The world of television has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Gone are the days of being tied to a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription. Today, streaming services have become the norm, offering viewers a plethora of options to watch their favorite TV shows and movies. Roku, one of the pioneers in the streaming industry, has become a household name, with millions of users worldwide. But the question remains: can you get ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku?
The Rise of Streaming Services
The cord-cutting revolution has been gaining momentum over the past decade. As internet speeds improved and streaming technology advanced, more and more people began to ditch their traditional TV subscriptions in favor of streaming services. Today, there are numerous streaming options available, catering to different tastes and preferences. From Netflix and Hulu to Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, the choices are endless.
Roku, in particular, has been at the forefront of this revolution. With its user-friendly interface and vast array of channels, Roku has become a go-to option for those looking to stream their favorite TV shows and movies. But what about the big three networks – ABC, NBC, and CBS? Can you get these channels on Roku, and if so, how?
ABC on Roku
The answer is a resounding yes! ABC is available on Roku, but there’s a catch. You can’t get ABC as a standalone channel on Roku. Instead, you’ll need to subscribe to a streaming service that offers ABC as part of its package. Here are a few options:
- Hulu with Live TV: This service offers a range of channels, including ABC, for $54.99 per month.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV also offers ABC, along with other channels, for $50 per month.
- AT&T TV Now: This service offers ABC, as well as other channels, for $50 per month.
Once you’ve subscribed to one of these services, you can watch ABC on Roku by adding the channel to your Roku device.
ABC App on Roku
In addition to subscribing to a streaming service, you can also download the ABC app on Roku. The ABC app allows you to watch a limited selection of ABC shows for free, with minimal commercials. However, to access the full range of ABC content, including live TV, you’ll need to log in with your cable provider or subscribe to a streaming service that offers ABC.
NBC on Roku
NBC is also available on Roku, but like ABC, you’ll need to subscribe to a streaming service that offers NBC as part of its package. Here are a few options:
- Sling TV: Sling TV offers NBC in select markets, starting at $25 per month.
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV also offers NBC, along with other channels, for $54.99 per month.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV offers NBC, along with other channels, for $50 per month.
Once you’ve subscribed to one of these services, you can watch NBC on Roku by adding the channel to your Roku device.
NBC App on Roku
Like ABC, NBC also has its own app on Roku, which allows you to watch a limited selection of NBC shows for free, with minimal commercials. However, to access the full range of NBC content, including live TV, you’ll need to log in with your cable provider or subscribe to a streaming service that offers NBC.
CBS on Roku
CBS is available on Roku, and there are several ways to access it. One option is to subscribe to CBS All Access, a streaming service that offers a range of CBS content, including live TV, for $5.99 per month.
In addition to CBS All Access, you can also get CBS on Roku through other streaming services, such as:
- FuboTV: FuboTV offers CBS, along with other channels, starting at $59.99 per month.
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV also offers CBS, along with other channels, for $54.99 per month.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV offers CBS, along with other channels, for $50 per month.
CBS App on Roku
The CBS app is also available on Roku, allowing you to watch a range of CBS shows for free, with minimal commercials. However, to access the full range of CBS content, including live TV, you’ll need to log in with your cable provider or subscribe to a streaming service that offers CBS.
Other Ways to Watch ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku
In addition to the options mentioned above, there are a few other ways to watch ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku:
Antenna
One option is to use an over-the-air antenna to receive local channels, including ABC, NBC, and CBS, for free. This option requires a one-time purchase of an antenna, and you’ll need to connect it to your Roku device.
Streaming Services with TV Antenna Integration
Some streaming services, such as Sling TV and YouTube TV, offer TV antenna integration. This means that you can use an antenna to receive local channels, and then integrate them with your streaming service.
Conclusion
While you can’t get ABC, NBC, and CBS as standalone channels on Roku, there are several ways to access these networks on your Roku device. By subscribing to a streaming service that offers these channels, or by using an over-the-air antenna, you can watch your favorite TV shows and movies without the need for a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription. So, go ahead and cut the cord – Roku has got you covered!
Can I get ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku for free?
You can get ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku, but it depends on your location and the streaming services you subscribe to. If you live in an area where these channels are available over-the-air, you can use an antenna to pick up their signals and stream them to your Roku using an antenna-connected tuner. However, if you don’t have access to these channels through an antenna, you’ll need to subscribe to a streaming service that carries them.
Some streaming services, like Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and AT&T TV Now, offer ABC, NBC, and CBS as part of their channel lineups. These services typically require a subscription, which can range in price from $40 to $70 per month, depending on the service and package you choose. You can sign up for a trial or subscription to one of these services and stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on your Roku.
Do I need a VPN to stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku?
In most cases, you won’t need a VPN to stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku. These channels are typically available through streaming services that don’t restrict access based on your location. However, if you’re traveling outside of the United States or trying to access content that’s only available in specific regions, a VPN might be necessary.
A VPN can help you access content that’s blocked in your region or mask your IP address to make it appear as though you’re accessing the content from a different location. But if you’re only trying to stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku within the United States, you shouldn’t need a VPN.
Can I stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku using an antenna?
Yes, you can stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku using an antenna. If you live in an area where these channels are available over-the-air, you can use an antenna to pick up their signals and stream them to your Roku using an antenna-connected tuner.
To stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku using an antenna, you’ll need to connect the antenna to a tuner device, such as a Tablo or Channel Master, which converts the over-the-air signals into a digital format that can be streamed to your Roku. You’ll also need to install the tuner’s app on your Roku and follow the setup instructions to start streaming.
Do I need a cable subscription to stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku?
No, you don’t need a cable subscription to stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku. These channels are available through various streaming services that offer live TV, such as Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and AT&T TV Now.
These streaming services don’t require a traditional cable subscription, and you can sign up for them directly through their websites or apps. You can then use the Roku app for the streaming service to stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on your Roku.
Can I stream ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku in 4K?
Some streaming services that carry ABC, NBC, and CBS do offer 4K streaming, but it depends on the specific service and the type of content being streamed. For example, NBC and CBS both offer some 4K content, including sports and select TV shows, but it’s not available for all of their programming.
If you want to stream ABC, NBC, and CBS in 4K on Roku, you’ll need to check the streaming service’s app to see if 4K streaming is available. You’ll also need a 4K-compatible Roku device and a 4K TV to view the content in 4K resolution.
Are ABC, NBC, and CBS available on all Roku devices?
ABC, NBC, and CBS are available on most Roku devices, including the Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, Roku Ultra, and Roku TVs. However, some older Roku devices might not support the apps for these channels or might have limited functionality.
If you have an older Roku device, you can check the Roku Channel Store to see if the apps for ABC, NBC, and CBS are available. If they’re not available, you might need to upgrade to a newer Roku device to access these channels.
Can I record ABC, NBC, and CBS on Roku with a DVR?
If you have a streaming service that carries ABC, NBC, and CBS, you might be able to record shows from these channels using a digital video recorder (DVR). However, the ability to record these channels depends on the specific streaming service and its DVR capabilities.
Some streaming services, like YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV, offer cloud-based DVR storage, which allows you to record shows and save them in the cloud for later viewing. Other services, like AT&T TV Now, offer a more traditional DVR experience with recording limits and storage constraints. You’ll need to check the streaming service’s DVR policies to see if they allow recording of ABC, NBC, and CBS.