TruTV: How to Watch Without Cable and Start Saving $$$ Today

I’ve watched truTV evolve significantly over the years, and I now consider it one of the best overall entertainment channels. What draws me in is its focus on comedy programming, along with an enjoyable mix of sports content. While it’s traditionally been part of basic cable packages, I can still watch its content without a cable subscription.

In a hurry? Any of the following services will provide you with access to TruTV and many other channels:

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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.

TruTV was launched in 2008, rising phoenix-like from the ashes of CourtTV. At the time, it was still very much a drama—and action-based reality network—so “real” that the channel’s staff needed to coin a new word for it: “actuality.”

Courtroom coverage was reduced to the “In Session” programming block from 9 am to 3 pm, then whittled away until it was removed altogether.

By 2014, the station’s content had completely shifted to comedic-themed reality shows, semi-scripted docuseries, sketch comedy, and reality competitions aimed at “fun seekers.” Some syndicated series and films were also added to the mix.

The joke is on your cable company, though, if they think you need their expensive contracts to catch the latest Backyard Bar Wars. Just check out the streaming services discussed below; you’ll be the last one laughing.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

March Madness on TruTV

March Madness 2024 was fire. TruTV showed First Four and first- and second-round coverage.

• Selection Sunday: March 17
• First Four: March 19, 20
• First/Second Rounds: March 21, 22, 23, 24
• Sweet 16/Elite 8: March 28, 29, 30, 31
• Final Four: April 6
• NCAA Championship: 9 p.m. Monday, April 8 (ET)

Here’s the full schedule:

How to Watch TruTV Live Without Cable

TruTV is currently marketed together with its closest sibling stations, TBS (more standard scripted comedy) and TNT (scripted drama), which were in turn part of the Turner Broadcasting family, which also included CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, Boomerang, and Turner Classic Movies. Turner Broadcasting is currently owned by WarnerMedia, making TruTV a step-sibling of HBO, Cinemax, and The CW.

Unfortunately, you can’t get TruTV with an antenna because it’s not an over-the-air network (think NBC, ABC, CBS). It’s considered a “pay” or “cable” channel because you can only watch it if your local cable or satellite provider—like Xfinity or Verizon—makes it available.

At least, that’s how it used to work.

These days, more and more people turn to OTT (over-the-top) services with alternate methods to deliver the same TV channels. No year-long commitments, no hidden fees, no waiting around all day for the cable guy to come just to plug in a few cords.

A streaming service that provides all the TV you love over the internet allows you to watch all your favorite shows live, just like you watch them on cable.

Streaming Services With TruTV

Another great advantage to streaming services is that you have choices. Usually, at least two or three (sometimes up to six or more) give you access to the channels you want.

Each service has its own pros and cons. You can choose one that works best for you. TruTV is carried by several of the biggest services: Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV).

Let’s talk details.

Sling TV

The great strength of Sling TV is its flexibility. You can get around 40 channels or over a hundred. It’s the most customizable service out there. It’s cheap too. Sling Blue gives you TruTV plus 40+ other channels for just $40.00/month.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

This plan also includes Cartoon Network (Adult Swim), Comedy Central, FX, TBS, and TNT. In most areas, you also get your local NBC and Fox affiliates. If your household doesn’t always agree on what to watch, you can watch on up to three devices at the same time. You also get 50 hours of cloud DVR.

Sling TV doesn’t have a free trial. Save 50% on Sling TV now! Read our thorough review for more information. You can also check out our guide to March Madness coverage and schedule.

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) carries TruTV and all the Warner sister stations (including TBS) in its base Entertainment package. You get Comedy Central, FXX, TV Land, and TLC.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free Trial

DIRECTV STREAM offers four tiers of service. The lowest level is the Entertainment Plan with 75+ channels for $86.99/month. The top-level is the Premier with 140+ channels for $169.99/month. That plan might sound expensive, but it comes with a ton of premium channels from HBO, Showtime, Starz, and MGM+.

All packages come with an upgradable unlimited cloud DVR (as long as you sign up online) and the ability to watch on unlimited different devices in the same home (and remotely). All TV packages also come with a full slate of local broadcast channels.

For details, see our DIRECTV STREAM review.

Hulu + Live TV

Good old reliable Hulu + Live TV has your back regarding Turner-WarnerMedia channels: it’s got them all. You get TruTV plus 100+ other channels, unlimited Cloud DVR with 9-month storage, and the ability to watch on up to 2 screens simultaneously, for $82.99/month.

Get Hulu + Live TV Free

But wait, there’s more. They’ll even throw in access to their huge on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+. Still not convinced? In most areas, your local network affiliates are included in the deal (including The CW). And, HBO and Cinemax are available as premium channels for a little extra.

If you’re still hunting up laughs, they also carry Comedy Central, FXX, TV Land, and TLC for more reality-based escapism. Read our Hulu + Live TV review for more information.

Other Ways to Stream TruTV

Searching for more ways to keep up with Fast Foodies? Here are more ways to stream TruTV:

• YouTube TV: Similar to Hulu + Live TV, you can get TruTV, TBS, TNT, plus 100+ other channels, including local networks. The base plan retails at $72.99/month.
• On-demand: TruTV’s shows are available to stream on several services. The most comprehensive collection is on HBO Max (since both HBO and truTV are part of WarnerMedia’s Entertainment division). You can also find some series on Amazon Prime Video and Vudu.
• TruTV App: Offers a live stream of the channel plus on-demand content for former and current original series. It requires you to sign in with your TV provider, so if you don’t already have a cable TV subscription or compatible streaming service it won’t do you much good.

TVs and Other Devices for Watching TruTV

Most modern TVs and streaming devices will allow you to watch TruTV using our discussed services. In particular, all of the following are supported:

• Smartphones/Tablets
  • Android
  • iOS
• Casting
  • Chromecast devices
  • Chromecast-enabled TVs
• TV Stick Devices
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Apple TV
  • Roku
• Samsung TVs
• Web browsers
  • Chrome
  • Edge
  • Safari.

DIRECTV STREAM offers its own device (like a cable box), which is expensive ($120) but may make the transition from cable to streaming easier.

Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV support Android TV devices and smart TVs from LG and Vizio. They also both support the Xbox One. A number of less popular devices are also supported; see our streaming reviews for more details.

Wrapping Up

So whether you love the hilarious firefighter hijinks of Tacoma FD or fancy the mind-bending street magic of Big Trick Energy, you no longer have to put up with your cable bill.

Switch to one of these streaming services, and keep laughing with Impractical Jokers and all your other TruTV favorites.

FAQ

What TV shows can I watch on TruTV?

TruTV stays pretty true to its current theme of taking a standard reality premise and giving it a comedic twist.

The network’s two oldest original shows are still running and popular:

• Impractical Jokers (four friends issue and complete outrageous public dares).
• The Carbonaro Effect (a magician catches people’s reactions to spontaneous tricks on a hidden camera).

Other current top original series include:

• Adam Ruins Everything
• Backyard Bar Wars
• Big Trick Energy
• Double Cross with Blake Griffin
• Fast Foodies
• Hot Ones: the Game Show
• It’s Personal with Amy Hoggart
• Tacoma FD
• Tirdy Works
• Top Secret Videos.
  

TruTV, because of a deal between Turner Sports and CBS, also airs NCAA Division I Championship games (March Madness) “First Four” and parts of the first and second rounds. Or, as SBNation puts it, “You’re watching college hoops on a comedy channel that used to cover courtroom proceedings.”

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Alanna Baker

Alanna Baker was the Streaming Content Editor at Hotdog.com, specializing in comprehensive streaming coverage across various genres, with a particular focus on sports and Sling TV offerings. With a background in literature and education, coupled with extensive experience in media and law, Alanna brings a unique perspective to the streaming industry.

Her expertise stems from being an early adopter of various entertainment technologies, from mail-order Netflix to modern streaming platforms. Alanna's in-depth knowledge of Sling TV's modular service and her ability to cover diverse streaming content make her a key expert in navigating the complex landscape of modern streaming options, especially in sports and entertainment.

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