Fubo subscribers are still without more than 40 NBCUniversal networks — including local NBC and Telemundo stations, Bravo, USA Network, and key NBC Sports channels — after the companies failed to reach a new carriage agreement.
Since the November 21 blackout, both sides have dug in. Fubo accuses NBCUniversal of demanding higher fees than other providers, pushing long-term commitments tied to new channel spin-outs, and blocking the same type of Peacock integration other distributors get. The company has even launched a public-facing “Transparency Center” and promised subscribers a $15 credit if the blackout drags on.
NBCUniversal has pushed back, calling Fubo’s statements misleading, rejecting claims of discriminatory tactics, and defending its negotiating position. The two companies remain entrenched, trading public volleys while a resolution remains uncertain. Meanwhile, viewers are stuck in the middle while negotiations continue behind the scenes.
For more than a million Fubo subscribers, the stakes remain high. Without NBCU channels, those customers are missing major college football matchups and bowl games, nationally televised NBA and NFL games (including Sunday Night Football), holiday specials, Christmas programming, local and national parades, New Year’s countdowns, and other marquee seasonal events.
With Fubo offering a $15 credit, that’s enough for a subscription to NBC’s standalone direct-to-consumer streamer Peacock, which starts at $7.99 per month. However, a Peacock Premium Plus subscription ($16.99 per month) will restore live local NBC feeds. But for viewers who watch programming live on the NBCU slate of networks, this means shopping for temporary alternatives while negotiations play out.
If you’re not willing to wait this out and you don’t want to miss those games, live breaking news, parades, holiday specials, or those moments that matter, here are several Fubo alternatives that still offer NBCUniversal programming and comparable live channels.
Peacock — Standalone With the NBCUniversal Library
- Starting Price: $7.99 per month | Get Peacock with 1-year of Walmart+ for $98
- What you get: Peacock packs the NBCUniversal catalog and originals into an easy-to-use app. The direct-to-consumer app features local NBC broadcasts, live sports, 80,000+ hours of on-demand movies, shows, and originals, and 50+ always-on channels. Peacock offers three tiers: Peacock Select ($7.99), Peacock Premium ($10.99), and Peacock Premium Plus ($16.99). Additionally, you can bundle Peacock with Apple TV starting at $14.99 per month.
- Best for: On-demand viewers who want movies, originals, live sports and news, and other NBCU-exclusive content.
DIRECTV Broad Channel Coverage, RSNs, & Skinny Bundles
- Starting Price: Genre Packs $19.99 per month | Signature Streaming Packages: $84.99 first month ($89.99 per month after)
- Free Trial: Try DIRECTV for 5 Days Free Today & Save Up to $480 on 24 Months
- What you get: DIRECTV carries a full suite of NBCUniversal networks, and it has available bundles that feature Disney+ and Hulu for more on-demand content. It also offers strong local channel pickup in many areas, which helps if you need NBC-affiliate news and live sports. DIRECTV offers a more traditional cable-like package and channel lineup (Streaming Package with up to 150+ channels), but you can choose a skinny-bundle (Genre Package with up to 60+ channels) for a more personalized experience. Plus, it has a broad lineup of RSNs for local sports and an included unlimited DVR to record and rewatch your favorites.
- Best for: Viewers who prioritize dependable local channel access, NBC-owned networks, RSNs, and want a cable-like channel lineup.
YouTube TV — Complete Channel Lineup + Clean Interface
- Starting Price: $62.99 for the first 5 months ($82.99 per month after) | Try YouTube for Free & Save Up to $100 on the First 5 Months
- What you get: YouTube TV has 100+ live channels, including NBCU favorites. Stream USA Network, NBC local, Bravo, Golf Channel, MS NOW, E!, and other top networks. Plus, YouTube TV includes unlimited DVR, Multiview, and upgradeable premium add-ons for a customized viewing experience.
- Best for: YouTube TV offers a simple interface and an expansive lineup of live channels and state-of-the-art features.
Hulu + Live TV — NBC Favorites + Disney Bundles
- Starting Price: $89.99 per month | Try Hulu + Live TV for 3 Days Free
- What you get: Hulu + Live TV has a lineup of 95+ live channels and carries the core Disney bundle. The Disney-owned platform includes top NBCU networks like NBC, MS Now, USA Network, Bravo, Golf Channel, among others, and you have thousands of hours of on-demand content. Hulu + Live TV includes access to the ESPN app, the on-demand libraries of Hulu and Disney+, and unlimited DVR for no additional charge.
- Best for: Viewers who want to enjoy live NBCU content and Disney favorites live and on demand.
Sling TV — Cheaper, More Flexible Option
- Starting Price: $1 (Day Pass), $9.99 (Weekend Pass), $14.99 (Week Pass), $45.99 (Monthly Pass), $115 (3-Month Prepay) | Get Half Off the First Month of Sling Orange & Blue
- What you get: Sling offers NBCU programming and flexible subscription options, ranging from daily to seasonal. The streamer offers NBC (in select markets), USA Network, Bravo, CNBC, MS NOW, E!, Golf Channel, and other networks (30–45+ channels), at various price points, with 50 hours of DVR included in each plan. Sling remains a lower-cost, customizable option if you only need sports plus select Disney channels and you can add unlimited DVR for $5 per month.
- Best for: Budget-minded viewers who want NBCUniversal content with a lighter channel slate.
Which Networks Are Dark on Fubo
The above alternatives are important as the blackout removes or impacts access to 40+ NBC-owned networks for Fubo subscribers. While talks between the two sides continue, depending on your market, Fubo subscribers are missing out on programming from the following networks:
- American Crimes
- Bravo
- Bravo Vault
- Caso Cerrado
- CNBC
- CNBC World
- Cozi
- Dateline 24/7
- E! Entertainment Television
- E! Keeping Up
- Golf Channel
- GolfPass
- LX Home
- Million Dollar Listing Vault
- MSNBC
- NBC Local Affiliates
- NBC NOW
- NBC Sports 4K
- NBC Sports Bay Area
- NBC Sports Bay Area Plus
- NBC Sports Boston
- NBC Sports California
- NBC Sports California Plus
- NBC Sports California Plus 3
- NBC Sports NOW
- NBC Sports Philadelphia
- NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus
- NBC Universo
- New England Cable News
- Noticias Telemundo Ahora
- Oxygen True Crime
- Oxygen True Crime Archives
- Real Housewives Vault
- SNL Vault
- Telemundo Accion
- Telemundo al Dia
- Telemundo Local/National
- The Golf Channel
- Today All Day
- True CRMZ
- Universal Movies
- USA Network
The Right Fubo Replacement
If Fubo and NBCU do not reach an agreement soon, you still have many options to find your favorite NBCUniversal shows, movies, sports, and more. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and DIRECTV pack a wide range of NBCU programming with unlimited DVR and other features Fubo subscribers will enjoy. On the other hand, if you want a cheaper alternative with flexible subscription options, Sling TV packs your favorite NBCU channels and many other popular live TV networks.
For a standalone option, Peacock is the home of all things NBCUniversal and gives you direct access to thousands of hours of on-demand content and live programming. You can sign up for Peacock directly or get it included with a Walmart+ subscription when you sign up for an annual plan for $98.
Additionally, you can watch your local NBC affiliate for free with an over-the-air antenna in most markets (save 20% on a new antenna at Antennas Direct).
