Here’s How to Watch NBC If You Don’t Have Cable

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Cord-cutting is now the norm, but there are a few channels you’ll likely miss after ditching cable. NBC is one of them. The network is still essential for catching major sporting events, but it’s equally important for keeping up with major political moments, like the 2026 midterm elections, which are happening tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The network’s primetime special, Decision ’26, will feature familiar faces from across NBC programming, with Savannah Guthrie and Tom Llamas leading the charge, alongside everyone’s favorite maps man, Steve Kornacki.

Social media has already been buzzing about Kornacki’s return to the screen with his beloved United States map, with viewers joking that they’ve got a bottle of wine ready for him to explain who’s winning in each state.

At a Glance: How to Watch NBC Online Without Cable

• Stream: DirecTV, Sling, Peacock, Hulu + Live TV

The special starts at 5 p.m. ET, and if you’re missing access to NBC, here’s the good news: You can still livestream the broadcast giant on several popular streaming services. Read on for the best ways to watch NBC without cable.

How to Watch NBC Online Without Cable

If you’ve said farewell to your cable TV, here’s where you can stream NBC online:

DirecTV

➤ $39.99/month ➤ Five-day free trial ➤ Up to 185+ channels

One of our top recommendations for watching local channels like NBC without cable is DirecTV. Packages with NBC included start at $39.99 a month, but you get a five-day free trial to start.

Sling

➤ $45.99/month ➤ Up to 46 channels

Cord-cutters can also watch NBC live with a subscription to Sling. The streamer’s Blue plan starts at $45.99 a month and includes access to the channels for those who don’t have cable. The package comes with 46 channels.

Hulu + Live TV

➤ $99.99/month ➤ 95+ channels ➤ Three-day free trial

Hulu + Live TV comes with everything on Hulu, plus Disney+ and ESPN. But what really sets it apart is that it makes it possible to tune into live TV, from sports to shows, even if you don’t have cable. Viewers can watch local channels like NBC with every plan, which starts at $99.99 a month. New subscribers can even get a three-day free trial before paying the monthly subscription fee.

Peacock

➤ $12.99/month ➤ Live and on-demand content

Some NBC shows and live events also stream on Peacock, the network’s streaming service. Peacock gives viewers access to stream episodes of shows like The Office, Parks & Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, 30 Rock, Young Rock, America’s Got Talent, and Chicago Fire. Subscriptions start at $8.99 a month, but you’ll need one of the Premium Plans ($12.99+) to watch live events like the 2026 midterm coverage.

Stream NBC for Free Without Cable

Cord-cutters can livestream NBC for free with free trials to DirecTV or Hulu + Live TV before committing to a subscription.