TLC, previously The Learning Channel, was founded in 1980 and since then has made itself a staple for reality TV programming. Featuring popular shows like 90 Day Fiancé, Sister Wives, and My 600-lb Life, TLC has something for every cord-cutter looking to learn more about different lifestyles and point-of-views.
So you’re probably wondering, how can I start streaming TLC for free? You can watch TLC live for free using free trials, and we highlight your top 4 options.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream has undergone quite a few name changes and ownership shifts since it began in 2016, but, it still stands out for its impressive channel coverage. DirecTV, with nearly 30 years of satellite TV experience, provides a diverse content selection, including a wide range of regional sports networks (RSNs), major broadcast networks, and entertainment networks, including TLC.
DirecTV Stream free trial
DirecTV Stream’s free trial is on the shorter side, but it still gives you 5 days to try out TLC. The good news is the free trial is available at every subscription level, so you can get 5 days of any channel package: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. The other good news? You can also include a 3-month free trial of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, and MGM+ with each package so you get 5 days of those premium channels free too!
To avoid being charged, just be sure to cancel your free trial within those 5 days. You can learn more about the DirecTV Stream free trial here.
DirecTV Stream plans and pricing
As mentioned above, DirecTV Stream offers 4 different channel packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. You only need the Entertainment package to get TLC, but we suggest trying out the Premier option since it comes with almost twice as many channels.
DIRECTV Stream Entertainment
$59.99 for the first month
- 90+ channels
- Local channels and ESPN Unlimited
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Unlimited streams
$89.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Óptimo Más
- 100+ live TV channels
- Spanish and English programming
- Unlimited cloud DVR
$74.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Choice
$64.99 for the first month, then $10 off for 2 months
- 125+ channels
- Includes regional sports networks
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Unlimited streams
$94.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Ultimate
$99.99 for the first month, then $10 off for 2 months
- 160+ channels
- Includes regional sports networks
- STARZ Encore and NHL Network
- Unlimited cloud DVR
$129.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Premier
- 185+ channels
- Includes HBO Max, Paramount+ Premium, STARZ and Cinemax
- Includes regional sports networks
- Unlimited cloud DVR
$159.99/month
Fubo
Fubo has positioned itself as a top choice for cord-cutters seeking a live TV streaming service. Originally focused on sports content, it has secured deals with major networks like Fox, CBS, and of course TLC, which has broadened its content offering even further. Whether you’re looking for sports, entertainment, or news, Fubo is a great choice.
Fubo free trial
Fubo gives you 5 days to try its free trial, which is a pretty average length across streamers. This means you get 5 days to watch TLC, in addition to any of its other channel offerings like Bravo, E!, and FX. The free trial is available for every plan so that means you get the option of watching 280+ channels for free during your trial period, making it a pretty sweet deal.
Just be sure to cancel your trial within those 5 days if you don’t want to be charged after it ends. You can click here to read more about the Fubo free trial.
Fubo plans and pricing
Fubo offers 3 main English plans: Pro, Elite, and Premier. TLC is available in each plan, so feel free to try out any one of them. As mentioned before, Fubo made its name as a sports-centric streamer, so if you’re a sports fan, you’ll find a variety of other channels that may interest you outside of HGTV, like ESPN and beIN Sports.
Fubo Pro
5-day free trial
- 216+ channels
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Stream on 10 screens at home
- Regional sports fee added at checkout ($13 to $17)
$88.99/month
Fubo Elite
5-day free trial
- 280+ channels
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Stream on 10 screens at home
- 4K Plus included
- Regional sports fee included
$98.99/month
Philo
Philo appeals to most cord-cutters’ needs by offering an affordable live-TV streaming service with a channel lineup focused on entertainment, educational, and lifestyle networks. Though it lacks the more expensive sports and local broadcast networks, you’ll still have plenty to watch with this low-cost TV service, including TLC.
Philo free trial
Philo’s free trial lasts for 7 days, which is about average length among streamers. This means you have 7 days to flip through the 70+ channels offered through this service. Not only will you be able to watch TLC, but you’ll also be able to tune into networks like Food Network, BET, MTV, and VH1.
Philo plans and pricing
Though Philo has the least channels out of all of the options in our list, it also has the best price. Philo’s base package (Philo Essential) comes in at roughly 1/3 of the cost of the other competitors on this list, making this the best option for cord-cutters who don’t want to break the bank.
YouTube TV
As you can probably tell from its name, YouTube TV is YouTube’s answer to internet live TV streaming. Since its launch in 2017, it has expanded to offer a wide range of sports, news , and entertainment content, including TLC. It’s an excellent choice for cord-cutters of all ages, making it a great option for just about anybody.
YouTube TV free trial
YouTube TV offers one of the longest free trials across streamers, giving you 10 days to try out the platform. Sign up for the free trial to get 10 days of TLC free and cancel before the end of your trial to avoid being charged.
If you decide you like the service, for a limited time only, you can pay $59.99/mo for the first 2 months.
YouTube TV plans and pricing
YouTube TV only offers one main channel package, but it comes with over 100 channels in addition to TLC, including ABC, TNT, FOX, and HGTV—so you’ll have a ton of content to choose from. Outside of offering TLC, YouTube is also the new home for the NFL Sunday Ticket, so it’s a particularly enticing for football fans.
Lisa Holden • Author
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.
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