Samsung TV Plus does not carry local broadcast channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox

Samsung TV Plus is a free streaming service built into Samsung smart TVs. It offers dozens of channels—mostly movies, sports, news, and entertainment—but none of them are your local NBC affiliate, your local CBS station, or any other local broadcast channel. If you want to watch local news, local weather, or local sports, Samsung TV Plus alone will not get you there.

The service works like a cable guide: you flip through channels and watch what's on. But those channels come from national networks and streaming sources, not from local broadcasters in your area. Local channels require a separate source—an antenna, cable subscription, or a different streaming service.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung TV Plus carries national news, sports, and entertainment channels but has no local ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, or PBS stations.
  • To watch local channels on your Samsung TV, you need an antenna, cable subscription, or a streaming service that includes local channels in your area.
  • Some streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV do carry local channels, but they charge a monthly fee.
  • An over-the-air antenna is free after purchase and picks up local broadcast channels without a subscription.

What channels Samsung TV Plus actually includes

Samsung TV Plus carries channels like Pluto TV (which Samsung owns), The Roku Channel, Tubi, and others. You will find news from sources like Reuters and Bloomberg, sports from ESPN and other networks, and entertainment channels. The exact lineup varies by region and changes over time, but the pattern is consistent: national content, not local.

The service is free because it runs ads. You do not pay a subscription, and you do not need a cable login. You just turn on your Samsung TV, open the app, and browse. That free model works because Samsung and the content partners make money from advertising, not from you. Local channels, by contrast, are broadcast by local stations that depend on cable fees and local advertising—a different business model entirely.

How to get local channels on your Samsung TV

The most direct way is an over-the-air antenna. Connect an antenna to the TV's tuner input (usually labeled "Antenna In" or "RF In"), run the TV's channel scan, and you will see every local broadcast channel your antenna can reach. This costs between $20 and $100 for the antenna itself, with no monthly fee. The picture quality is often better than cable, and you own the equipment.

If you want local channels plus on-demand streaming, a paid streaming service is another option. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all carry local channels in most U.S. markets, though the exact channels depend on your zip code. These services cost $55 to $80 per month and let you watch live TV and record shows. You can read their apps directly onto your Samsung TV.

A cable or satellite subscription will also give you local channels, but it requires a cable box or satellite receiver and a monthly bill. If you already have cable, your local channels are included in your package.

Why Samsung TV Plus does not include local channels

Local broadcast stations own their own channels and control who can carry them. They do not license their signal to free streaming services like Samsung TV Plus because they make money from cable and satellite providers, not from ad-supported apps. A cable company pays the local station for the right to carry it; Samsung TV Plus does not have that arrangement.

Streaming services that do carry local channels—like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV—pay licensing fees to those stations. That is why they charge a monthly subscription. Samsung TV Plus stays free by carrying only content it can license cheaply or that it owns outright.

How to check what local channels your antenna can receive

Before you buy an antenna, visit TVFool.com or AntennaWeb.org. Enter your address, and the site will show you which local channels broadcast in your area and how strong the signal is likely to be at your location. This tells you whether an antenna will work for you and what type of antenna you need.

If you decide to buy an antenna, start with a basic indoor model ($20–$40). If the signal is weak, you can upgrade to a larger outdoor antenna later. Most antennas plug into the back of your TV in seconds.

Combining Samsung TV Plus with other sources

Many people use Samsung TV Plus for free entertainment and movies, then add an antenna or a streaming service for local channels and live TV. This approach gives you the best of both: free content from Samsung TV Plus, plus access to local news and sports. You can switch between apps on your Samsung TV just as you would with cable.

If you use an antenna, you can also use the TV's built-in tuner to watch and record local channels while Samsung TV Plus runs in the background. Most Samsung TVs let you switch between the tuner input and the app input without unplugging anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch local news on Samsung TV Plus?

No. Samsung TV Plus has national news channels like Reuters and Bloomberg, but not your local ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox station. For local news, you need an antenna, cable subscription, or a streaming service like YouTube TV that carries local channels in your area.

Do I need to pay extra to get local channels on my Samsung TV?

Not if you use an antenna—you pay once for the antenna and nothing after that. If you want local channels through a streaming service, you will pay a monthly subscription ($55–$80). Cable subscriptions also include local channels but cost more.

What is the cheapest way to get local channels?

An over-the-air antenna is the cheapest long-term option. A basic indoor antenna costs $20–$40 and has no monthly fee. If the signal is weak in your area, an outdoor antenna costs more upfront but still has no recurring cost.

Can I use Samsung TV Plus and an antenna at the same time?

Yes. Connect the antenna to your TV's tuner input and use Samsung TV Plus through the app. You can switch between them using your remote. Many people use this setup to get free entertainment from Samsung TV Plus and local channels from the antenna.

Does Samsung TV Plus work without internet?

No, Samsung TV Plus requires an internet connection. An antenna does not—it receives broadcast signals over the air. If you want to watch TV without internet, an antenna is your only option.