‘American Idol’ Returns for Season 24: How to Livestream New Episodes Online

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.

American Idol University — the theme for the singing competition’s latest season — is officially in session.

American Idol season 24 premieres on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at 8 pm PT/ET, and since it’ll air weekly on ABC, cord-cutters can stream it live on any TV streaming service that carries the network, including DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Fubo (with a five-day free trial), Sling and Hulu + Live TV.

At a Glance: How to Watch American Idol Season 24

Since select streamers are offering free trials and limited-time discounts, viewers can livestream the latest episode at no cost; keep reading to learn more about each option.

How to Watch American Idol Season 24: Air Date and Time, Where to Stream Online The 24th season of American Idol premieres with a two-hour episode, “Auditions, Part 1,” on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at 8 pm PT/ET (and can be livestreamed via DirecTV, Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV). New two-hour episodes air weekly during the same time slot, the first four of which will cover the audition process.

While the only way to livestream episodes online is through a live TV streaming service, like DirecTV, Fubo, Sling or Hulu + Live TV, new episodes will be available to stream on-demand the following day on Hulu and Disney+ with Hulu.

Learn more about each streaming option (and their free trials) below.

Learn more about each plan option, including how to build your own channel lineup (starting at just $19.99 per month), at directv.com.

After the trial, plans start at $45.99 for the first month and $55.99 monthly thereafter.

For the best bang for your buck, opt for Sling’s Orange & Blue plan, which is currently half off for the first month: $33 for the first month and $65.99 monthly thereafter.