TV One offers compelling true crime shows and other programming. While it primarily targets middle-aged Black viewers, I’ve found it appeals to a much broader audience. I have all the information for watching it without cable.
In a hurry? TV One is not as widely available online as some channels. Only two services offer it:
- DIRECTV STREAM: A full cable replacement service with local channels, sports, and everything else you expect. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
- Philo: Super cheap streaming service similar to an old “basic cable” plan. Try Philo free for 7 days.
Table Of Contents
TV One is among several channels launched in the last twenty years to feature programming produced by and for people of color. It differentiates itself from its predecessor (and competitor) BET by targeting an older demographic, 25- to 54-year-olds.
Live Stream TV One
The two options to stream TV One are very different.
Streaming Features
These two services allow you to stream on multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, they both include a DVR with unlimited storage.
Both services provide apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV smart TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, Roku, Samsung TVs, and web browsers. Philo also supports Vizio and LG smart TVs and the Fire tablet.
What Is TV One
TV One’s parent company, Urban One, was founded as Radio One back in 1980 (the same year as BET). TV One itself came along in 2004, in response to criticism of BET’s representation of people of color and a desire from older African-Americans for content that wasn’t wall-to-wall music videos or obnoxious teen reality.
The channel has grown to become the largest African-American-owned media conglomerate, encompassing over 50 radio stations, two TV channels, a syndication service, a set of online brands, and a brand-management agency to support the whole media empire.
TV One is not the only network vying for Black viewers. Aside from its own sister-station Cleo TV (targeting women of color), there’s:
- Allblk (AMC)
- Aspire TV (UP Entertainment)
- BET (Paramount Global)
- Bounce TV (the first African-American targeted broadcast channel)
- Fox Soul (Fox’s digital streaming local-ish channel)
- Oprah Winfrey Network (also known as OWN, targeting Black women)
- Revolt (urban music channel founded by Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs).
TV One Shows
TV One’s content consists mostly of true-crime series (ATL Homicide, Fatal Attraction, For My Man), documentaries on Black America and notable individuals (Uncensored, Unsung, Hey, Black America!), lifestyle reality and talk shows (One Stage to the Next, Life Therapy, Sister Circle), original movies (Christmas Dilemma, Blood on Her Badge, Bad Dad Rehab), and classic African-American series (In Living Color, Empire, What’s Happening!!, Family Matters).
It also airs the annual Urban One Honors, which celebrates entertainers, artists, educators, and community leaders of color.
TV One Crime & Justice
TV One has created a second channel, TV One Crime & Justice. It is a FAST channel available from Tubi, Plex, and similar sites. It is also included with Philo but not DIRECTV STREAM.
Our Choice
Okay, so, after checking out all the options for streaming TV One – and believe me, I dug deep! – I’d have to say that Philo is the clear winner, especially if you’re on a budget. It’s not just about the price though; Philo’s interface is super simple to use, it works on all my devices, and it comes with a bunch of other channels I like, including BET Her, OWN, and WE tv. Sure, DIRECTV STREAM has more channels and a fancy DVR, but it’s way more expensive, and honestly, I didn’t think the picture quality was any better than Philo’s. Plus, with Philo, you get unlimited DVR storage – no more agonizing over which shows to delete! For me, it’s the perfect balance of value, features, and that good ol’ fashioned ease of use that we all crave.
FAQs
Can I watch TV One with an antenna?
No, you cannot watch TV One with an antenna. Over-the-air (OTA) networks, like your local ABC, NBC, Fox, or CBS broadcast stations, are free for anyone to pick up with an antenna, but are also included in many pay TV subscriptions as well. TV One is not OTA; it’s a pay channel, like Discovery, BET, or TBS. That means you need to subscribe to a pay TV provider to get it: cable, satellite, or internet streaming (like the services above).
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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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