What TNT subscription is and who offers it

TNT is a cable and streaming television service operated by Turner Network Television, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. It carries live sports, drama series, movies, and reality programming. You can watch TNT through a traditional cable or satellite TV package, or through streaming apps if your internet provider or another service includes it.

TNT is not a standalone subscription you buy directly from the network. Instead, you get access to TNT through one of these routes: a cable or satellite TV bundle, a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, or through the Max streaming app if you have a Max subscription that includes the TNT channel.

The channel is available in most U.S. households with cable or satellite service. If you use an antenna, you will not receive TNT, because it is a cable channel, not broadcast television.

Key Takeaways

  • TNT is included in most cable and satellite TV packages, but you cannot buy TNT alone—you must have a TV service that carries it.
  • Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV include TNT, though the cost and channel lineup vary by service.
  • Max (formerly HBO Max) includes TNT programming on-demand, but does not include live TNT broadcasts unless you add a live TV option.
  • Your cable or satellite bill will show TNT as part of your channel package; the cost depends on which tier of service you choose.
  • You can watch TNT on the TNT app or website if your TV provider or streaming service gives you login credentials.

Getting TNT through cable or satellite TV

If you have cable (from Comcast, Charter, Cox, or another provider) or satellite TV (from DirecTV or Dish Network), TNT is usually included in your base package or in a mid-tier package. Check your current bill or log into your provider's account online to see which channels you have access to.

The cost of TNT is bundled into your overall TV package price, not charged separately. If you want to add TNT and do not currently have it, contact your provider to upgrade to a package that includes it. Prices and available packages vary by provider and by region.

Once you have TNT through your cable or satellite provider, you can watch it on your TV through your set-top box, or on the TNT app or website by signing in with your provider credentials (your account username and password).

Watching TNT through live TV streaming services

Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV include TNT in their channel lineups. Each service costs between $55 and $75 per month, though prices change and some offer promotional rates for new customers. All of these services let you watch live TV and record programs to watch later.

To find out whether a specific service includes TNT, check the channel list on that service's website before you sign up. TNT is included in most of these services' base plans, but Sling TV, for example, carries TNT only in its Orange + Blue package, not in Orange or Blue alone.

These services work on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV. You can usually watch on multiple devices at once, depending on the service's rules.

Accessing TNT through Max

Max (the streaming service formerly called HBO Max) includes TNT shows and movies on-demand, meaning you can watch them whenever you want rather than at the time they air. A Max subscription costs $5.99 per month with ads or $15.99 per month without ads, as of 2024, though prices may change.

Max does not include live TNT broadcasts. If you want to watch TNT shows as they air live, you need either a cable or satellite TV service, a live TV streaming service, or a separate live TV add-on through Max (if available in your area). Check Max's website to see whether a live TV add-on is offered where you live.

Max is available on most devices: phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices. You can download episodes to watch offline on phones and tablets.

Using the TNT app and website

TNT offers a free app and website where you can watch full episodes and clips. To watch full episodes, you must sign in with credentials from a TV provider or streaming service that carries TNT. This means you need an active subscription to one of the services listed above.

If you do not have a TV provider login, you can still watch short clips, trailers, and previews on the TNT app and website without signing in. Full episodes require authentication.

The TNT app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and other streaming platforms. You can also watch at tnt.tv on a web browser.

Comparing costs and what you get

ServiceMonthly Cost (approx.)TNT AccessOther Features
Cable/Satellite TVVaries by provider and packageLive and on-demandHundreds of channels, DVR recording
YouTube TV$72.99Live and on-demand100+ channels, cloud DVR, multiple users
Hulu + Live TV$76.99Live and on-demandLive TV + Hulu on-demand library, cloud DVR
Sling TV (Orange + Blue)$55Live and on-demand50+ channels, cloud DVR, lower cost
Max$5.99–$15.99On-demand only (no live)HBO, Warner Bros. films, other series

The cheapest way to get TNT is through Max if you only want to watch shows and movies on-demand and do not need live broadcasts. If you want live sports and events on TNT, you will need cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service.

What to do if you cannot find TNT on your service

If you have a cable or satellite subscription and TNT is not showing up in your channel guide, restart your set-top box by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If that does not work, contact your provider's customer service to confirm that TNT is included in your package.

If you are using the TNT app or website and cannot sign in, make sure you are using the correct username and password from your TV provider or streaming service. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in screen. If you still cannot access TNT, contact your provider's support team.

If TNT is not available in your area through any of these services, this is rare but can happen in some regions. In that case, you may be able to watch TNT programming through Max or through the networks' websites if they offer it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch TNT without a cable subscription?

Yes. You can watch TNT through a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, or watch TNT shows on-demand through Max. You cannot watch TNT live without one of these services, but you have options beyond traditional cable.

Does TNT cost extra if I already have cable?

No. TNT is included in most cable packages at no additional charge. Check your bill or your provider's website to confirm it is in your current package. If it is not, you may need to upgrade to a higher tier, which would increase your bill.

Can I watch TNT on my phone?

Yes, through the TNT app (available on iOS and Android) or at tnt.tv on a web browser. You must sign in with credentials from a TV provider or streaming service that carries TNT. You can also watch through the Max app if you have a Max subscription.

What is the difference between TNT on cable and TNT on Max?

Cable TNT includes live broadcasts and on-demand episodes. Max includes only on-demand episodes and movies—you cannot watch live TNT events or shows on Max unless you add a live TV option. If you want to watch TNT sports or live events, you need cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service.

Is there a free trial for TNT or the services that carry it?

TNT itself does not offer a free trial, but some services that carry TNT do. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and others sometimes offer free trial periods for new customers. Check each service's website for current offers. Max occasionally offers promotional pricing for new subscribers.