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I don’t need to fear losing access to Freeform’s uplifting and inspiring content just because I’ve decided to ditch cable.
Seeing “not available in your area” or a blackout? Connect to another US location to unlock regional sports, news, and shows you already pay for. A streaming subscription is still required.
VPNs are also handy when you travel abroad and want to watch your usual US streaming content. New to VPNs? Learn how they work….
In a hurry? Pretty much all of the major live TV streaming services offer Freeform. These are our top picks:
All three services carry Freeform. Pick based on your budget:
Best Overall
185+ channels including Freeform, all major sports networks, and local channels. 7-day free trial – watch tonight, cancel anytime. Best if you want one service that “just works”, without piecing together bundles.
From $79.99/mo after free trial
Lowest Price
Carries Freeform from $45.99/mo – roughly half the price of Fubo. Add channel packs if you want more. The lowest-cost route for Freeform, if you are happy with a smaller bundle.
Most Channels
90+ channels including Freeform – the closest thing to full cable without a contract. 5-day free trial, then from $59.99/mo.
Away from home? If your content is blocked, a VPN helps you keep streaming. Our top pick is ExpressVPN.
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.
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.
Freeform offers a selection of family dramas and wholesome comedies.
Since Disney is the parent company of Freeform, you can catch a number of Disney movies on the network as well.
Freeform also features themed series.
Freeform is a popular network that is included in the base plans for most live TV streaming services.
FuboTV starts at $79.99/month, which includes Freeform and over 130 other channels. Fans will appreciate its 35+ channels devoted to sports.
All FuboTV plans come with at least unlimited cloud DVR and streaming on up to 10 devices at the same time. (FuboTV review)
Freeform is available on Sling TV’s Orange Plan at a price of $45.99/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.
Sling Orange comes with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage but it limits you to streaming on just one device. (Sling TV review)
The lowest-priced DIRECTV (formerly AT&T TV) plan includes Freeform and roughly 80 others at a cost of $59.99/month. Also, you get unlimited cloud DVR storage as long as you sign-up online and streaming on unlimited devices at once. (DIRECTV review)
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+.
Start Hulu + Live TV Free Trial ↗︎
The base plan includes unlimited cloud DVR (9 months storage) and streaming on up to two devices at once. (Hulu + Live TV review)
All the streaming services above support the most popular devices:
All the services except for DIRECTV 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.
If you’re looking for a live TV streaming service with a good mix of channels and a solid selection of on-demand content, Hulu + Live TV is a great option. You get access to over 95 live channels, including popular networks like ESPN, ABC, Fox, and NBC. The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and you can record shows to watch later with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. Hulu + Live TV also comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+, giving you even more content to enjoy. While it’s a bit more expensive than some other streaming services, the extra channels and features make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re a fan of sports or Disney content.
This page was revised 8 times between April 2022 and April 2023.
Updated some sub-sections. Updated some section headings. Various changes.
Added buttons for streaming services. Added links to streaming services. Updated some sub-sections. Image changes. Additional links.
Added VPN info. Added buttons for streaming services. Image changes. Changed a few bits of content.
Added buttons for streaming services. Pricing updates. Reworded some things.
Updated some sub-sections. Image changes. Pricing updates.
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Added sub-section. Image changes. Added links. Pricing updates.
Added links to streaming services. Mentioned channel info. Put related links. Various changes. Small layout changes.