access to On-Demand Content? | Yes |
Does Hulu + Live TV Have a Free Trial?
Yes, Hulu + Live TV offers a free trial for new and returning subscribers. You can get three days of free access to Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ to see if it’s the right fit. Other Hulu subscription options may offer longer free trials (one week or one month), but these do not typically include the Live TV element.
Exploring the Hulu + Live TV Channel List
The Hulu + Live TV channel list includes over 95 networks, featuring a mix of entertainment, news, sports, and local channels. The specific local channels available depend on your location.
The Hulu + Live TV Channel list offers a variety of options.
Here’s a sample of channels you can find on Hulu + Live TV:
- Local: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW, Telemundo, PBS
- News: CNN, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, CNBC, HLN, Bloomberg Television
- Entertainment: Bravo, Comedy Central, E!, FX, FXX, Freeform, TBS, TNT, USA, VH1, MTV, Paramount Network, TV Land, Syfy
- Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, Big Ten Network, Golf Channel, SEC Network
- Kids: Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Universal Kids
- Lifestyle: Food Network, HGTV, TLC, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, History Channel
Sports Channels on Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV includes a solid selection of sports channels, covering professional and college leagues. Subscribers get networks like CBS Sports, ESPN, ESPNEWS, FS1, and NFL Network.
Regional sports network availability depends on your location. When signing up, you designate a “home network” that determines your location and which regional channels you receive. Availability of channels like Altitude Sports or YES Network will depend on this setting. Some games may have blackout restrictions.
Hulu doesn’t carry every regional sports network, excluding networks like the FanDuel Sports Network channels, Marquee Sports Network, and NESN.
Local Channels on Hulu + Live TV
Local channel availability depends on your location. In certain markets, you can watch every local network (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC).
Premium Channels and Add-Ons
Hulu + Live TV allows you to upgrade your plan with premium channels like HBO (access to Max) and SHOWTIME (access to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME).
- Max: $9.99/month
- Cinemax: $9.99/month
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: $12.99/month
- STARZ: $10.99/month
Hulu also offers add-on channel packages:
- Entertainment Add-On: $7.99/month (American Heroes Channel, BET Her, Boomerang Channel, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Crime + Investigation, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, Hallmark Drama, Military History Channel, Nicktoons, MTV2, MTV Classic, Science, TeenNick)
- Sports Add-On: $9.99/month (FanDuel Racing, FanDuel TV, MAVTV, NFL RedZone, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, Strike Zone, Tennis Channel)
- Español Add-on: $4.99/month (CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes, History Channel en Español, Hogar de HGTV, NBC Universo, The Weather Channel en Español)
How Hulu + Live TV Channels Compare
Compared to other streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, and Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV offers a strong mix of entertainment, sports, and news channels.
Entertainment Channels
Hulu + Live TV provides a good selection of entertainment and lifestyle channels like Animal Planet, Bravo, Comedy Central, History Channel, and TLC. It also offers exclusive Hulu Originals. Adding premium networks like Max and STARZ is also an option.
Sports Channels
You get a solid mix of sports channels with Hulu + Live TV, enabling you to watch the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. ESPN+ is included, and you can purchase the Sports Add-on for more sports channels. DIRECTV STREAM offers more regional sports networks, making it a better choice for some sports fans.
Channels for Kids
Kid-friendly channels like Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and more are included. You’ll also get original content and free access to Disney+.
Overall Value for the Price
Hulu + Live TV’s price is comparable to YouTube TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV STREAM. The channel lineups are similar, but Hulu offers unique original content and includes Disney+ and ESPN+. It’s more expensive than Sling TV but offers significantly more content.
Does Hulu + Live TV’s Channel List Beat the Rest?
Hulu + Live TV stands out due to its deep selection of live channels, extensive streaming library, exclusive Hulu content, and complimentary access to Disney+ and ESPN+. Enter your zip code on the Hulu + Live TV website to see the full list of channels in your area and determine if it “has a guide” that meets your viewing needs through its interface and features. While a traditional channel guide in the style of cable TV may not be explicitly present, Hulu’s interface is designed to help users easily discover and access content.
