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In a world full of reality TV, TLC certainly gives its competitors a run for their money. Thankfully, it’s no contest when it comes to choosing between cable plans and far more convenient, affordable streaming services. If you’re looking to cut the cord but keep your favorite TLC shows, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to watch a TLC live stream for free.
Best Shows on TLC
- 90 Day Fiancé
- Dr. Pimple Popper
- Long Island Medium
- My 600-lb. Life
- Dragnificent
What is TLC?
Of all the channels out there, TLC has one of the most twisty paths to its current state. Founded in 1972, TLC was originally called the Appalachian Community Service Network, an educational outlet partially organized by NASA. It broadened its scope in 1980, officially becoming The Learning Channel. By the turn of the century, TLC began to pull back on educational content in favor of straight-up entertainment.
Early reality favorites included Trading Spaces and Junkyard Wars, and another shift toward lifestyle programming brought about popular series like Jon & Kate Plus 8; Toddlers & Tiaras; Little People, Big World; and the infamous Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. You’ll now find The Little Couple, 90 Day Fiancé, and YouTube sensation Dr. Pimple Popper filling the airwaves.
- Launched: 1972
- Slogan: “Everyone needs a little TLC”
- Genre: Reality/Lifestyle
- Formally called: Appalachian Community Service Network (1972–80), The Learning Channel (1980–92)
- Parent Company: Discovery Inc.
TLC live stream: How to watch TLC online
TLC is available on a few of the major live TV streaming services. When trying to decide which one is best for you, you’ll want to weigh the cost, the other channels you’ll receive, and the compatible devices for streaming.
TLC on Philo
Philo is a budget-minded streaming service, and depending on what channels you want, it might be right for you. The 59 Philo channels lean decidedly toward entertainment; the Philo channel list includes AMC, Discovery, IFC, Lifetime, and the Paramount Network, all for $20 a month. If you’re a fan of Philo, you’re in luck: You can find it on Philo. Philo also comes with free cloud DVR, but shows recorded are deleted after 30 days, so binge responsibly.
| Monthly | $25 |
TLC on Hulu with Live TV
Hulu Live TV is a great way to stream live TV, as it comes with access to Hulu’s massive library of on-demand content. You’ll be able to choose from movies, shows, and Hulu’s original programming, and keep up with what’s new each month. Hulu plans even include a bundle option where you can access Disney+ and ESPN+ along with Hulu.
Hulu Live TV sets you up with local channels and has a broad spectrum of entertainment and sports channels to review, including the full suite of ESPN channels, Cartoon Network, FX, HGTV, and even deep cuts like National Geographic and Syfy, and of course, TLC, where you can stream 90 Day Fiance and Long Island Medium.
| Hulu Live TV | $69.99 |
| Hulu Live TV (no ads on Hulu content) | $75.99 |
TLC on Sling TV
If you’re looking for a streamlined, cost-effective streaming package, check out Sling TV. It offers two basic cable packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each of which costs $30 per month. There’s also the third option of getting Sling Orange + Blue for just $45 per month. You’ll get more Sling TV channels by choosing Sling Blue, with its 40 channels including sports favorites like FS1 and NBCSN and cable mainstays like Food Network and Discovery Channel. But Sling Orange brings must-haves Disney Channel and ESPN as part of its package. To gain access to TLC, you’ll either need Sling Blue or Sling Orange + Blue. Sling also has a number of add-ons, including robust international packages organized by languages all over the globe.
| Orange | $35 |
| Blue | $35 |
| Orange + Blue | $50 |
TLC on FuboTV
FuboTV started as a streaming service geared toward sports fans, but it’s evolved into a broadly-appealing option with entertainment and news options alongside its robust sports choices. Depending on the package, you can access as many as 181 FuboTV channels. If you’re looking to be entertained, Bravo, IFC, MTV, and VH1 are options even at Fubo’s most basic tier. The Fubo channel list still includes plenty of sports, including the Fubo Sports Network, which has original programming mixing sports and humor. The FuboTV cost starts at $54.99 a month, and with Disney Media favorites like ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channel coming on board in 2020, some who were on the fence about Fubo are giving it another look.
To watch TLC, you’ll want to dock in at the FuboTV Standard level.
| Pro | $69.99 |
| Elite | $79.99 |
| Ultimate | $99.99 |
TLC on Vidgo
Vidgo offers a package for under $40 a month that pulls together more than 60 English-language channels into its National English Package. Vidgo channels include ABC, Fox, the ESPN family of channels (including ESPN Deportes), and it’s one of the few streaming services that carries BeIN Sports. But it’s like Fubo in that, even though it started out for streaming sports, it carries a lot more now. You might be surprised to know that Vidgo’s an option to stream TLC—and then you chat about it online via Vidgo’s Social TV platform.
| English Premium Package | $66.33/ 3 months |
| English Plus Package | $53/ 3 months |
| Spanish Mas Package | $25/ 3 months |
TLC on AT&T TV Now
If you’re already looking to AT&T for your wireless needs, you might consider AT&T TV Now to cover streaming for you. AT&T TV Now channels start with Plus and Max, which even include HBO. Then, AT&T plans expand from there, approaching cable selection and pricing with AT&T TV Now’s biggest packages. AT&T streaming also comes with Cloud DVR, letting you record up to 20 hours of TV per month. If you’re looking for TLC, get in at the AT&T TV Now Entertainment tier to stream it.
TLC on YouTube TV
The YouTube TV channel list includes local channels, sports options including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, and NBA TV, and plenty to keep kids (and kids at heart) occupied, including Disney Channel and its companion channels, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network—all in one easy-to-access package. It even comes with a few Spanish-language channels like Telemundo and NBC Universo. YouTube add-ons include HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz. YouTube TV packages have some advantages over their competitors, including a generous DVR and multiple screens package. From one account, each user can create an individual profile to track favorite shows.
If you’re looking for TLC, know that you can stream it on YouTube TV.
| 1 Month | $64.99 |
Other ways to watch TLC online
TLC site & TLC GO app
Like many other channels, TLC allows people who subscribe to a cable or streaming service to access a TLC live stream or on-demand content from the official TLC website or the TLC Go app. For the site, simply go to TLC.com, then click the “Live Now” link near the top left. You’ll be prompted to sign in with a TV provider. For DirectTV Now customers, “DirecTV” is listed, but other channels often list “DirecTV Now” as an option, so you may have to check if your credentials work. Philo and PlayStation Vue users can search for the service on the list of accepted providers and log in using your information.
It’s the same process on the app: Just log in using your provider’s information. The app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV.
