which streaming service has local channels
Several major live TV streaming services include local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and sometimes PBS, but coverage and lineups depend heavily on your ZIP code.
Main services with local channels
- YouTube TV – Carries most or all of the big four locals (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) plus many cable channels in most U.S. markets; it’s often mentioned as the most complete “cable replacement” for locals.
- DirecTV streaming plans (DirecTV via Internet / DirecTV Stream/MySports/MyNews) – Include local stations in many cities; availability can be very good in large markets and improving in some smaller ones.
- Hulu + Live TV – Bundles Hulu on‑demand with a live TV package that typically includes local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX in supported areas.
- Fubo – Sports‑focused but also carries local networks; current guides note it has locals but is missing NBC in some areas due to a dispute.
- Sling TV – Only includes select ABC, FOX, and NBC affiliates in certain cities and does not carry CBS at all, so it’s not a full local-channel solution by itself.
- Philo – Does not offer local broadcast networks; it’s meant as a low-cost entertainment bundle without locals.
Quick comparison table (typical behavior)
| Service | Locals included? | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Yes, in most markets | [3][9]Often gets ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX; popular full cable replacement. | [9][3]
| DirecTV streaming | Yes, many markets | [1][3][9]Strong local coverage, especially in big cities; check ZIP on site. | [1][3]
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes, in supported areas | [3][9]Includes major locals plus Hulu on‑demand. | [9][3]
| Fubo | Yes, but NBC missing in some areas | [5][9]Good for sports; locals carried but with some gaps. | [5][9]
| Sling TV | Limited; no CBS anywhere | [5][9]ABC/FOX/NBC only in select cities; not a complete locals solution. | [9][5]
| Philo | No locals | [9]Cheap entertainment bundle; use antenna or other service for locals. | [9]
How to quickly check your locals
Because local rights are very location ‑dependent, every provider asks for your ZIP code on its website to show exactly which local stations you’ll get. For the most accurate answer to “which streaming service has local channels” for you personally, plug your ZIP into:
- YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo “channel lookup” pages.
- Sling’s local availability page if you’re considering it, since it only has limited locals.
Extra options for local content
- Some free or cheap apps (for example, ones that aggregate local news streams) can supplement locals if your main service is missing a channel.
- Over‑the‑air antennas paired with networked tuners (like DVR boxes that stream your own antenna signal) are often recommended in cord‑cutting discussions when streaming services don’t carry all local channels.
In practice, if you just want one main service that “has local channels” in most areas, YouTube TV, DirecTV’s streaming offerings, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo are the top ones to check first, and Sling or Philo only make sense if you’re okay with limited or no locals.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.