A live TV program is broadcast at the same time as the event that it is based on, rather than being recorded first. Live programming is a big part of the television and radio industry in many countries, including newscasts, sporting events, beauty pageants, dramas, comedies, reality competition franchises (such as American Idol), and other entertainment.

In the United States, local newscasts and breaking-news stories are generally broadcast live, although a tape-delayed version may be aired for viewers in the Pacific time zone or in Alaska or Hawaii. Similarly, most major entertainment events, such as award shows and beauty pageants, are broadcast live. However, some popular televised reality competition franchises are tape-delayed in the United States.

Streaming live TV is available from several services, including the standard streaming services Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu with Live TV. Using these services, you can watch live television on devices like tablets, smartphones, and streaming devices connected to your home network. Most streaming services require a high-speed internet connection, and a stable one tends to give the best experience. Some of these services also offer a mobile app that you can use while away from home.

If you decide to get a live tv subscription, you'll need to sign up for it through the service's website or app and then activate it on your streaming device. Then, you'll need to choose a plan and log in with your account information. Most services require a credit or debit card to sign up, and some offer free trials to attract new customers.

Most streaming services include a selection of on-demand video, in addition to their live content. This typically includes the most recent episodes of current television shows and films that have aired on the subscribed channels. Some of the best cable-alternative streaming services, such as FuboTV and YouTube TV, do a good job of organizing this content in their apps, and their UI clearly indicates whether a show is live now or on demand.

The most popular live tv service is Hulu With Live TV, which is offered through AT&T and offers a similar package to what you would find from a traditional cable company. This includes a cloud DVR with unlimited storage, as well as access to movies and TV shows that are also on the standard Hulu streaming service.

Another live tv service to consider is Philo, which is currently the cheapest option for cord cutters seeking a live TV subscription. Its channel lineup is solid, but it lacks some key news and sports channels. That said, several other services, such as Peacock and Paramount+, have added live components to their offerings, and all of the major streaming services now offer live news and weather channels.