How to Watch the Presidential Debates

The next presidential debates takes place in 2024

By
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Senior Editor & Content Strategist
    Molly K. McLaughlin has been a technology editor and writer for over a dozen years. She runs product reviews for Lifewire, overseeing the process from hands-on testing to publishing.
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    Updated on April 19, 2024
    Reviewed by
    Jessica Kormos
    Jessica Kormos
    Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
    • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
    Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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    What to Know

    • Stream live debates on the websites of traditional media networks. Look for the Live section.
    • Debates can be streamed on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). While airing, search for the debate to watch.
    • Certain local channels, news sites, and streaming services will also broadcast debates live.

    This article explains where and how to watch the Presidential debates for free if you have an antenna or a cable subscription. Cord-cutters can watch the debate live streams from a computer, tablet, smartphone, or television with a compatible streaming device and any service that offers live TV.

    How to Stream the Presidential Debates on Network News Websites and Apps

    Each debate will be broadcast live on ABC, CBS, C-SPAN, FOX, and NBC, as well as cable news channels including CNN, Fox News, Fox Business Network, and MSNBC.

    Most news websites work in the same way when it comes to live streams. Visit the official website for the channel you want to watch, and look for a Live option at the top of the screen or in a dropdown menu. That's usually all you need to do. Some websites let you pause content and add closed captioning.

    In any TV news apps, launch the app on the day of the debate and looking for the live stream.

    In both scenarios, you'll need to confirm your cable or satellite credentials before watching.

    Stream the Debate on YouTube or X (formerly Twitter)

    You can also catch the live stream for free from any major news network, YouTube and X. One way to find debate live stream on YouTube is to search for "youtube debate september 29," for example. You can also go to YouTube.com and click Live on the left rail. The debate should show up under Featured Live Streams.

    To watch the debate on X, go to twitter.com/X on the day of the event.

    Other Ways to Live Stream the Debates

    In addition to the official network news websites, you can also live-stream your local channels and the debates through several popular streaming services.

    Most of these services have a free trial, so make sure to sign up a little early. Then check if the service carries the channels you need.

    DirecTV Stream

    DirecTV Stream, previously known as AT&T TV Now, offers many channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and many others in most areas.

    Hulu + Live TV

    Hulu + Live TV offers local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels in most areas, and also carries cable channels like ESPN and more. It has a 30-day free trial.

    YouTube TV

    YouTube TV is Google's live television streaming service. It offers ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and more in most areas, and has a free trial.

    Sling TV

    Sling TV offers NBC and Fox, but only in a limited number of markets. It has a free trial, though.

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