Best Ways to Watch Local Channels on a Smart TV (Free & Paid Options)

PDF download Download Article
Watch your favorite local stations without an antenna or cable
PDF download Download Article

Even though you can watch almost anything on Netflix, MAX, and Hulu, your streaming subscriptions don't usually offer local TV channels. But what if you have a smart TV and want to catch some local, over-the-air programming? Even if you don't have an antenna, there are still easy ways to get local channels on your smart TV. Read on to learn about our favorite options.

Watch Live Local Channels on a Smart TV: Easy Options

Without an antenna, you can watch local news and weather channels free through NewsON, Local Now, The Roku Channel, Zeam, or the channel's own app. Subscribe to a cable replacement service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV for even more local channels.

Section 1 of 3:

Free Local TV Apps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Watch local news channels on nearly any smart TV or streaming device with the free NewsON app. You can check out the channel list at https://corporate.newson.us/newson-channel-list/ . Search your TV app store for "NewsON" to get started.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This free news app is available in nearly all smart TV app stores, including on Fire TV , Roku, LG, Hisense, Android, and Sony TVs. Once you download the app, create an account and select Local News to discover what's happening in your area. You can also tune in using a web browser at https://www.haystack.tv/localnews .
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Watch local news and weather on your Fire TV, Roku TV, Apple TV, or Android/Google TV by installing the Local Now app from your app store. [1] In addition to local news, you can also watch free movies and TV shows from their large library.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a Roku TV or streaming device and live in a major metropolitan area, you can watch local news and weather from FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC without installing any apps. Just select the Live TV tile on your home screen, or open The Roku Channel , press the Left button on your remote, and select Live TV . [2]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The Zeam app, available on Android/Google TV, Roku TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV, offers local news channels from many areas, even small towns, and gives you the option to watch local news from regions other than your own.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Search your smart TV's app store for your favorite channel. Many channels offer smart TV apps that allow you to watch live programming without an antenna. You can download apps from major broadcasters like CBS, NBC, and PBS, as well as smaller local channels exclusive to your area.
    7. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Cable Replacement Services

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This popular cable TV replacement service brings over 100 live TV channels to your smart TV without an antenna, including many local channels. [3] To see which local channels you can watch with YouTube TV, go to https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/ and search for your zip code.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A subscription gets you access to everything in Hulu's library, Disney+, live local channels without an antenna, and almost 100 other live and on-demand channels. [4] Find out which local channels you get with Hulu + Live TV at https://www.hulu.com/live-tv .
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can watch your local ABC, CBS, FOX, CW, Telemundo, and Univision channels with any of Fubo's base plans. [5] You'll have access to more than 100 other live channels and a cloud-based DVR service. [6]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Depending on where you live, you may be able to watch local channels with a Sling subscription without an antenna—to find out, go to https://www.sling.com/programming/local-channels and search for your zip code. If local channels aren't available, Sling will send you a free HD antenna when you sign up. [7] And with plans starting as low as $20/month, it's definitely the most affordable cable replacement service .
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If it's regional sports channels you're after, DIRECTV Stream carries 30+ regional sports networks, as well as your local ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, and other channels. [8] Visit https://streamtv.directv.com/channels/ to find out which local channels are available through DIRECTV Stream.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Subscribe to Paramount+ with Showtime to watch your local CBS channel live, as well as live sports and CBS News without an antenna. [9]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Peacock's most advanced streaming plan offers 24/7 live streaming of your local NBC channel. [10] If you just want to watch NBC programming—including Saturday Night Live as it airs—Peacock Premium Plus is a great option.
    8. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Indoor TV Antennas

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Local-Channels-Without-Antenna-on-Smart-TV-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    All TVs manufactured after 2007 have built-in digital tuners, which means all you'll need to do is connect a small indoor antenna to the TV to watch all your area's local programming. [11] While you may picture having to mount a giant antenna or dish outside your home to receive local channels over the air, modern digital antennas can easily be connected to your smart TV, and some can even pick up TV stations from nearly 1000 miles away.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      2 Simple Ways to Connect a Smart TV to a Wi-Fi Network
      How to
      Display the Secret Menu in LG TVs
      How to
      Get Local Channels on Amazon Fire Stick
      3 Quick Ways to Log Out of Amazon Prime Video on Any TV
      How to
      Hook Up a Smart TV to Cable (Setting Up Your Smart TV)
      How to
      Turn Your TV Into a Smart TV
      How to
      Connect Your PC to an LG Smart TV: 3 Easy Methods
      How to
      Clear the Cache on your Samsung TV
      The Easiest Way to Install Apps on a Vizio Smart TV
      7 Simple Methods to Add Apps to a Smart TV (2022)
      Quickly Connecting to the Internet on an LG Smart TV
      Troubleshooting a Samsung TV That Says "Smart Hub is Being Updated"
      How to
      Reset Your Hisense Smart TV
      5 Quick Steps to Delete an App on Samsung TV's Smart Hub
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://localnow.com/pages/welcome-to-local-now/
      2. ↑ https://www.roku.com/blog/how-to-watch-local-channels-news-and-weather-on-your-roku-player-and-roku-tv
      3. ↑ https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/
      4. ↑ https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-what-is-hulu-live-tv
      5. ↑ https://support.fubo.tv/hc/en-us/articles/115005151127-What-local-ABC-CBS-FOX-NBC-and-CW-stations-does-Fubo-carry
      6. ↑ https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/channels
      7. ↑ https://www.sling.com/programming/local-channels
      8. ↑ https://streamtv.directv.com/
      9. ↑ https://www.paramountplus.com/account/signup/live-tv/
      1. ↑ https://www.peacocktv.com/plans/all-monthly
      2. ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/guides/dtv-enforcement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,082 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement