ABC is not available on Samsung TV Plus

Samsung TV Plus does not carry ABC or any of its affiliated channels. The service includes over 100 free channels, but ABC is not among them. If you want to watch ABC programming on your Samsung TV, you will need to use a different method — either the ABC app, a cable or streaming subscription, or an antenna.

Samsung TV Plus is a free ad-supported streaming service built into Samsung smart TVs. It focuses on news, sports, movies, and entertainment from partners like Pluto TV, Paramount, and others, but broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS are not included in the lineup.

Key Takeaways

  • ABC does not broadcast on Samsung TV Plus, which is a free ad-supported service with a fixed channel list.
  • You can watch ABC for free using the ABC app on your Samsung TV if you have a cable subscription or live TV service.
  • An over-the-air antenna connected to your Samsung TV will let you receive ABC and other broadcast channels at no cost.
  • Streaming services like Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV carry ABC but require a paid subscription.

Using the ABC app on your Samsung TV

The easiest way to watch ABC on a Samsung TV is through the ABC app, which is available in the Samsung TV app store. Open the app store on your TV, search for "ABC," and install the official ABC app. Once installed, you can open it and sign in with your cable or streaming service credentials.

If you have a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV, you can use those login credentials to unlock full episodes and live broadcasts. Without a subscription, the ABC app shows limited content — usually clips and some older episodes, but not current live broadcasts.

Getting ABC with an antenna

An over-the-air antenna is the cheapest way to watch ABC live on your Samsung TV. ABC is a broadcast network, which means it transmits free signals that any antenna can pick up. You can buy an antenna at any electronics store for $20 to $60, depending on range and indoor versus outdoor placement.

Connect the antenna to the coaxial input on the back of your Samsung TV (the port labeled "ANT IN" or "RF IN"). Then run the TV's channel scan — go to Settings, then Broadcasting, then Auto Tuning. The TV will find all available broadcast channels in your area, including ABC. This method works best if you live within 30 miles of a broadcast tower, though range varies by antenna quality and local terrain.

Paid streaming services that carry ABC

If you want ABC as part of a larger streaming package, several services include it. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all carry ABC and work on Samsung TVs. Each service costs between $40 and $75 per month and includes dozens of other channels. These services let you watch live broadcasts and record shows to watch later.

Hulu (the on-demand version, not Hulu + Live TV) also includes next-day episodes of many ABC shows, though you cannot watch them live. This option costs $8 to $15 per month depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free version.

What channels are actually on Samsung TV Plus

Samsung TV Plus includes channels like Pluto TV, Paramount, The Roku Channel, and others, along with news from Reuters and Bloomberg, sports from ESPN+, and movies from various studios. The exact lineup varies by region and changes over time as Samsung adds and removes partners. To see what is available in your area, open Samsung TV Plus on your TV and browse the channel guide.

The service is completely free and ad-supported, which is why it cannot offer broadcast networks like ABC — those networks have separate licensing agreements with cable and streaming providers. Samsung TV Plus is designed to fill time with content that partners are willing to distribute for free.

Checking your Samsung TV model for app compatibility

The ABC app is available on most Samsung smart TVs made in 2016 or later. If your TV is older, you may not be able to install the app directly. In that case, you can use an external device like a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast, all of which support the ABC app and connect to any TV via HDMI.

To check if your TV supports the ABC app, go to your TV's app store and search for it. If nothing appears, your TV model is not compatible, and you will need an external streaming device or an antenna instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ABC live on Samsung TV Plus?

No. Samsung TV Plus does not include ABC or any broadcast networks. You will need the ABC app with a cable login, a paid streaming service like YouTube TV, or an antenna to watch ABC live.

Is the ABC app really free on Samsung TV?

The app itself is free to read, but you need a cable or live TV streaming subscription to watch full episodes and live broadcasts. Without a subscription, you can watch only clips and limited on-demand content.

What if I do not have cable or an antenna?

You can subscribe to a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, which both include ABC. These services cost $40 to $75 per month. Alternatively, buy an antenna for $20 to $60 and connect it to your TV to receive ABC for free.

Will an antenna work in an apartment?

Yes, but range depends on your distance from the broadcast tower and what is between you and it. An indoor antenna works best if you are within 10 to 20 miles of the tower. If you are farther away or have obstacles, an outdoor antenna or a higher-gain indoor antenna may be necessary.

Can I record ABC shows on Samsung TV Plus?

Samsung TV Plus does not have a recording feature. If you want to record ABC shows, use a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, which include cloud recording. An antenna with a separate DVR device is another option.