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Watch Lifetime Without Cable: Top Streaming Choices for a Lifetime of Viewing

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If Lifetime is one of your favorite channels you probably got started by watching it on cable. This is no longer the best way to watch it. Read on to find out how you can enjoy Lifetime while leaving your cable subscription behind.

In a hurry? If you’ve already decided to ditch cable but want to make sure Lifetime is still available, these services all provide great plans:

  • DIRECTV STREAM: Makes it easy to switch from cable to streaming with their 75+ channel Entertainment plan and options for much more. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
  • Sling TV: The top low-cost streaming service provides a great base channel lineup in both its plans. Save 50% your first month with Sling TV.
  • Philo: This service gives you 60+ live TV channel for just $25/mo!

If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, try ExpressVPN to get access to the content you deserve.

In a hurry? Unfortunately, we don’t know a streaming service in that offers this TV channel/sport. But if you’ve already paid for the right service, and just can’t watch because of your location, there is an easy way to get the sports, movies, and TV you deserve. You need a VPN, like one of the following.

ExpressVPN

1. ExpressVPN: Established VPN provider in 105 countries. Smart DNS, a built-in ad-blocker, and unlimited bandwidth. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access

3. Private Internet Access: The only no-logs VPN with a location for every US state. Get 82% off + 2 months free.

If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, you’ll find all the answers in our full VPN guide.

Marketed in the nineties as “Television for Women,” Lifetime is best known for its ubiquitous, overwrought, sensationalistic made-for-tv movies featuring lurid plots — often ripped from the headlines.

While some (okay, many) Lifetime movies do fall into the “guilty pleasures” category, the network received its first of many Emmy nominations in 2006 and continues to receive accolades from the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild of America Award, the NAACP, and GLAAD, among others.

Lifetime as a network also makes surprisingly good on their “for women” marketing. Between 1994 and 2016, 73% of Lifetime’s original movies were written or directed by women, and today it’s still known as a Hollywood oasis of female solidarity for women in front of and behind the camera.

Whether you enjoy Lifetime’s cringier movies, or you watch for the genuine gems like the 2012 remake of Steel Magnolias (more Emmys), you can say goodbye forever to your cable company and still not miss the October premiere of Switched at Birth.

Try Philo Free for 7 Days

How to Watch Lifetime Live Without Cable

Lifetime Entertainment encompasses both the original Lifetime channel and the Lifetime Movie Network (LMN), as well as the all-but abandoned Lifetime Real Women (LRW) channel. Its parent company is A+E Television Networks, which, besides A&E, also own Crime + Investigation (C+I), FYI, History Channel, and Vice TV (Viceland).

Channels marketed to women generally fall into three categories, with some overlap. There’s the “lifestyle” programming (home, beauty, family, with maybe a dash of celebrity dish): Bravo, Dabl, TLC, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), and We TV. There’s the tear-jerker drama/romances of the Hallmark channels. And then there are the police/court procedural and true crime networks: Oxygen, C+I, and Start TV.

Lifetime and LMN are cable channels, meaning you can’t pick them up with an antenna over the air (OTA). You need a subscription with a third-party provider. This is the part where, in the past, you’ve had to order a package of way more channels for way more money than you wanted. No more!

These OTT (over the top) streaming services do everything cable does, for less with no contracts or hidden fees! Read on to see which services carry Lifetime.

Unblock Your Favorite Movies and Shows With a VPN

If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, a VPN will allow you to get the access you are entitled to, plus extra security and unequalled privacy. Check out our VPN Guide for everything you need to know, including our top pick ExpressVPN.

Get ExpressVPN Today

Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.

Streaming Services with Lifetime

As one of the older basic cable channels, Lifetime is considered a staple network in a pay-TV lineup. So it’s not surprising that nearly all of the streaming services carry it and its companion movie network. Notable exceptions are YouTube TV and FuboTV, which ended its contract with A&E in mid-2021.

Read on to see where you can catch the next episode of Little Women: Atlanta.

Philo

philo logo

Philo is awesome if all you want is to slice your cable bill down to next to nothing. You get over 65 channels for $25/mo. Try Philo free for 7 days. No local channels and no sports. But you do get up to 3 simultaneous streams and unlimited cloud DVR.

Philo’s lineup includes Lifetime and LMN, A&E, C+I, FYI, History, Viceland, Hallmark channels, OWN, TLC, and We TV. It leaves out Bravo, Dabl, Oxygen, and Start TV. For more information, see our Philo review.

Try Philo Free for 7 Days

Sling TV

Sling TV Logo (2021 100x50)

Next up, Sling TV. The Sling Blue plan includes Lifetime, A&E, Bravo, History, TLC, and Viceland in all its packages for just $40.00/mo.

You can upgrade this with the Lifestyle Extra add-on for $6/mo more. This gives you Lifetime Movie Network as well as FYI, all 3 Hallmark channels, Oxygen, and We TV. You can also add the Hollywood Extra for $6/mo and this will give you Start TV as well as 9 other channels including favorites FXX, FXM, and TCM.

Note that Crime + Investigation, Dabl, and OWN are not currently available in any of the packages or add-ons.

Sling Blue comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage and streaming on up to 3 devices at one time. For more details, see our Sling TV review.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) actually does the best on this list of carrying the most channels that, stereotypes aside, are more popular with the ladies. It is a little more expensive though, especially since you will have to aspire to the second-highest tier to get all the channels.

The first tier, the Entertainment package, has over 75 channels for $79.99/mo, including Lifetime, A&E, Bravo, History, Vice, the Hallmark channels, TLC, and We TV.

If you upgrade to Choice ($108.99/mo), you get all those, plus regional sports networks, plus three months free HBO Max, and OWN is now included. For $10/mo more, the Ultimate package gets you Oxygen, Lifetime Movies, and FYI. Crime + Investigation is available as an add-on. The only ones you can’t get at all are Dabl and Start TV.

All packages come with your local stations, unlimited Cloud DVR storage as long as you sign-up online, and streaming on unlimited devices in your home. See our DIRECTV STREAM review.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days

Hulu - Lifetime
Hulu provides great access to Lifetime.

Hulu + Live TV

hulu logo

Streaming giant Hulu launched its live-streaming service, Hulu + Live TV, in 2017. Not only do you get over 85 live TV channels, but you also get access to Hulu exclusive series like Castle Rock, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Only Murders in the Building.

You also get unlimited cloud DVR (9 month storage) and you can stream your shows on up to 2 devices at once. They even throw in all your local network affiliates. All for just $76.99/mo.

Besides Lifetime and LMN, they’ve got the rest of the A&E family, TLC, Dabl, and Oxygen. Missing from your girls’ night selection are the channels We TV, OWN, and all three Hallmark channels. But hey, that’s fewer tissues you have to stock up on, right?

Check out our thorough Hulu review for more information.

Try Hulu + Live TV Today!

Vidgo

vidgo logo

Let’s start with what Vidgo does have: Lifetime and LMN, plus A&E, FYI, History, Vice, the Hallmark trio, OWN, and TLC, plus over 110 other channels, watchable on up to 3 devices at a time, for $69.99/mo. You also get ABC and Fox depending on your area.

On the downside, Vidgo doesn’t carry Crime + Investigation, Bravo, Dabl, Oxygen, Start TV, or We TV. So, it’s weak on the true-crime/police and court procedural genre, if that’s your thing. Also a bummer: no cloud DVR storage.

But it’s a great price given all the sports, news, and local channels you get.

Read our review for more details.

Try Vidgo Today!

Other Ways to Stream Lifetime

But the female-centric fun doesn’t stop there! Take a look at these other ways to watch the September premiere of Imperfect High:

  • Lifetime App: You can watch BlackLove, Dance Moms, and select episodes of Married at First Sight, The Rap Game, Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, and Bring It! without even logging in! The same goes for their website. Live Streaming and new episodes require a TV provider account.
  • Lifetime Movie Club: Features a curated library of new and classic Lifetime movies to binge commercial-free. You also get some exclusive films. The service is $3.99/mo, with a 7-day free trial. It only has on-demand movies, though, no series, and no live-streaming.
  • On-Demand: You can stream some Lifetime programming free with Amazon Prime Video (with Prime account), PlutoTV (free service), or Hoopla (also free, but requires a library card). Some Lifetime series and movies are available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and other digital video sales platforms.

Superpower Your Live TV Streaming With a VPN

You can’t beat a VPN for privacy, security, and access. We have used them for years as an important part of our streaming toolkit and we recommend ExpressVPN. Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.

i See our VPN Buyer’s Guide for complete information on how to choose the best VPN for your needs.
Sling TV - Lifetime
Watch Lifetime with Sling TV on an Android phone.

Over the past few years, most streaming devices and TVs have gained support from major services. So you will likely be able to watch Lifetime on the hardware you already own unless it is really old or unusual.

Android TV-based devices are supported by all services (except DIRECTV STREAM). This includes a lot of smart TVs. Casting to TVs from smartphones or web browsers is very popular and it is possible to do this with Chromecast — both built-in to TVs and as an external device. All the services support this.

All of the streaming services (except Philo and Vidgo) support Samsung model smart TVs. And Sling TV and Hulu support LG and Vizio smart TVs.

The popular TV stick devices Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku are universally supported. So are phones and tablets based on iOS and Android.

Sling TV and Hulu support the Xbox One gaming console. Hulu also supports the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. And Sling TV supports the Oculus VR system.

There are more supported devices than these. Check our service reviews for Sling TV and Hulu or their websites if you don’t see your device listed here.

Today’s Lifetime Schedule

Here is today’s schedule in Eastern Time:

Grey's AnatomyIf Tomorrow Never Comes

Alex works hard to gain the trust of Annie, a shy patient with a gargantuan tumor, only to make a fool of himself in front of her later.

Grey's AnatomyThe Self-Destruct Button

Derek and Meredith try to be discreet after spending the night together at her house; George is reluctant to voice his suspicions that an anesthesiologist is drinking on the job.

Grey's AnatomyNo Man's Land

Cristina's encounter with a former nurse, now a patient at Seattle Grace, changes her forever.

Grey's AnatomyShake Your Groove Thing

Meredith believes she may have erred during surgery and endangered her career; nothing goes as planned for Izzie, who tries to throw a party for her new boyfriend.

Grey's AnatomyIf Tomorrow Never Comes

Alex works hard to gain the trust of Annie, a shy patient with a gargantuan tumor, only to make a fool of himself in front of her later.

Grey's AnatomyThe Self-Destruct Button

Derek and Meredith try to be discreet after spending the night together at her house; George is reluctant to voice his suspicions that an anesthesiologist is drinking on the job.

Shark CarpetXpertTM with StainStrikerTM 2-in-1 deep carpet cleaner with built-in spot & stain remove

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Who Stole My Life?

Every 3 seconds an American's identity is stolen. Just how safe is your 401k? Your bank account? Your home? Your credit? Crime Reporter Tom Morris Jr. investigates the identity theft epidemic. Find out how you can help protect yourself with LifeLock.

Relief from Inflammation

Connie Craig-Carrol & Founder Ken Meares investigates Omega XL, the ultimate all-natural solution for joint pain from inflammation.

David Jeremiah

Dr. David Jeremiah's goal is to deliver the unchanging Word of God to an ever-changing world.

Creflo Dollar

Dr. Creflo Dollar ministers to people from all backgrounds with hopes for change; Creflo helps viewers find ways to renew their faith, mind, and spirit; Creflo and his wife Taffi share their vision for everyone to understand God's love and promises.

Life Today With James Robison

James and Betty Robison host guests who speak on a variety of topics, offering hope and help.

Joyce Meyer Enjoying Everyday Life

Author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer shares encouragement to help people enjoy daily life.

The Balancing ActNeuromyelitis Optica: Behind the Mystery of NMO

How The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation is supporting research to benefit not only those with NMO, but potentially expand the understanding of other autoimmune diseases, creating partnerships and pushing forward on promising treatments.

Grey's AnatomyYou Haven't Done Nothin'

Believing jail time awaits him, Alex makes an important decision about his future; the hospital treats victims of a building collapse; Richard wants answers about Eliza's presence at Grey Sloan.

Grey's AnatomyYou Can Look (But You'd Better Not Touch)

Bailey, Arizona and Jo treat a violent teenage inmate and her unborn baby at a maximum security women's prison.

Grey's AnatomyJukebox Hero

Richard and the attendings make Eliza's first day at Grey Sloan difficult; Meredith searches for Alex.

Major CrimesTrial by Fire

A gang banger is acquitted of murder and released from custody; Jack Raydor represents a suspect; Rusty takes a chance when his crush visits the station.

Major CrimesChain Reaction

A man dressed as Santa robs a bank and gets lost in a Santa flash mob; Sharon's children come to town for the holidays; Buzz starts training as a back-up police officer.

Major CrimesLeap of Faith

Tensions flare when Flynn has to talk down a man from the ledge of a bridge, only to discover that the jumper is a sex offender with a dead body in his car; Rusty prepares an impact statement to try to end his involvement with the Stroh case.

Rizzoli & IslesKiller in High Heels

Maura becomes a murder suspect when her date is found dead and she can not remember their evening together; Jane struggles to protect her best friend while doing her job.

Rizzoli & IslesDance With the Devil

Maura gains insight into her father; Korsak opens up about Cavanaugh's tragic past; Maura and Jane unravel a shocking secret about Paddy and Hope.

Rizzoli & IslesBut I Am a Good Girl

A body is discovered in the church at TJ's christening; Jane almost abuses her power to protect Tommy; Lydia's fiancé threatens to take custody of TJ; budget cuts cause tension at the department.

CastleCuffed

Beckett and Castle wake up handcuffed together in bed in a locked room with no memory of how they got there.

CastleTill Death Do Us Part

When Castle and Beckett investigate the death of a ladies' man, a twist in the case may disrupt Ryan's wedding.

CastleDial M for Mayor

When a woman is found dead in her car, the investigation leads to New York Mayor Robert Weldon (Derek Webster), one of Castle's longtime friends.

CastleAn Embarrassment of Bitches

The investigation into the death of a famous dog trainer leads to a reality-TV star.

CastleThe Blue Butterfly

Castle and Beckett must investigate a mysterious case from 1947 in order to solve the present-day murder of a treasure hunter.

CastlePandora

Castle and Beckett discover that the killer they are pursuing is part of an international conspiracy, and they must work with a CIA agent with whom Castle has a history.

Wrapping Up

If you’ve been holding on to your cable company because you are hooked on Lifetime movies and you gotta watch Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace for the tenth time — honey, it’s time!

Get set up with one of the streaming services above and wave goodbye to cable, and hello to Do You Trust Your Boyfriend?

Try Philo Free for 7 Days

Ditch “Big Cable” Now – 3 Simple Steps to Cut the Cord

  1. Pick the right streaming service
  2. Get the content you deserve with the best VPN.
  3. Supercharge your internet provider

That’s it — you’ll save money, take back control, and enjoy TV more!

Page Updates

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Alanna Baker

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