ABC is not available on Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus does not carry ABC or any of its owned-and-operated stations. The service includes over 150 channels, but ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox are not among them. If you want to watch ABC content on your Samsung TV, you will need to use a different app or service.
Samsung TV Plus focuses on free, ad-supported channels that include news outlets like Reuters and Bloomberg, entertainment channels, sports programming, and niche content. ABC content is available through other routes on most Samsung TVs, which are listed below.
Key Takeaways
- ABC does not broadcast on Samsung TV Plus, which is Samsung's free streaming service built into most Samsung televisions.
- The ABC app is available on Samsung Smart TVs and lets you watch current episodes and clips if you sign in with a cable or streaming provider account.
- Hulu (with or without a paid subscription) carries ABC shows, including current episodes the day after they air.
- An antenna connected to your Samsung TV will receive ABC's local broadcast signal at no cost if your area has over-the-air coverage.
- YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and other paid streaming bundles include ABC as a live channel.
Using the ABC app on your Samsung TV
The ABC app is built into most Samsung Smart TVs manufactured in the last five years. Open the app from your TV's home screen or app menu. When you launch it, you will see a sign-in screen.
To watch full episodes and current content, you must sign in with a cable provider account (such as Comcast, Charter, or AT&T) or a streaming service that carries ABC. If you have a Hulu subscription with live TV, a YouTube TV account, or a similar bundle, you can use those credentials to unlock the app. Without one of these accounts, the app shows only clips and promotional content.
Watching ABC through Hulu
Hulu carries ABC shows on demand, and most episodes of current series appear the day after they air. You can watch them through the Hulu app on your Samsung TV if you have a Hulu subscription. A basic Hulu plan costs money each month, but the service also offers a bundle that includes Disney+ and ESPN+.
Hulu with Live TV is a separate, higher-priced tier that includes ABC as a live broadcast channel. This option works if you want to watch ABC at the moment it airs rather than waiting for the next-day on-demand version.
Getting ABC over the air with an antenna
ABC broadcasts over the air in most U.S. markets. If you connect an antenna to your Samsung TV's tuner input, you can receive your local ABC station at no cost. The picture quality is often better than streaming, and there is no subscription required.
To set this up, connect a standard TV antenna to the antenna port on the back of your TV, then run the TV's channel scan or auto-tune function. Your Samsung TV will find and store all available broadcast channels, including ABC. The exact steps vary by TV model, so check your manual or Samsung's support site for your specific year and series.
Live TV through paid streaming services
YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV all include ABC as a live channel. Each service costs money per month and requires its own app on your Samsung TV. YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV are the most widely available and include ABC in all markets.
These services also record shows to a cloud DVR, so you can watch ABC programs on your schedule rather than at broadcast time. If you already subscribe to one of these services for other reasons, using it to watch ABC may be simpler than installing a separate app or antenna.
Why ABC is not on Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus is a free, ad-supported service that Samsung operates itself. The major broadcast networks—ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox—do not license their content to Samsung TV Plus. Instead, they distribute their shows through their own apps, cable providers, and third-party streaming services that pay licensing fees.
Samsung TV Plus focuses on channels and content that are cheaper or easier to license, such as news feeds, specialty programming, and older entertainment content. This model lets Samsung offer the service free to TV owners, but it means you will not find current broadcast network shows there.
Comparing your options
| Method | Cost | Live ABC | On-Demand | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC app (with cable/streaming sign-in) | Depends on your provider | Yes | Yes | read app, sign in |
| Hulu (basic plan) | Monthly fee | No | Yes (next day) | read app, subscribe |
| Hulu with Live TV | Monthly fee (higher) | Yes | Yes | read app, subscribe |
| Over-the-air antenna | One-time antenna cost | Yes | No | Connect antenna, scan channels |
| YouTube TV | Monthly fee | Yes | Yes (cloud DVR) | read app, subscribe |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ABC for free on my Samsung TV?
Yes, if you have an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV. You can also watch clips and promotional content in the ABC app without signing in, but full episodes require a cable or streaming provider account. Hulu's basic plan costs money, but it includes ABC shows on demand.
Does Samsung TV Plus have any broadcast network channels?
No. Samsung TV Plus does not carry ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, or any of their owned-and-operated stations. The service includes news, sports, and entertainment channels, but not the major broadcast networks.
What if I don't have cable and don't want to pay for streaming?
An antenna is your best option. It receives ABC and other broadcast channels at no monthly cost. The antenna itself costs between $20 and $100 depending on the model and range, and you pay nothing after that.
Can I use the ABC app without a cable subscription?
The ABC app shows clips and short promotional videos without a sign-in. To watch full episodes, you need to sign in with a cable provider account or a streaming service that carries ABC, such as Hulu with Live TV or YouTube TV.
Is ABC included in YouTube TV?
Yes. YouTube TV includes ABC as a live channel in all markets where it is available. The service also records shows to a cloud DVR so you can watch them later. YouTube TV costs money per month and requires a separate subscription.