How to Watch Freeform Without Cable

I don’t need to fear losing access to Freeform’s uplifting and inspiring content just because I’ve decided to ditch cable.

In a hurry? Pretty much all of the major live TV streaming services offer Freeform. These are our top picks:

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You’ll have access to local platforms as if you were in the country, meaning you can watch BBC iPlayer as if you were in the UK, CBC Gem as if you were in Canada, plus hundreds more worldwide.

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Hotdog users get three months free at ExpressVPN, so it’s a “no-brainer” for us. Decide for yourself with their 30 day money-back guarantee.

IMPORTANT: Once you’ve installed your VPN and connected to a US server, you’ll still need to subscribe separately to access premium streaming services.

Freeform is a television network that delivers a variety of original programming. It gears its offerings towards the “becomers,” a generation that is in the formation of their lives. It encourages social engagement and moves the modern cultural picture a “little forward.”

To enjoy the shows and specials that are aired, you do not need a cable subscription. Thanks to the multitude of streaming options, you can choose one that works best for your needs.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Freeform Basics

Freeform has gone through a few names. Originally premiering in 1977, its first title was the CBN Satellite Service, a part of Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network. A few decades later, it became centered on family programming and was known as the Family Channel.

In 1998, Fox Kids purchased the network and renamed things to Fox Family. By 2001, a large acquisition occurred, and Disney became owner of the network. Therefore, the name was changed to ABC Family.

January 2016 saw its evolution to Freeform. The name was chosen to represent the model behind the network. Viewers are “free to push beyond the expected.” It is filled with programs that aim to please the demographics that span the ages of people going from “first kiss to first kid.” Sister channels like ABC, Disney, Fox, and Nat Geo offer similar vibes.

Programming

Freeform offers a selection of family dramas and wholesome comedies.

• The 700 Club: Even though the long-standing televangelist Pat Robertson has retired, his well-known Christian talk show is still going strong. This is one of the longest running programs in television history. Although it does not fit the traditional target audience, it is still a show that draws a large audience.
• The Bold Type: This series is a modern day millennial soap opera that follows three best friends who work for the same magazine. The plot revolves around their twists and turns as they work and find love in New York.
• Good Trouble: This is a drama that picks up a few years after the end of The Fosters.
• Cruel Summer: One of the newest teen dramas on the network, this thriller follows two teenagers through the 1990s. It showcases the mysterious results after one girl takes the place of the other girl who disappeared. The story is told from the viewpoints of the characters.
• Grown-ish: A top-rated Freeform original, it is a spinoff of the popular ABC series Blackish. Do you remember the struggles of college life? You can reminisce through the oldest daughter’s challenges with growing up and leaving the family nest.
• Motherland: Fort Salem: If you are a fan of the supernatural, you will love this fantasy drama. It centers around three witches who join the Army and use spells and incantations throughout combat training.

Since Disney is the parent company of Freeform, you can catch a number of Disney movies on the network as well.

Seasonal Series

Freeform also features themed series.

• 31 Nights of Halloween: For a frightfully good time, you can turn to Freeform during the entire month of October and satisfy your wicked cravings for everything scary.
• 25 Days of Christmas: Most people love the feelings that the holiday season brings. Freeform runs this series throughout the month of December. It counts down with various holiday movies and similar program that make you holly and jolly.
• 30 Days of Disney: In 2019, Disney kicked off 30 days of special Disney movies on Freeform. Films like Cars, Toy Story, and Descendants filled the lineup. Although this was a treat to many viewers, it is unclear whether or not the network will continue this annual special.

Stream Freeform

Freeform is a popular network that is included in the base plans for most live TV streaming services.

FuboTV

FuboTV starts at $79.99/month, which includes Freeform and over 130 other channels. Fans will appreciate its 35+ channels devoted to sports. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

All FuboTV plans come with at least unlimited cloud DVR and streaming on up to 10 devices at the same time. (FuboTV review)

Sling TV

Freeform is available on Sling TV’s Orange Plan at a price of $40.00/month. Enjoy approximately 30 other channels like ESPN, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. This is a great choice if you want to keep costs down. Save 50% on Sling TV now!

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

Sling Orange comes with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage but it limits you to streaming on just one device. (Sling TV review)

DIRECTV STREAM

The lowest-priced DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) plan includes Freeform and roughly 80 others at a cost of $79.99/month. Also, you get unlimited cloud DVR storage as long as you sign-up online and streaming on unlimited devices at once. (DIRECTV STREAM review)

Hulu + Live TV

For $82.99/month, Hulu + Live TV offers 85+ live TV channels, including Freeform and Disney. Local channels and similar family entertainment is available, which makes this an attractive offer — especially considering it also comes with Disney+ and ESPN+.

Get Hulu + Live TV for $59.99 Monthly

The base plan includes unlimited cloud DVR (9 months storage) and streaming on up to two devices at once. (Hulu + Live TV review)

Other Ways to Stream

• YouTube TV: For $72.99/month, you can take advantage of 100+ popular channels, including Freeform. You gain unlimited DVR storage as well.
• Hulu: The on-demand service is quite affordable at $7.99/month. You enjoy 10,000+ titles, which include many Freeform programs. Unfortunately, live streaming is unavailable. (Hulu review)
• Amazon Prime Video: One of the most popular ways to view episodes of your favorite Freeform shows. With membership, many titles are free with ads. Others are available for purchase of $1.99 per episode. (Amazon Prime Video review)
• Freeform App: Freeform can be streamed directly from the app. However, to take advantage of the content, a TV provider is necessary.

Devices to Live Stream Freeform

All the streaming services above support the most popular devices:

All the services except for DIRECTV STREAM support Android TV-powered device. They all support Samsung smart TVs. Fubo, Sling, and Hulu support Xbox gaming consoles. Hulu supports PlayStation and Nintendo Switch systems.

Our streaming reviews for all the details on supported devices.

Wrapping Up

Freeform has gone through many facelifts throughout the years, but it continues to deliver content that targets a younger audience. Original shows and its Disney affiliation make it a worthwhile channel to have at your fingertips.

Instead of tying yourself to an expensive cable subscription, services like Hulu + Live TV provide great alternatives.

Alternative Family and Kids Channels

Here are our options for watching related channels:

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Frank Moraes

I am a Senior Content Editor at Hotdog.com, specializing in sports streaming and regional programming issues. With a PhD in Atmospheric Physics from the Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and extensive experience in remote sensing technology, including early video streaming, I bring a unique technical perspective to the streaming industry.

My expertise in sports coverage, particularly for out-of-market games and regional sports networks, stems from years of hands-on experience as an early adopter of streaming services and my work addressing fans' viewing challenges. As a longtime cord-cutter and subscriber to multiple streaming platforms, I combine my technical knowledge with practical user experience, making me a leading expert in the field of sports streaming and entertainment technology.

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