Catch all your favorite ABC shows, live sports, and news without cable using these simple tips for accessing ABC on your Roku device.
As a Roku user and cord-cutter myself, I know how important it is to find reliable and cost-effective ways to stream your favorite TV channels. After ditching cable years ago, I’ve tried all the major (and minor) live streaming services to determine the best methods for watching ABC live on Roku.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share the best options I’ve discovered through extensive testing – whether you want to watch ABC live, catch up on episodes of Abbott Elementary, or binge seasons of The Bachelor. I’ve got you covered.
Overview of Watching ABC on Roku
Before jumping into the step-by-step instructions, let’s do a quick overview of the main methods for streaming ABC on your Roku:
- Use the ABC App – Stream live TV and full episodes with participating TV provider login
- Subscribe to Live TV Streaming Service – Hulu Live, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream (suggestions below)
- Watch Free ABC News Live – Available on The Roku Channel
- Access ABC Shows on Demand – Through services like Disney+
The sections below provide more details on these options, along with my top picks for streaming ABC based on value, channel lineup, free trials available, and overall user experience.
Method #1: ABC App
The ABC app offers both live streaming access and a large on-demand library of ABC shows – from dramas, comedies, reality series, and news programs.
However, full access does require you to log in with a participating TV provider that carries ABC. This means it’s best suited for those who still have a qualifying cable package or live TV streaming subscription.
ABC App Features:
- Stream Live TV (with TV provider login)
- Full Episodes On Demand
- Access Content from Freeform, FX, National Geographic
- Available on All Roku Devices
So while the ABC app alone likely won’t meet the needs of true cord cutters, it’s still a great way to access additional content if you already subscribe to a live TV service with ABC in the channel lineup.
Learn more about the ABC app on Roku
Method #2: Live TV Streaming Services
For those who have cut the cord completely, the best way to reliably stream both live and on-demand ABC programming is through a live TV streaming provider.
With streaming packages that mirror cable’s offerings – including ABC along with ESPN, popular cable channels, regional sports networks and more – you get the most robust access without a contract.
After testing over a dozen streaming providers myself, below I’ll highlight my top 4 recommendations for watching ABC on Roku based on included features, overall value, free trial availability, and ease-of-use:
1. Hulu + Live TV
As a top pick for cord cutters, Hulu + Live TV makes it easy to watch ABC live and on-demand for $69.99 a month. With over 85 channels plus access to Hulu’s full streaming library and Disney+ included, it provides major value.
Standout Features:
- 85+ Live Channels with ABC, ESPN, Disney, and more
- Entire Hulu On-Demand Library Included
- Cloud DVR with Unlimited Storage
- 2 Streams at Once (Upgrades Available)
- Access to Disney+ Included
- 7-Day Free Trial Available
Hulu + Live TV also offers useful capabilities like creating up to 6 personalized user profiles and setting up to 200 hours of recordings that are stored for 9 months in the cloud DVR.
With award-winning original programming and hit shows on ABC, FX and more on demand as well, Hulu + Live TV is my personal favorite for accessing ABC and completely replacing cable.
Sign up for Hulu + Live TV Here
2. YouTube TV
YouTube TV has quickly become a fan-favorite for cord-cutters wanting a straight-forward replacement for cable. And with ABC included in the $62.99 monthly package, it’s easy to see why.
Why Choose YouTube TV for ABC?
- 100+ Channels w/ Local ABC, ESPN, AMC, TNT
- Unlimited Cloud DVR at No Extra Charge
- 3 Streams at Once
- Accessible Interface Across Devices
- Plenty of Sports (NBA TV, MLB Network, Golf Channel)
- 5-Day Free Preview Available
I’m also a big fan of YouTube TV’s unlimited DVR with no storage space restrictions or expiration on recordings – crucial for not missing ABC shows or live events. Plus simple features like personalized profiles for up to 6 household members make YouTube TV a joy to use.
Try YouTube TV with the 5-Day Free Preview
3. DIRECTV STREAM
Formerly known as AT&T TV, DIRECTV STREAM makes it easy to watch live ABC along with 20+ top channels like ESPN, TNT, and USA Network for $69.99 a month.
With premium features like:
- The Most Regional Sports Networks
- 20 Hour Cloud DVR Storage
- 20,000 On-Demand Titles
- Watch 3 Streams Simultaneously
- Access HBO Max Free for 3 Months
DIRECTV STREAM is great for sports fans, news junkies, and entertainment lovers alike seeking to stream ABC live or record shows to watch on your schedule.
While the DVR offering is more limited than competitors, you can always upgrade to unlimited storage for $10 more a month. DIRECTV STREAM remains a solid choice especially those who want extra regional sports coverage.
See Packages and Offerings for DIRECTV STREAM
4. fuboTV
Tailored to sports lovers seeking ABC plus tons of sports content, fuboTV offers a strong channel lineup at a very fair $69.99 monthly rate.
fuboTV Highlights for Streaming ABC:
- ABC + ESPN Channels
- 165+ Channels Included
- Cloud DVR with 1000 Hour Capacity
- Watch on Unlimited Devices
- RSNs for Local NBA, MLB, NHL Teams
- 7-Day Free Trial to Test Service
From streaming Monday Night Football on ABC to never missing an LA Lakers or Atlanta Braves game aired on regional networks, fuboTV is built to deliver live sports programming – with ABC as a key component. Fans can also watch NFL games on Roku through fuboTV’s offerings.
And with tons of news and entertainment options from A&E, Fox, and more, you won’t run out of things to watch when games aren’t on. The Cloud DVR functionality quickly saves shows and entire teams as favorites too for quickly picking back up games and recordings.
Overall, fuboTV brings excellent bang-for-your buck at just $69.99 month with a ton of content from ABC live and beyond.
See Special Deals from fuboTV Here
Method #3: Watch Free ABC News Live
For access to ABC’s top-rated news programming 24/7, The Roku Channel offers a completely free ABC News Live stream.
As more consumers cut the cord, ABC News Live serves as the network’s portal for accessing urgent breaking news coverage, live events, and special reports from ABC journalists across the country and reporters embedded with global affairs.
So if you want up-to-the-minute information and analysis of developing stories, politics, health updates and more from trusted ABC anchors and correspondents, add ABC News Live to your Roku favorites.
Plus, The Roku Channel’s free live streams also include NBC News Now, AccuWeather, Newsy, People TV and more to stay on top of what’s happening locally and around the world.
How to Start Watching Free ABC News Live on Roku:
- Download or Open The Roku Channel App
- Select Live TV Menu
- Scroll Down to ABC News Live Tile
- Select Channel to Immediately Tune to Free Live Stream Feed
I rely on ABC News Live multiple times per week in conjunction with other news sources to monitor breaking stories as they develop. It’s an invaluable free addition for cord cutters through the Roku Channel.
Method #4: On-Demand Full Episodes
While live ABC access or recent episodes require a qualifying streaming TV provider subscription, major services like Disney+ and Hulu offer full season catalogs of many popular ABC shows.
So if you’re a super fan wanting to re-watch and relive every dramatic plot twist of Grey’s Anatomy from the beginning or binge The Bachelor franchise spin-offs to get ready for the next season, streaming libraries are the answer.
Disney+ and Hulu let you watch full episode catalogs, though availability for newer series does vary. And if you’re looking for other major networks’ programming, check out our guides on how to watch CBS and MSNBC on Roku as well.
Check out some highlighted ABC shows available:
Disney+:
- Grey’s Anatomy (Seasons 1-18)
- The Bachelorette (Select Seasons)
- General Hospital (Select Episodes/Seasons)
- Black-ish (Seasons 1-8)
- Fresh Off The Boat (All Seasons)
Hulu:
- Abbott Elementary (Current Season)
- Station 19 (Current Season)
- The Good Doctor (Current Season)
- The Bachelorette (Day After New Episodes)
- Modern Family (All Seasons)
So explore your on-demand options as a supplement to live ABC streaming access. Having the ability to watch both older and latest episodes on your own schedule is crucial for diehard fans.
5 Recommendations for Watching ABC on Roku
To wrap up this guide, I want to recap my top 5 tips for accessing ABC programming on your Roku:
- Test free trials of Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV to find your preferred service with ABC, sports, news and more. fuboTV also has a free trial.
- Install The Roku Channel for free live ABC News 24/7 to stay updated on breaking stories
- Get Channels like Disney+ and Hulu to watch full ABC show episode catalogs on-demand
- Consider antennas like the HDClearStream for accessing ABC over-the-air in full HD quality for one low price
- Use Roku universal search to check for additional on-demand ABC offerings across both free and paid channel options
I hope these instructions and suggestions for watching live, recording, and streaming full ABC episodes assist with getting your fix of news, sitcoms, drama series and more without the high costs of cable.
As a bonus, check out our guides for watching CBS, MeTV, and Newsmax on Roku to access even more live and on-demand content from major networks and popular channels.
As a Roku streamer myself who has tested all the latest devices, feel free to explore Roku TV models or premium 4K+ players to make sure you have the best hardware for streaming ABC and other channels using the options above. And remember, ABC isn’t limited to just Roku – you can also watch ABC on Apple TV and other popular streaming devices.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about accessing ABC content with your Roku setup!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to watch ABC on my Roku TV?
You need internet access and a Roku device. A streaming service subscription or TV antenna is required for live ABC access. The ABC app and channels like Hulu provide on-demand shows.
Does Roku offer live ABC streaming?
Roku devices support apps like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and more that carry live local ABC stations. An internet connection and streaming subscription are required.
Is there a free way to get ABC on Roku?
The Roku Channel offers a free live stream of ABC News 24/7. Select shows have free episodes on the ABC app. An antenna also provides free live ABC.
Can I watch ABC live sports on Roku?
Yes, streaming services like Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM allow you to watch ESPN on ABC live sports. For regional games, check out our guide on how to watch YES Network on Roku. A subscription is needed.
What’s the best way to stream ABC on Roku?
The best way is using a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV. Compare the channel lineups and free trials to pick your preferred option. The ABC app and antenna work too.
I hope these instructions and suggestions for watching live, recording, and streaming full ABC episodes assist with getting your fix of news, sitcoms, drama series and more without the high costs of cable.
As a Roku streamer myself who has tested all the latest devices, feel free to explore Roku TV models or premium 4K+ players to make sure you have the best hardware for streaming ABC and other channels using the options above.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about accessing ABC content with your Roku setup!
