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Discover the next singing superstar in ‘American Idol’ Season 24

Discover the next singing superstar in ‘American Idol’ Season 24

The beloved reality series is back with a new batch of contestants — will your favorite become the next American Idol?

David Satin
David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.
Read full bio ›
David Satin
•
Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.
Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.

The temperature may be chilly outside, but things are heating up on ABC on Monday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. ET when Season 24 of “American Idol” premieres! The show will bring longtime host Ryan Seacrest back, and he’ll be joined by judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Ritchie, and Carrie Underwood as they search for America’s next singing sensation. You can watch the new season of “American Idol” with a subscription to DIRECTV.

How to watch ‘American Idol’ Season 24

Everything you need to know about ‘American Idol’ Season 24

What time do new episodes of ‘American Idol’ Season 24 come on?

New episodes of “American Idol” Season 24 will premiere on ABC on Monday evenings at 8 p.m., starting with the season premiere on Jan. 26.

Why watch ‘American Idol’ Season 24 on DIRECTV?

“American Idol” Season 24 will air on ABC, and DIRECTV offers customers several ways to get this channel through its streaming plans. ABC is found in all DIRECTV Signature packages, starting with the ENTERTAINMENT plan. This offers 90+ channels at a starting price of $90 per month.

Viewers can also find ABC in the MyNews and MySports Genre packs, which offer fewer channels but also come with a lower monthly price. The MyNews package costs $40 per month, and MySports will run you $70, but either choice allows the subscriber to cut out channels they don’t watch.

DIRECTV also comes with perks, no matter how you decide to receive your plan. If you go with a Gemini device from DIRECTV, you can get free Disney+ and Hulu with any DIRECTV Signature plan. If you opt to receive your channels through your own device instead, you get a five-day free trial from T-Mobile!

5-Day Trial
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DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial
$59.99+ / month
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Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

Can you watch ‘American Idol’ Season 24 for free?

There are alternative streaming services that carry ABC that offer a free trial you can use to watch at least an episode or two of the new season of “American Idol” for free.

Hulu + Live TV has a three-day free trial for all new customers, after which plans start at $90 per month if you want the Disney Bundle included free.

Fubo has a trial between one and seven days, depending on what time of month you sign up and other factors. Once the trial ends, the Fubo Sports service costs $56 per month.

YouTube TV comes with a free trial that can last between two days and three weeks, depending on promotions and other variables. Once the trial ends, YouTube TV costs $83 per month.

What are all the streamers you can use to watch ‘American Idol’ Season 24?

DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all carry ABC in at least a selection of markets. Of these options, DIRECTV is our favorite for the reasons we discussed above.

Viewers can stream episodes of “American Idol” on demand the day after they air live with a subscription to Hulu.

DIRECTV Fubo Hulu Philo Sling TV YouTube TV
Free Trial Free Trial Free 3-Day Trial Free Trial Save with Sling Free Trial
$20.99 $9.99 $28.99 $25 $19.99 $29.99 $45.99 $45.99 $64.99
ABC + $24 + $59 + $61 - - ✓ - ✓ ✓

Watch a preview of ‘American Idol’ Season 24

About ‘American Idol’ Season 24

Contestants from around the United States will tune up their vocal cords, memorize their lyrics, and prepare to face the judges for a new season of “American Idol.” And this year, the top 30 contestants will get to enjoy a special round of competition that has never been tested before.

The brand new ‘Ohana Round will take the top 30 hopefuls to Hawai’i for a three-episode arc. They’ll perform for industry tastemakers to try and win their support — and that of their hundreds of millions of fans! Who will you fall in love with on “American Idol” this season?

American Idol

March 11, 2018

The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!

David Satin
David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.
Read full bio ›
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DIRECTV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.