Remember when you had to sit through 20 minutes of commercials just to watch your favorite show? Or when you paid $120 a month for a cable package full of channels you never watched? If you’re still holding on to cable because you’re not sure what’s out there, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: Hulu + Live TV isn’t just another streaming option-it’s one of the few that actually replaces cable without making you miss a thing.
By November 2025, Hulu + Live TV has evolved into something far beyond its original on-demand roots. It’s now bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ as part of the Disney Bundle, giving you access to over 90 live channels, thousands of on-demand shows, and exclusive Disney content-all for $76.99 a month. That’s less than most people pay for basic cable, and you get way more control.
What You Actually Get with Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV isn’t just Hulu with extra channels slapped on. It’s a full TV experience built for people who want live sports, news, and primetime shows without a contract. You get:
- 90+ live channels including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, CNN, TNT, and FX
- Unlimited cloud DVR with 50 hours of storage (upgradable to 200 hours)
- On-demand access to Hulu’s entire library-current-season shows next day, classics, originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building
- Disney+ and ESPN+ included at no extra cost
- 4K streaming on supported devices and channels
- No long-term contract-you can cancel anytime
Unlike other services that force you to pay for add-ons like sports packs or premium channels, Hulu + Live TV includes most of the big networks right out of the gate. You won’t need to pay extra for ESPN if you want to watch the NFL, NBA, or college football. The same goes for local news stations-you’ll get your city’s ABC or NBC affiliate based on your location.
The Disney Bundle Advantage
One of the biggest reasons Hulu + Live TV stands out is the Disney Bundle. When you sign up, you’re not just getting Hulu-you’re getting Disney+ and ESPN+ for the same price. That means:
- Disney+ gives you Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content
- ESPN+ adds 30+ exclusive live events every week, including MLS, UFC, and college sports
- You can watch all three services on the same app or switch between them seamlessly
This bundle is a game-changer for families. If you’ve got kids who love Disney, a partner who follows soccer, and you who binge-watch dramas, this one subscription covers all of it. In 2025, over 65% of Hulu + Live TV subscribers in the U.S. are on the Disney Bundle-most say they’d never go back to cable.
How It Compares to Cable
Let’s say you’re paying $110 a month for your cable package. That might include:
- Basic channels (60-80)
- One premium channel like HBO
- One sports package
- Equipment rental fees ($10-15/month)
- Hidden taxes and fees ($15-20/month)
That’s $140+ a month. Now compare that to Hulu + Live TV at $76.99. You’re saving over $60 a month. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need a box, a technician to install it, or a 2-year contract. You just need Wi-Fi and a smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick, or even your phone.
Also, cable companies still charge you for channels you don’t watch. Hulu lets you skip the junk. You won’t pay for a channel that only airs reruns of Dr. Phil at 2 a.m. You pick what matters to you.
What You Might Miss
Is Hulu + Live TV perfect? No. There are trade-offs.
First, not every local channel is available everywhere. If you live in a rural area or a small town, you might not get your local CBS or Fox station. Hulu uses your ZIP code to assign channels, and sometimes the signal doesn’t reach. You can check availability on Hulu’s website before signing up.
Second, some regional sports networks (like YES Network for Yankees games or SNY for Mets) aren’t included. If you’re a hardcore fan of a specific local team, you might need a separate subscription like MLB.TV or NBA League Pass.
Third, the cloud DVR has limits. The free plan gives you 50 hours. If you record a lot of shows, you’ll need to upgrade to 200 hours for $14.99 extra. That’s still cheaper than cable’s DVR rental fees, but it’s an extra cost.
And yes, ads are still there-unless you pay $17.99 more per month for the ad-free version of Hulu’s on-demand library. But here’s the thing: live TV always has ads. So you’re not avoiding them-you’re just avoiding the 10-minute commercial breaks between shows on cable.
Who Is This For?
Hulu + Live TV isn’t for everyone. But it’s perfect if:
- You watch at least 3-4 live shows a week (sports, news, reality TV)
- You’re tired of paying for channels you never watch
- You have kids and want Disney+ content without a separate subscription
- You’re okay with streaming on multiple devices instead of one big TV box
- You want to cancel anytime without penalties
If you’re someone who only watches Netflix and YouTube, you don’t need this. But if you still care about live events-like the Super Bowl, the Oscars, or your local news at 6 p.m.-then this is the most affordable, flexible way to get them.
Setup and Experience
Setting up Hulu + Live TV takes less than 10 minutes. You download the app, sign in, and pick your location. The interface is clean-no confusing menus, no hidden options. You can search by show, channel, or even by actor. The guide looks like a real TV guide, with program info and start times.
Switching from live TV to on-demand is seamless. You can pause a live NFL game, go to your DVR to watch the latest episode of Abbott Elementary, then jump back to the game-all without leaving the app.
On a Roku or Fire TV, the remote works perfectly. On your phone, you can cast to your TV with one tap. And if you’re traveling, you can watch live TV from anywhere in the U.S. (as long as you’re logged in).
Is It Worth It in 2025?
Yes-if you’re ready to ditch the cable bill and the hassle that comes with it. Hulu + Live TV, especially with the Disney Bundle, gives you more content, better pricing, and more control than any cable provider can match.
It’s not just cheaper. It’s smarter. You’re not renting a box from a company that charges you extra for every new feature. You’re getting a modern TV experience built for how people actually watch now.
Most people who switch never go back. One user in Chicago told me last month: “I saved $700 last year. I didn’t even realize how much I was wasting on channels I forgot existed.”
If you’re on the fence, try the 7-day free trial. Test it with your family. See if you miss anything. Chances are, you won’t even notice the difference-except for the extra cash in your wallet.
Does Hulu + Live TV include local channels?
Yes, Hulu + Live TV includes local ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS affiliates based on your ZIP code. But availability depends on your location. Rural areas or smaller markets may have limited options. Check Hulu’s channel lineup tool before signing up to confirm what’s available in your area.
Can I watch Hulu + Live TV on multiple devices at once?
Yes. Hulu + Live TV allows up to two simultaneous streams. If you upgrade to the Unlimited Screens add-on for $9.99/month, you can stream on as many devices as you want within your home network. This is great for families or roommates who all want to watch different things.
Is the Disney Bundle cheaper than buying each service separately?
Absolutely. Buying Hulu + Live TV ($76.99), Disney+ ($10.99), and ESPN+ ($14.99) separately would cost $102.97. With the bundle, you save $26 every month. That’s over $300 a year just by choosing the bundled option.
Do I need a special TV or equipment to use Hulu + Live TV?
No. You just need a reliable internet connection and a compatible device: smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony), Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, or even your phone, tablet, or computer. No set-top box, no installation appointment, no technician needed.
What happens if I cancel Hulu + Live TV?
You can cancel anytime with no penalty. Your service ends at the end of your current billing cycle. You won’t be charged again, and you’ll still have access until that date. Your cloud DVR recordings are deleted when you cancel, so download anything you want to keep before you go.
Are there any hidden fees with Hulu + Live TV?
No hidden fees. The $76.99 price includes everything: live channels, on-demand content, cloud DVR (50 hours), Disney+, and ESPN+. The only extra costs are optional upgrades: unlimited screens ($9.99), 200-hour DVR ($14.99), or ad-free on-demand ($17.99). You only pay for what you choose.
Next Steps
If you’re thinking about cutting the cord, start with the 7-day free trial. Set it up on your TV and use it for a week like it’s your main TV. Watch your favorite shows, record a game, check the news. See if the interface feels natural. If it does, you’ve already saved money. If not, cancel with no hassle.
And if you’ve got kids, pets, or a partner who loves sports, this is the one subscription that actually brings everyone together-not just the person who watches Netflix.