truTV becomes the most searched channel in America every March for one reason: the NCAA Tournament. The network broadcasts all four First Four games plus dozens of first- and second-round matchups, and millions of fans who haven’t touched the channel since last spring are suddenly scrambling to find it on their TV or streaming service.
Good news: truTV is easier to access than ever in 2026, whether you’re a cable subscriber, satellite customer, or cord-cutter. Here’s everything you need to know.
truTV Channel Numbers by Provider
DIRECTV subscribers can find truTV on channel 246. Dish Network carries the channel on 242. AT&T U-verse lists truTV at channel 164 (or 1164 for HD).
Cable providers make things trickier because channel numbers vary by location. Spectrum and Comcast/Xfinity customers should use their provider’s channel finder tools or search by channel name in their on-screen guide.
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Xfinity subscribers in major markets can typically find truTV anywhere from channel 33 to channel 917, depending on their city; Florida customers might see it on 252 or 398, while California residents often find it at 748. Verizon Fios carries truTV at channel 183 or 683.
The inconsistency is frustrating, but every provider includes a search function in their channel guide. Press “Guide” on your remote and type “truTV” to jump directly to the channel.
Streaming Options for Cord-Cutters
If you’ve ditched traditional cable, you still have multiple ways to watch. Four major live TV streaming services carry truTV: Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and DIRECTV Stream.
Sling TV offers the most affordable option at $45.99 per month through its Sling Blue plan, which also includes TBS and TNT, critical since those networks split NCAA Tournament coverage with truTV and CBS. YouTube TV’s base plan runs $82.99 monthly and includes truTV along with more than 100 other channels, plus unlimited DVR storage. Hulu + Live TV costs $89.99 per month and bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ with your subscription.
YouTube TV recently introduced new, cheaper package options, including a Sports plan at $64.99 that includes truTV, TBS, TNT, and ESPN networks, a strong choice if you’re primarily interested in tournament coverage.
Fubo does not carry truTV, which makes it a nonstarter for March Madness viewers despite its sports focus.
How to Watch truTV for Free
Several services offer free trials that cover the tournament’s opening rounds. DIRECTV Stream provides a five-day free trial that includes truTV in its Entertainment package. Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day trial, though you’ll need to time it carefully if you want to catch specific games.
You can also watch truTV live through the network’s website or app with a valid cable or streaming login. If you have a friend or family member with a qualifying subscription, their credentials will work.
Max (formerly HBO Max) streams March Madness games airing on TBS, TNT, and truTV, giving subscribers another avenue to catch tournament action.
What Games Air on truTV?
truTV broadcasts all First Four games on March 17 and 18, starting at 6 p.m. ET. The network will air or simulcast 23 total games throughout the tournament, primarily during the first and second rounds.
CBS leads coverage with 21 games, including the Elite Eight and Sweet 16. TBS airs 21 games, including the Elite Eight, Sweet 16, Final Four, and National Championship on April 4 and 6. TNT carries 15 games. All games stream on the March Madness Live app with cable or streaming authentication.
Games on CBS also stream on Paramount+, while TBS, TNT, and truTV games stream on Max.
The tournament’s broadcast structure means you’ll need access to all four networks to watch every game live. Streaming services like Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV include all the necessary channels except CBS, which is available over the air with an antenna in most markets.
