Like countless viewers, you enjoy cable TV shows but resent the steep subscription costs. The good news? Major networks now offer standalone streaming services tailored for cord-cutters, letting you access premium content without hundreds of unwanted channels.
While some networks like Lifetime, History Channel, and Cartoon Network require a cable login for streaming, the services below provide full libraries at a fraction of cable prices. If you're weighing whether to ditch cable, this expert guide—drawn from years testing these platforms—breaks down the best options to help you decide.
CBS All Access fuels binge sessions with over 9,000 on-demand episodes. Dive into soaps like The Young and the Restless, reality hits like The Amazing Race, or classics like Seventh Heaven (nearly 250 episodes). Exclusive originals include Star Trek: Discovery and No Activity with Will Ferrell. Live TV covers 24/7 news via CBSN and NFL games (note: not on smartphones).
Stream on Android, iOS, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Roku, and more. After a 7-day free trial, choose $5.99/month with ads or $9.99/month ad-free (live TV and select shows may still have commercials).
With vast archives, live feeds, and exclusives, CBS All Access delivers strong value. Verify your favorites on their show list before subscribing.
$5.99-$9.99/mo after free trial
Subscribe: CBS All Access for iOS | Android | Playstation 4 | XboxOne | Roku
HBO Now shines with weekly full-length theatrical movies, plus documentaries, talk shows, HBO originals, and kids' content. Check availability by visiting HBO's lineup, selecting a title, and looking for the 'On HBO Now' blue button—e.g., Shakespeare in Love on HBO Signature.
Compatible with web browsers, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TVs, PS4/PS3, Xbox One/360, iOS, Android, and Fire tablets.
Ideal for home entertainment fans, HBO Now offers unique sports like boxing and quick movie releases. The free trial lets you test the diverse lineup risk-free.
$14.99/month after free trial
Subscribe: HBO Now for web browser | Roku | Apple TV (pre-installed) | Amazon Fire TV, Fire Tablet, Fire TV Stick (via Amazon channels) | Google Chromecast | PlayStation 3/4 | Xbox 360 (HBO Go app with login) | iOS | Android
Unlock Showtime's full library: recent films like Bad Moms, romances like Notting Hill, comedy specials from Dane Cook, Jay Pharoah, and Martin Lawrence, plus documentaries on music, politics, and sports.
Stream on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV/Stick/Tablets (via Apps > Free > Showtime), Apple TV (pre-installed), Roku, Chromecast. Post-trial: $10.99/month or $109/year. Cancel via signup site.
Matches cable access perfectly—if Showtime is your must-have amid cord-cutting, its genre-spanning variety justifies the cost.
$10.99/month or $109/year after free trial
Subscribe: Showtime on iOS | Android | Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire Tablets | Apple TV | Roku | Chromecast
Like HBO Now and Showtime, Starz focuses on movies and series. Check streamability via network site: click shows for play buttons or browse top menu categories.
$8.99/month after free trial
Starz covers kids, Spanish, indie, and westerns but skimps on non-movies, live sports, and the newest films. Still, its low price makes it a solid budget pick.
Subscribe: Starz for iOS | Android | Amazon Fire TV, Fire Stick, Fire Tablet (Amazon Channels) | Roku | Chromecast (start on phone/tablet)
Hulu tops popularity for cord-cutters at $7.99/month with ads. Enjoy originals like The Handmaid's Tale, network shows like This Is Us, kids' programming, movies, and Live TV beta (50+ channels including ESPN, ABC).
Base plan offers huge variety cheaply; Live TV adds $39.99/month (+$14.99 for unlimited screens). Great starter, but watch add-ons.
$7.99/month after free trial
Subscribe: Hulu for iOS | Android | Roku | Xbox One/360 | Chromecast | Amazon Fire TV/Stick/Tablet | PlayStation 3/4
These services prove you can enjoy cable-quality shows and movies sans subscription bloat. Pairing a few (with Netflix) saves big if chosen smartly.
Have you cut the cord? What cable show do you miss most? Do these tempt you? Share in the comments!
