ABC is on both Paramount Plus and Peacock, but the shows you can watch differ by service
ABC broadcasts its content across multiple streaming platforms, and which one carries a specific show depends on the network's licensing deals. Paramount Plus holds the rights to some ABC programs, while Peacock carries others. Neither service gives you access to the full ABC broadcast schedule — you get a subset of shows on each platform, and some ABC programs may not stream anywhere at all.
If you want to watch ABC shows live as they air, you will need either a cable subscription, an antenna, or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV. Paramount Plus and Peacock both offer on-demand access to past episodes of select ABC shows, but the selection changes and neither is a complete ABC archive.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus carries some ABC shows like The Bachelor and Grey's Anatomy, while Peacock carries others like The Voice and The Good Doctor.
- The same ABC show may not be on both services — licensing agreements determine which platform gets which program.
- Neither Paramount Plus nor Peacock streams ABC live broadcasts; both offer only on-demand episodes of past seasons.
- To watch ABC shows the moment they air, you need cable, an antenna, or a live TV streaming service.
- The shows available on each service change over time as licensing deals expire and renew.
What ABC shows are on Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus holds streaming rights to several ABC shows, though the catalog shifts as contracts renew. Grey's Anatomy, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Shark Tank, and Dancing with the Stars have been available on Paramount Plus, along with older seasons of shows like The Good Doctor and Station Eleven. You can watch past episodes on demand, but not the current season as it airs.
Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global, which also owns CBS and MTV, so the service prioritizes shows from those networks alongside ABC content. If you subscribe to Paramount Plus for other reasons — to watch Star Trek shows, Yellowstone, or CBS programming — you may find ABC shows as a bonus rather than the main draw.
What ABC shows are on Peacock
Peacock, owned by NBCUniversal, carries a different set of ABC shows. The Voice, The Good Doctor, Designated Survivor, and Emergence have been available through Peacock's on-demand library. Like Paramount Plus, Peacock offers past seasons but not live broadcasts of current episodes.
Peacock also streams NBC shows and sports, so ABC content is part of a larger catalog rather than the focus. The free tier of Peacock includes some ABC episodes, while the paid tier unlocks more complete season libraries.
Why the same show might not be on both services
ABC does not own the streaming rights to its own shows outright. Production companies, studios, and networks negotiate separate deals for broadcast, cable, and streaming. A show like Grey's Anatomy may have been licensed to Paramount Plus years ago in a long-term contract, while The Voice went to Peacock under a different agreement.
These deals also expire and renew. A show that streams on Paramount Plus today might move to another service next year, or disappear from streaming altogether while the contract is renegotiated. There is no central place where all ABC shows live, and no may provide that your favorite program will stay on the same platform.
How to watch ABC shows live
If you want to watch ABC broadcasts as they happen, Paramount Plus and Peacock will not work. You have three options: cable television, a digital antenna, or a live TV streaming service.
A digital antenna is the cheapest route if you live within range of broadcast towers. You can pick up ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and PBS for free once you own the antenna. An indoor antenna costs $20 to $60; an outdoor antenna costs more but reaches farther.
Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV include ABC in their channel lineups and let you stream live or record episodes to watch later. These services cost $55 to $75 per month and require an internet connection but no antenna installation.
Checking what is available right now
Because licensing changes, the best way to know whether a specific ABC show is on Paramount Plus or Peacock is to search within each app. Both services have search functions that will tell you when ready whether a show is available and which seasons you can watch.
If you find that a show you want is not on either service, check the ABC website or the show's official social media pages — they often link to where the current season is streaming. Some ABC shows stream on the ABC app itself, which is free but ad-supported and may require you to sign in with a cable or streaming service login.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ABC live on Paramount Plus or Peacock?
No. Both services offer only on-demand episodes of past seasons. To watch ABC broadcasts live, you need cable, an antenna, or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV.
Why is my favorite ABC show not on either service?
Streaming rights are sold separately from broadcast rights, and not every ABC show has a streaming deal. Some shows stream on the ABC app, others on different platforms, and some may not stream anywhere. Check the ABC website or the show's official pages to find where it streams.
If I subscribe to Paramount Plus, do I get all ABC shows?
No. Paramount Plus carries only the ABC shows it has licensed. Other ABC programs stream on Peacock, the ABC app, or other services. The selection on each platform changes as contracts renew.
Can I watch current episodes of ABC shows on Paramount Plus or Peacock?
Usually not until several days or weeks after they air. Both services typically add new episodes a day or two after broadcast, but you cannot watch them live or on the night they premiere.
Does the ABC app stream shows for free?
The ABC app is free and ad-supported, but many shows require you to sign in with a cable or streaming service login to watch full episodes. Some clips and previews are available without a login.