The Top 5 Cable Channels: Can Cord-Cutters Watch the Same Content for Free?

Cable TV still holds a significant place in many households, and the ratings consistently show a handful of channels leading the pack. We decided to take on a challenge: can cord-cutters access the same type of content as the top five most-watched cable channels without paying for a traditional cable package or a pricey live TV streaming service?

According to the latest Nielsen ratings, the top five cable channels are:

1. Fox News Channel
2. TNT
3. MSNBC
4. ESPN
5. USA Network

Let's dive into each of these and see what free alternatives exist.

Fox News Channel

For viewers who turn to Fox News for their news and commentary, there are several Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) options. Channels like Newsmax TV and The Blaze TV offer similar right-wing news and political analysis, available for free on various platforms. Additionally, LiveNOW from FOX on services like Pluto TV and Tubi provides a 24/7 live news stream without opinion commentary, and many local Fox news broadcasts are also available for free.

TNT

While TNT still airs some original programming, much of its popularity comes from syndicated dramas and a wide selection of movies. Cord-cutters looking for this type of entertainment can find it in abundance on FAST services like Tubi, which has a large library of Warner Bros. Discovery content and several WB-branded channels. Pluto TV and The Roku Channel also offer extensive on-demand libraries of movies and syndicated TV shows that mirror TNT's entertainment lineup.

MSNBC

For those who prefer a left-wing viewpoint, finding a direct FAST alternative to MSNBC is possible. NBC News NOW, available on Pluto TV and Tubi, offers a 24/7 live news stream from NBC. Mainstream news channels like ABC News Live and CBS News 24/7, also found on various FAST platforms, provide round-the-clock news coverage and analysis. Local news options available through services like Haystack News also provide a free alternative for staying informed.

USA Network

USA Network offers a mix of original dramas and popular syndicated series. As a cord-cutter, you're looking for where that content lives for free. While NBCUniversal's Peacock has a free tier that was a great alternative, it's important to note that since February 2023, that free tier is no longer available to new users. However, you can still find many of the same syndicated shows that are staples of USA's lineup, like Law & Order: SVU, on demand or on dedicated channels within services like Pluto TV and Tubi.

ESPN: The Undeniable Hurdle

Now we arrive at the elephant in the room: sports, specifically the type of comprehensive, high-quality sports coverage that ESPN provides. As of today, there is no FAST service that offers a comparable alternative for live games featuring major professional and college leagues.

The recent announcement of ESPN Unlimited, the direct-to-consumer streaming service from ESPN, is a significant development. Priced at $29.99 per month, it will offer access to the ESPN family of networks. This is a targeted option for sports fans, but it is a paid service, not a free one.

Not There Yet (Thanks to Sports)

Our exploration shows that for the majority of the top five cable channels, cord-cutters can indeed find free, ad-supported alternatives that offer the same type of content. Whether it's news and commentary from the right or from the left, syndicated dramas, or popular movies, FAST services have stepped up to fill the void left by traditional cable.

However, when it comes to live, high-caliber sports, the landscape remains different. While individual games and some sports content can be found on various free platforms, a comprehensive, free alternative to ESPN for major sports leagues and events simply doesn't exist yet. You'll either need to subscribe to a paid service like ESPN Unlimited or explore other options for your sports fix.

The world of streaming is constantly evolving, but for now, if sports are a priority, be prepared to pay for the access you desire. The good news is that for most other types of content dominating cable television, the cord-cutting world offers a wealth of free options. My Streaming Life has always been about finding the smartest ways to watch what I love without breaking the bank, and this project proves that while the goal of a completely free entertainment experience is getting closer, it's not yet fully a reality for every type of content.