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TNT is a bonafide sports hub, but the network has also become known for its catalog of critically acclaimed movies and classic TV reruns. Whether you're a basketball fan trying to stream a game or an insomniac hoping to catch a crime drama rerun at 2 a.m., we'll show you how to watch TNT without cable.
TNT is best known for its NBA on TNT coverage, which has offered exclusive basketball games since 1989, just a year after the network debuted. Games are available on Tuesday and Thursday nights during the regular season. Inside the NBA is also available on TNT through the end of the 2024-2025 basketball season (although it will head to ESPN next season). In addition to NBA games, TNT (and truTV) will broadcast the newly minted Unrivaled league. The women's 3v3 basketball league, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, will tip off in January 2025. The network (along with TBS) also airs select MLB and NHL coverage.
If you're watching TNT in the off-season or during the afternoon, there's a pretty good chance you can catch a blockbuster, often from Warner Bros., like The Suicide Squad or one of The Conjuring movies. From around 2005 to 2020, TNT was rife with original TV programming, including hits like Rizzoli & Isles, Animal Kingdom, and Major Crimes. Now, the network is best known for its reruns (especially late at night) of beloved crime and supernatural shows, including NCIS: New Orleans and Charmed.
Below, we've compiled everything you need to know about tuning into TNT without cable in the US. You'll most likely need to subscribe to a month-to-month live streaming package, but select sporting events are also available for as little as $10 on Max. Every service we've highlighted made our list of the best sports streaming services.
Sling TV
For cord-cutters, Sling TV is the cheapest way to get 24/7 live streaming access to TNT. Sling has two main plans, Blue and Orange, which both include TNT in their lineup. Sling Orange also offers the ESPN family of channels, while Sling Blue carries select local networks. There is overlap between the two plans, including TNT, but choosing one or the other ultimately comes down to what you're looking for in a streaming service.
Sling was named best for the essentials in our guide to the best live TV streaming services. Each plan costs $46 a month (although you can bundle them for $61) and includes 35-43 live channels. Sling is usually running a promo that will knock half off your first month of service.
For just the essentials without any extra fluff, Sling TV is the streaming service you're looking for. It's more customizable than other plans, with three options you can choose from, so you pay for only what you need. New members often get a chunky discount on their first month.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is one of the most comprehensive cable alternatives out there. The streaming service offers TNT and 90+ channels in its base Entertainment plan, which goes for $87/month. The service offers almost all of the channels you'd find in a classic cable package under a month-to-month plan with no hardware (although you can find some savings by committing to a long-term contract).
Additional channels are available through upgrades, including the Choice, Ultimate, and Premier packages. New customers can get a five-day free trial to decide if the service is right for them.
Previously known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream offers streaming access to a large selection of live channels, including most key networks typically found in traditional cable packages.
Max
If you're only interested in TNT's sports aspect, you most likely won't need a live TV package. TNT's sports coverage—including NBA, MLB, and NHL—is available to live stream on Max. Live sports were introduced to the service, which started as HBO's streaming counterpart, in 2023 as part of the B/R Sports Add-on. The add-on will eventually cost an additional $10 monthly fee, but for now, it's automatically included with every subscription.
Max plans start at $10 a month for the ad-supported tier, but you can upgrade to get ad-free on-demand content or 4K viewing capabilities. Max also offers annual plans, saving you some cash in the long run, starting at $100 a year. Max is also the most likely place to find old TNT original TV series on-demand.
Max is a premium service for fans of prestige television, iconic films, and unscripted programs like Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Succession, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, and more. The ad-supported tier is $9.99 a month, but you can upgrade to ad-free for $16.99 or view your programming in 4K for $20.99.
ExpressVPN
Those traveling away from home can still access their usual watch options with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs let you change your device's virtual location so that your go-to websites and apps work from almost anywhere in the world. Plus, they're instant ways to boost your cybersecurity. Since the services we've recommended require US payment methods, this option will work best for Americans who are just traveling abroad.
ExpressVPN is our top recommendation. It's an easy-to-use option with a 30-day money-back guarantee and tons of other perks, which we break down in our official ExpressVPN review. Month-to-month subscriptions cost $12.95, but you can find major savings (and up to four months free) with one or two yearlong plans.
With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that make it exceptional. Better yet, you can save more than 60% right now and get up to four months free.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
