Viewers Face Split Streaming Options for 2026 Midterm Coverage
Major networks broadcast simultaneous specials, but no single live TV service carries all six primary outlets without a separate subscription.
By Gabriela Ivanov ·
American voters heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, face a fragmented digital media environment. While major networks have scheduled dedicated election night programming, no single live streaming service carries all six primary outlets. Viewers without a traditional cable package must select between providers that offer partial access to the broadcast lineup.
NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and MS Now are all broadcasting special coverage. NBC has scheduled 13 hours of live programming titled Decision 26. The broadcast begins at 2 p.m. Pacific Time and concludes at 3 a.m. Pacific Time on November 4. Peacock will stream simultaneous feeds and live results from 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time to 11 p.m. Pacific Time.
MS Now begins its We the People coverage at 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Rachel Maddow leads the network's election night programming. ABC News Vote 2026 starts at 4 p.m. Pacific Time and ends at 11 p.m. Pacific Time. Disney+ and Hulu will stream this coverage live. CBS News America Decides: Election 2026 also begins at 4 p.m. Pacific Time and streams simultaneously on Paramount+.
Fox News Democracy 26 launches at 3 p.m. Pacific Time. NewsNation provides dedicated coverage from 4 p.m. Pacific Time to midnight Eastern Time. The availability of these channels varies across streaming platforms. DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV carry all six major networks. Fubo includes NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NewsNation but excludes CNN and MS Now.
DirecTV offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers. The service includes all major networks in its Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier packages. Subscribers can build custom channel lineups starting at $20.99 per month. Fubo also offers a five-day free trial. After the trial period, plans start at $54.99 for the first month and $64.99 monthly thereafter.
Hulu + Live TV subscriptions start at $89.99 per month. This package includes access to CNN, MS Now, and the other major broadcast networks. The service is bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+. Peacock, Disney+, and Paramount+ will simulcast select coverage for their associated TV networks. However, live TV streaming services remain the primary option for watching multiple channels in one place.
The coverage schedule spans from early afternoon until the early hours of November 4. Viewers must account for time zone differences when tuning in. NBC's broadcast is the longest, running through the night. Other networks have shorter windows. The split in streaming availability means some households may need multiple services to watch every network's full election night lineup.
