Google’s Chromecast can be considered to be the pioneer of the small-to-big-screen revolution. It allows you to cast whatever you see on your small screen devices — your smartphone, laptop, tablet, for example — to the big screen: to an HDMI-supported television. Today, we’ll take a look at how you could catch the live telecast of your favorite shows and sporting events on Chromecast. Today, we’ll tell you what channels you can watch on Chromecast — both classic and with Google TV. 

Related: How to Cast to Google TV Chromecast From Your Android, iPhone, and Windows PC

Does Chromecast support live channels? 

The classic Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra is a casting device. It can cast your mobile screen to your television with the help of supported applications. And since the legacy Chromecast device doesn’t offer a User Interface — with apps, channels, and more — there is no provision for us to watch anything live, directly through Chromecast itself. So, if you were hoping to plug in your Chromecast stick and start streaming, you are sadly out of luck. 

Understanding it to be a bottleneck, Google launched an improved version of Chromecast, dubbing it as “Chromecast with Google TV.” Not only does it come with its predecessors’ streaming capabilities, but it also gives you a nice little UI, stacked with supported applications.

Chromecast with Google TV is the modernized version of Android TV, and we believe it to be an excellent companion to your TV. Since Chromecast with Google TV comes with its native app set, you don’t need to have your phone or laptop nearby. Just fetch a suitable app and let the streaming begin. 

Related: Can’t Cast to Google TV Chromecast? Here’s How to Fix It

Can you watch regular channels on Chromecast stick? 

As we’ve discussed, the classic Chromecast stick doesn’t support direct playback. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot cast the channels you love the most from your mobile, computer, or tablet to your Chromecast-enabled TV. After you have logged in to a supported application, you will see the casting button at the top-right corner.

Now, simply tap on the name of your Chromecast device, and the casting would start. 

You either need to have the app for the channel or the webpage for the same. If there is nothing to cast, Chromecast won’t be able to help you out. 

Related: How to set up ‘Google TV with Chromecast’ and pair Chromecast remote

Can you watch regular channels on Chromecast with Google TV?

Chromecast with Google TV comes with a rich collection of native applications, which makes it super easy for all users to start enjoying their favorite content. You can simply log in to your Google account through Chromecast with Google TV, download the application, and start streaming. It’s that simple. 

Since Chromecast with Google TV has its own app library and a neat UI with remote control, you don’t need your phone, tablet, or laptop to start streaming. Only if you want to cast from your device would you need to access your phone. 

What Channels Does the classic Chromecast Have?

Chromecast classic or Ultra doesn’t have built-in channels. However, if the channel you wish to watch has a Chromecast-supported app, you will be able to watch it on your television. It doesn’t matter if it’s a repeat of an 80s show or a live sporting event — simply get to the website/run the app of the channel, and you’d be able to cast it. Below is a list of some popular ‘TV & Movies’ and ‘Sports’ apps that are supported by Chromecast.

  • YouTube TV
  • Prime Video
  • Hulu
  • ShowTime
  • Sling TV
  • Vudu Movies & TV
  • Watch Food Network
  • Plex
  • Yupp TV
  • Pluto TV
  • MLS Live
  • Fox Sports Go
  • NFL Sunday Ticket
  • CBS Sports
  • UFC TV
  • BEIN Sports

Click on this link to see the complete list of apps that support Chromecast. Remember that Chromecast doesn’t charge you a separate monthly fee to cast the channels to your TV. You must already be signed up for these services to get the desired results. 

What Channels Does Chromecast with Google TV Have?

Chromecast with Google TV is a well-rounded streaming tool. Unlike the traditional Chromecast, you get complete Google TV support with this device, which allows you to download your favorite applications and watch TV — both live and recorded. Here are some of the popular channels available natively on Chromecast with Google TV. 

  • YouTube TV
  • Prime Video
  • Sling TV
  • Philo — only for Android
  • Hulu Live TV
  • AT&T TV
  • FuboTV
  • CBS All Access
  • Starz
  • Paramount Plus
  • Peacock
  • Showtime
  • ESPN
  • NBC Sports
  • Fox Sports
  • Redbull TV
  • Apple TV+

To get the comprehensive list of the native apps available on Chromecast with Google TV, click on this link. 

Since you’re on a Google-powered device, subscribing to YouTube TV may be your best bet. You can subscribe to the service for a monthly fee of $64.99 and enjoy over 85 live channels. The first three months are heavily discounted at $54.99/month. 

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