Acting as Cartoon Network after dark, Adult Swim is a programming block that airs on the Cartoon Network channel after 7pm. It gives kids and adults alike the space to watch adult-skewing comedy series as well as anime during its Toonami block on Saturday nights.
Our top choice for watching Adult Swim without cable is Sling TV. But we also have three other options if Sling doesn’t work for you.
Before we dive in, if you’re here to find out what programming will air on Adult Swim this week, check out our live TV guide. Then come back here to make sure you have the best streaming option for you.
Top pick: Watch Adult Swim on Sling TV
There are many ways to watch Adult Swim without cable, including Sling, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.
But our team’s pick for most people to watch Adult Swim, is Sling. Here’s why:
- Sling is available at the lowest monthly price point on this list.
- Sling is available in every region of the United States. (Viewers outside the US can try to access Sling with a VPN, like ExpressVPN.)
Read more about how we recommend streaming services.
Why we recommend Adult Swim on Sling
If you're looking for the cheapest way to stream Adult Swim, Sling could be your best choice. Sling is our top pick for watching Adult Swim because it offers the best combination of price, channels, and features.
The Sling Orange package allows you to stream 30+ channels including Adult Swim and Disney Channel, ESPN, or Freeform. The Sling Blue package allows you to stream a total of 40+ channels including Adult Swim and E!, FX, or MSNBC. The Sling Orange + Blue package allows you to stream a total of 43 channels including Adult Swim and Syfy, ESPN2, or Bravo. Find out which local channels and regional sports networks Sling has in your area.
You can use Sling on web browsers, Android, or iOS as well as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, or Apple TV. Other devices include LG/Samsung Smart TVs or Xbox One. Learn more about Sling device support.
Sports fan pick: Watch Adult Swim on YouTube TV
Most sports fans already know and love YouTube TV. If you’re trying to watch Adult Swim without cable and you also watch a lot of sports, YouTube TV is probably the best pick for you.
YouTube TV’s most attractive feature for sports fans is its upcoming NFL Sunday Ticket package. Get every Sunday game that’s not airing on your local CBS or FOX network, along with the standard 100+ live channels and have all of the sports you need in one place.
Other channels included with YouTube TV are: A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, BBC America, BET, Cheddar, Cheddar Big News, CNN, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNU, Food Network, Freeform, FX, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, IFC, NFL Network, TBS, TNT, Travel Channel, TV Land, USA
YouTube TV is available on devices like: AirTV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Cox, iOS, LG TV, Mi Box, Roku, Samsung TV, TiVo, Vizio, Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox, Xbox One.
Read our YouTube TV review.
Family pick: Watch Adult Swim on Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV’s offerings of family and kids-oriented content, both live and on-demand, makes it a great choice for families and large households. What makes it number one, though, is its inclusion of Disney+ in its packaging.
Other channels included with Hulu + Live TV are: A&E, ABC News, BET, Bloomberg Television, CBS, Cheddar Big News, CNN, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, E!, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Food Network, Freeform, FX, HGTV, History, ID, Lifetime, NFL Network, TBS, TNT, Travel Channel, TruTV, Vice
Hulu + Live TV is available on devices like: AirTV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Cox, iOS, LG TV, Mi Box, Roku, Samsung TV, TiVo, Vizio, Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox, Xbox One.
Read our Hulu review.
News fan pick: Watch Adult Swim on DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers a great range of news channels, including C-SPAN, CNBC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, as well as local and regional networks based on your location.
Other channels included with DirecTV Stream are: A&E, ABC News, AMC, AXS TV, BET, Bloomberg Television, Cheddar Big News, CNN, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Food Network, Freeform, FX, HGTV, History, IFC, Lifetime, National Geographic, TBS, TNT, Travel Channel, TruTV, Vice
DirecTV Stream is available on devices like: AirTV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Cox, iOS, LG TV, Mi Box, Roku, Samsung TV, TiVo, Vizio, Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox, Xbox One.
Read our DirecTV Stream review.
Watch Toonami on Adult Swim
Toonami is an programming block within Adult Swim that airs anime. Toonami airs every Saturday night (technically early mornings from 12am to 3am, playing various shows like My Hero Academia, Naruto, and Food Wars!
Free Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Content
If all you want to do is watch a few cartoons, you may not even need to sign up with a cable replacement provider. Here’s where to find free Cartoon Network and Adult Swim content online.
Cartoon Network
Currently, there are over 230 full episodes Cartoon Network shows available to stream for free on-demand. Cartoon Network also has apps for Apple, Android, Roku and Amazon devices.
Adult Swim
Like the Cartoon Network site, the Adult Swim site also has free on-demand episodes. Videos always expire after a certain period of time, though. Adult Swim (and Toonami) also has apps that you can download to watch live streams and free episodes on your devices.
Davan Hamilton • Author
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.