The Hulu channels list is one of the best available. While it costs $76.99, it combines live programming from popular networks like ESPN and HGTV with a vast library of on-demand content.
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What Channels are on Hulu?
There is a lot of variety available on Hulu. The live TV streaming service has roughly 90 popular networks, from sports to lifestyle offerings.
Here are the channels you can expect to receive with a subscription.
Sports fans will love the fact that all of the ESPN channels as well as Fox Sports are included. That makes Hulu Live one of the best ways to watch sports without cable.
Are Local Channels Included?
Yes, local networks are included in a monthly subscription. Unlike other cable alternatives, Hulu Live comes with them.
This includes all live local, regional, and national channels available in your area.
A subscription avoids the need for an antenna (like the Mohu Leaf that we use) to get local channels.
What About Add-on Channels?
If you want premium channels or additional channels beyond the 75+ channels included, you can add them on for an extra cost.
Premium channel add-ons include the following packages:
- Max – $14.99 per month
- Cinemax – $9.99 per month
- SHOWTIME – $10.99 per month
- STARZ – $8.99 per month
Read our Max review to learn more about that platform.
In addition to premium channels, you can supplement your Hulu channels list experience with three different packages for an extra cost:
- Entertainment Package – $7.99 per month, which includes: American Heroes, BET Her, Boomerang, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Crime + Investigation, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, Great American Country Family, Magnolia, Military History Channel, NickToons, MTV 2, MTV Classic, Science, Hallmark Drama, and TeenNick.
- Sports Package – $9.99 per month, which includes: NFL Red Zone, TVG, TVG2, MAVTV, Outdoor Channel, and Sportsman Channel.
- Español Package – $4.99 per month, which includes: CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, History Channel en Español and Universo.
What About the Disney+ Bundle?
If you’re a Disney fan, you can now watch Disney+ and also ESPN+ for no additional charge.
Read our Disney+ review to learn how the service works.
Read our ESPN+ review to learn how that service works.
What Shows are on Hulu?
Part of the reason Hulu Live is able to offer so many popular channels is because the major TV networks started the streaming giant.
This makes it easy for Hulu Live to offer live and on-demand access to a number of the most popular shows.
Some of the most binge worthy shows include:
- Atlanta, This is Us, The Handmaid’s Tale, Harlots, Castle Rock
- American Horror Story, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Community
- Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Arrested Development
- Seinfeld, Black-ish, Superstore, Vikings, Preacher, Schitt’s Creek
- Star Trek (the original series and the Next Generation)
If you don’t see your favorite show listed, chances are good that it is included in the Hulu TV shows list.
How Much is Hulu Live TV?
A subscription to Hulu + Live TV is $76.99 per month. You can try Hulu Live to see if you like the service without having to sign a contract.
The live TV service does not offer a free trial to test the service.
Learn more about the different plans offered, which devices you can stream the service on, and all the details about the app in our Hulu with Live TV review.
How Do Hulu Live TV Channels Compare to Competitors?
You want to look at the full channel lineup before you decide on a live streaming service. Here is what to compare when looking at multiple services.
Sports Channels
Hulu is a fantastic choice for sports fans. You receive the full suite of ESPN networks, plus Fox Sports 1 and 2. The base plan also includes the CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and BTN.
*Related: Are you a fan of the Winter Olympics, but don’t want to be in a contract? Read our guide on ways to watch the Winter Olympics without cable to learn your best options.
You will notice it’s missing the MLB and NBA. YouTube TV offers both, making it a better choice.
Entertainment Channels
Hulu Live offers a lot of popular entertainment networks. They offer channels like A&E, the Discovery Channel, and HGTV, plus dozens of other choices.
Unfortunately, it does not offer AMC. Philo is a top alternative that carries all of them, for only $25 a month.
Additionally, the recent addition of Viacom networks left out BET Her, MTV 2, MTV Classic, NickToons, and TeenNick.
You must purchase the Entertainment add-on to watch those channels.
News Networks
Hulu shines with its news options. You can get CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC on the platform. They also offer channels like CNBC and Fox Business.
This compares well against fuboTV or YouTube TV.
Read our comparison of Hulu Live vs. fubo to see which is best for you.
Kids Networks
Hulu offers a solid number of kids channels. With networks like the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Nick Jr., there is plenty of entertainment available for your family.
Unfortunately, several of the popular Viacom channels aren’t available in the base package. If you want those, fuboTV is a better choice.
Read our guide on YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live to see how the two cable replacements compare.
How it Stacks Up
The Hulu Live channel package is a worthy competitor against other live video streaming services.
Here’s how the platform compares against the others on other specifications.
| Service | Cost | Channels | Streams | DVR | Rating | Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu Live | $76.99+ | 85+ | 2 | Unlimited | 4.1/5 | Try |
| fuboTV | $79.99+ | 180+ | 10 | 1,000 hrs. | 4.2/5 | Try |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $79.99+ | 65+ | 20 | Unlimited | 3.7/5 | Try |
| Philo | $25 | 70+ | 3 | Unlimited | 4.3/5 | Try |
| Sling TV | $40+ | 30-50+ | 1-4 | 50 hrs. | 4.2/5 | Try |
| Vidgo | $69.99+ | 110+ | 3 | N/A | 4/5 | Try |
| YouTube TV | $72.99+ | 100+ | 3 | Unlimited | 4.2/5 | Try |
Other Questions Viewers Ask
Choosing a live TV streaming service that fits your needs is important. Here are some common questions cord-cutters ask when considering Hulu + Live TV.
Does Hulu Live have a DVR?
Along with “what channels do you get with Hulu?” whether or not it comes with a DVR is one of the most asked questions we receive about the streaming provider.
It has one of the largest streaming libraries on the market. It makes sense that you’d want a DVR to help you watch it all.
The base package includes:
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- The ability to watch content on two screens at a time
- Ability to watch live TV on your favorite device (iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Samsung Smart TVs, LG smart TVs, Nintendo Switch)
Other benefits include:
- Fast-forward through commercials
- No limit on simultaneous recordings
- Ability to stream your recordings anywhere, on supported devices
If you record a lot of content, you may find this add-on worth the cost.
How many TVs can you stream at once?
Another add-on your household may appreciate is the unlimited screens feature.
With so many Hulu Live TV channels to enjoy, your family may want to watch three or more different shows at once, all on various devices.
If that’s the case, you may want to upgrade beyond the two screens at once option, which is included in the base subscription.
Adding unlimited screens will cost you $9.99 per month. That may be too expensive for you, but if your family is constantly fighting over the remote, you may find it worth the cost.
If you want the enhanced DVR and unlimited screens, add both for $14.98 per month. Sling Blue is a cheaper option that allows for three streams. Read our Sling TV vs. Hulu Live guide to learn more about how they compare.
What are the available plans?
There are four plans:
Hulu ($7.99 per month): This plan contains ads, with no live TV. This is the cheapest option. You must wait 24 hours after air date to watch any network shows.
Hulu (no ads) ($14.99 month): This plan is an upgrade in that you benefit from no ads on most shows. You must still wait 24 hours to watch network shows.
Read our Hulu Live vs. Hulu on-demand review to learn how the two options compare.
Hulu + Live TV ($76.99 per month): This plan operates like cable, offering you everything offered in the Hulu channel lineup above. There is no delay on content as it includes live TV.
This is the best of the packages if you want a total replacement to cable.
Hulu + Live TV (no ads) ($89.99 per month): This plan includes all 85+ channels of live TV and the entire on-demand library. There are virtually no ads in on-demand content.
Every plan includes access to all Hulu original content. You can switch between plans at any time with no fees.
Can I watch on two devices at the same time?
Yes and no. When you create an account you set your home location. That is the only location you can watch on a TV.
You can watch on mobile devices in different locations, but you’re unable to watch on a TV in two separate locations.
With a Live subscription you can watch on two devices at once, but that does not apply to on-demand content.
Summary
Having tried the service ourselves many times, we can say from firsthand experience that it’s the most expansive and offers the closest experience to cable on the market.
*Related: Want to cut the cord but don’t know which platform to pick? Read our Hulu or Netflix guide to see which platform is best.*
One of the best features is the amount of on-demand content you get with a subscription. Not only can you watch first run episodes of your favorite shows when they air, you can catch up on all the past episodes easily.
What channel(s) have you had a hard time finding access to on streaming services?
I’m Nicole Schmoll – a master’s-educated professional writer, mompreneur, and co-founder of Frugal Rules.
As a freelance copywriter in Omaha, I still believe that writing is an artistic expression. Every time I strike the keys, I intend to evoke a response from my listeners. I left my full-time career as a senior copywriter for an insurance agency to start my own freelance writing business.
I love watching and writing about TV (and how to stream it!)
