Hulu + Live TV stands out in the crowded streaming landscape, offering a comprehensive package that combines Hulu’s extensive on-demand library, Disney+, and over 95 live TV channels. This article explores Hulu + Live TV in detail, including package options, channel listings, and comparisons with competitors, focusing on how to access and navigate the Hulu TV guide.
A screenshot showcasing the Hulu + Live TV interface and its channel selection.
Understanding Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV provides a convenient alternative to traditional cable, free from long-term contracts. Subscribers gain access to live TV streaming, cloud DVR for recording shows, and Hulu’s vast on-demand content, including Hulu Originals. This service can be enjoyed across various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV Sticks, and gaming consoles. Select programs are also available for offline viewing, depending on your chosen plan.
Two primary plans are available: Hulu + Live TV and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV. The base Hulu + Live TV plan includes 95+ live and on-demand channels, Hulu’s on-demand catalog, and bundled access to Disney+ and ESPN+, starting at $83 per month. This plan offers 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. For an ad-free experience, Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV costs $96 per month, removing commercials from most on-demand content and enabling offline downloads for select titles. Users can further customize their plans with add-ons like extra DVR storage, premium networks, and unlimited screens.
| Feature | Hulu + Live TV | Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV |
|—|—|
| Monthly Price | $83/month | $96/month |
| Number of Channels | 95+ | 95+ |
| Ads for On-Demand Content | Yes | No |
| Access to On-Demand Content | Yes | Yes |
Finding the Hulu TV Guide
Accessing the Hulu TV guide is straightforward. Once subscribed to Hulu + Live TV, the guide is easily accessible through the Hulu app on your chosen device.
Steps to access the Hulu TV Guide:
- Open the Hulu App: Launch the Hulu application on your streaming device, smart TV, phone, or tablet.
- Navigate to Live TV: Look for the “Live TV” tab or section within the app’s interface.
- Access the Guide: Within the Live TV section, there should be a clear “Guide” option. Clicking on this will display the full Hulu TV guide, showing the current and upcoming programming for all available channels.
The Hulu TV guide allows you to scroll through channels, see what’s currently playing, and view the schedule for future programs. This feature is essential for planning your viewing and discovering new content.
Free Trials and Discounts
Hulu often offers free trials for Hulu + Live TV, allowing new (and sometimes returning) subscribers to test the service. These trials typically last for three days and include access to Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+. Other subscription options may offer longer free trials, but these might not include the Live TV element.
Elisabeth Moss starring in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a Hulu Original series.
Hulu + Live TV Channel Lineup
Hulu + Live TV offers access to more than 95 networks, including local channels. The availability of local channels may vary depending on your location.
Popular Channels Included:
- ABC
- CBS
- FOX
- NBC
- ESPN
- CNN
- FX
- MSNBC
- USA
- Cartoon Network
- Disney Channel
- Food Network
- HGTV
- History Channel
This list is not exhaustive, and the specific channels available in your area can be confirmed on the Hulu website by entering your zip code.
Sports Channels
For sports enthusiasts, Hulu + Live TV includes channels like CBS Sports, ESPN, ESPNEWS, FS1, and NFL Network. Access to regional sports networks (RSNs) like Altitude Sports or YES Network depends on your designated “home network” during sign-up. Note that Hulu doesn’t carry all RSNs; notable exclusions include FanDuel Sports Network channels, Marquee Sports Network, and NESN.
Premium Channels and Add-Ons
Hulu + Live TV allows subscribers to enhance their plan with premium channels like HBO (Max), SHOWTIME (Paramount+ with SHOWTIME), Cinemax, and STARZ. Hulu also offers add-on packages, including:
- Entertainment Add-On: Includes channels like American Heroes Channel, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, and more.
- Sports Add-On: Features channels like 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 other streaming platforms can help determine the best fit for your needs. Key competitors include YouTube TV, Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, and Sling TV.
- Entertainment: Hulu offers a strong selection of entertainment and lifestyle channels, plus Hulu Originals like Only Murders in the Building and Nine Perfect Strangers.
- Sports: Hulu provides a good mix of sports channels, though DIRECTV STREAM offers more regional sports networks.
- Kids: Hulu includes kid-friendly channels like Cartoon Network and Disney Channel, plus original content and access to Disney+.
- Price: Hulu + Live TV is competitively priced with YouTube TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV STREAM but more expensive than Sling TV and Philo.
A visual representation of the Hulu interface on a television screen.
Conclusion
Hulu + Live TV offers a comprehensive streaming solution with a wide range of live channels, on-demand content, and access to Disney+ and ESPN+. Its easy-to-navigate TV guide simplifies finding and watching your favorite shows. To see the full list of channels available in your area, visit the Hulu + Live TV website and enter your zip code. Its competitive pricing and diverse content make it a top choice for cord-cutters.
