In today’s crowded streaming landscape, Hulu + Live TV stands out. It combines Hulu’s vast on-demand library with Disney+ access and over 95 live TV channels. This offers significant value for its monthly fee.
This guide covers the essentials of Hulu + Live TV. We’ll explore package options, channel lists, and comparisons to competitors. We will also answer key questions, focusing on whether Hulu + Live TV offers a traditional TV guide.
Learn More About Hulu + Live TV
Understanding Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV provides a modern alternative to cable without long-term contracts. A subscription grants access to live TV, cloud DVR for recordings, and Hulu’s extensive on-demand content, including Hulu Originals.
You can enjoy Hulu + Live TV on various devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops, streaming sticks like Roku and Amazon Fire TV Sticks, and gaming consoles. Select programs are downloadable for offline viewing, based on your plan.
Two main plans are available: Hulu + Live TV and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV. The standard Hulu + Live TV plan features 95+ live and on-demand channels, Hulu’s on-demand catalog, and bundled access to Disney+ and ESPN+, starting at $83/month. It includes 50 hours of cloud DVR storage.
The Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV plan costs $96/month. It provides the same benefits as the standard plan but removes commercials from most on-demand content. Select titles can also be downloaded for offline viewing.
Both plans offer customization with add-ons like 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 |
Free Trial and Discounts
Hulu + Live TV offers a free trial for new and returning subscribers. This trial period, typically three days, allows users to evaluate the service, including access to Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+. Other Hulu subscription options may offer longer free trials, but these usually exclude the Live TV component.
Hulu + Live TV Channel List
A key feature is the extensive Hulu + Live TV channel list. It includes local networks (availability varies by region). Here’s a sample of included channels:
- ABC
- CBS
- FOX
- NBC
- ESPN
- CNN
- MSNBC
- Food Network
- HGTV
- Disney Channel
- Cartoon Network
- And many more…
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Sports Channels
Hulu + Live TV includes numerous sports channels covering professional and college leagues. Subscribers gain access to CBS Sports, ESPN, ESPNEWS, FS1, and NFL Network. Regional sports network availability varies based on location.
When signing up, a “home network” designation determines your location and channel access. Viewing local channels may be possible outside your home network. Blackout restrictions may apply based on broadcast agreements and device.
Notably, Hulu lacks agreements with all regional sports networks. Exclusions include FanDuel Sports Network channels (formerly Bally Sports), Marquee Sports Network, and NESN.
Local Channels
Local channel availability on Hulu + Live TV depends on your location. In certain markets, you can access all major local networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC), subject to potential program blackouts.
Premium Channels
Hulu + Live TV offers premium channel upgrades like HBO (Max), SHOWTIME (Paramount+ with SHOWTIME), Cinemax and STARZ. Accessing these channels on Hulu also grants access to their standalone streaming services.
Add-On Channels and Packages
Hulu offers extra channels through premium add-ons and packages:
- Entertainment Add-On: Includes channels like American Heroes Channel, Cooking Channel, and MTV Classic.
- Sports Add-On: Features FanDuel Racing, NFL RedZone, and Tennis Channel.
- Español Add-on: Offers Spanish-language channels like CNN en Español and ESPN Deportes.
Hulu + Live TV vs. Competitors
Comparing Hulu + Live TV to competitors like YouTube TV, Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, and Sling TV helps determine the best fit.
Entertainment Channels
Hulu offers a strong selection of entertainment channels including Animal Planet, Bravo, and History Channel. It also provides access to Hulu Originals like Only Murders in the Building. Premium network add-ons are available.
Sports Channels
Hulu provides a good mix of sports channels for watching the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. ESPN+ access and the Sports Add-on are included. DIRECTV STREAM offers more regional sports networks.
Channels for Kids
Kid-friendly channels like Cartoon Network and Disney Channel are included, similar to most services except Sling TV, which has fewer options. Hulu also offers original content such as Trolls: TrollsTopia and free access to Disney+.
Overall Value
Hulu + Live TV’s price is comparable to YouTube TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV STREAM. While channel lineups are similar, Hulu offers unique original content. It is more expensive than Sling TV but provides more content.
Does Hulu + Live TV’s Channel List Beat the Rest?
Hulu + Live TV’s popularity stems from its diverse live channels, extensive streaming library, exclusive Hulu content, and included Disney+ and ESPN+ access.
Answering the Key Question: Does Hulu + Live TV Have a TV Guide?
While Hulu + Live TV doesn’t offer a traditional, grid-style TV guide like cable, it provides a comprehensive and interactive way to browse live content.
- Live Tab: Within the Hulu interface, the “Live” tab acts as a dynamic guide. It displays what’s currently airing on each channel in your lineup.
- Browse by Category: You can filter live content by category (e.g., sports, news, movies) to quickly find what you’re interested in.
- Upcoming Shows: The “Live” tab also shows upcoming shows on each channel, allowing you to plan your viewing in advance.
- Personalized Recommendations: Hulu’s algorithm learns your preferences and suggests live content you might enjoy.
- Search Functionality: You can search for specific channels, shows, or events to see when they’re airing live.
This modern approach to a TV guide offers greater flexibility and personalization than traditional guides.
Conclusion
Hulu + Live TV’s popularity is clear. It combines a wide variety of live channels with a vast streaming library and exclusive content. While it doesn’t have a traditional TV guide, the “Live” tab provides a modern, interactive way to discover and watch live content. Enter your zip code on the Hulu + Live TV website to see the full list of channels available in your area and determine if it’s the right streaming service for you.
