ABC is currently the top network for entertainment programming, which is no surprise. With popular shows like The Bachelor and The View, the channel has captured the hearts, eyes, and ears of many viewers. If you’re ready to find ABC on Spectrum so you can get in on the fun, here’s what you need to know.
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Free trial available. Watch 75+ channels, including local channels and special premium channel offers.
Take a 7-day free trial and stream more than 70 channels live. Record your favorites with unlimited DVR.
ABC Channel Guide
| Location | Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 7 |
| San Antonio, TX | 13 |
| Dallas, TX | 8 |
| Milwaukee, WI | 12 |
| Birmingham, AL | 33 |
| New York, NY | 7 |
| Louisville, KY | 4 |
| Kansas City, KS | 12 |
| Durham, NC | 6 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 9 |
| Boston, MA | 5 |
| Reno, NV | 8 |
Just like with most channels on the network, the ABC channel on Spectrum varies based on your location. No matter where you live, Spectrum will automatically assign ABC’s channel number to you, and you can find the full guide of each network’s channel number under your Spectrum account.
The History of ABC
Today, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is an American commercial television network, but it began as a radio network back in 1943. When the FCC determined that a company could not own more than one radio network, NBC was required to sell its NBC Blue Network. It was sold to Edward J. Noble, the millionaire creator of Life Savers candy, who renamed it the American Broadcasting Company, Inc.
In 1948, it expanded its business to include television, following in the footsteps of rival networks CBS and NBC. The network saw little success until merging with United Paramount Theatres (UPT), approved by the FCC in 1953. The business would later be purchased by Capital Cities Broadcasting in 1986, after dabbling in radio and television through the 1970s. ABC purchased ESPN in 1984, and in 1996, The Walt Disney Company purchased ABC.
ABC has shifted its broadcasting focus almost entirely to television since 2007. Being the newest of the “Big Three” American networks (after CBS and NBC), it’s also known as the Alphabet Network because its initials match the first three letters of the English alphabet. As of 2023, the network provides 89 hours of regularly scheduled programming every week, including 22 hours of prime-time programming.
ABC Programming
©The Walt Disney Company – License
For viewers of ABC, there are many different genres and shows available to watch. Here’s what you can expect when tuning in.
News
For many people, ABC is well known for its news shows. A few popular options include ABC World News Tonight, one of the first shows to debut on ABC back in 1953, Good Morning America, and Nightline. Whether you need to catch the news in the early mornings or later in the evenings, ABC’s network has you covered.
Drama
If drama television is what you prefer to watch, ABC has quite a few shows that may suit your fancy. From award-winning shows like Grey’s Anatomy to newer options like The Rookie and Will Trent, there’s a bit to catch up on. They also show daytime dramas such as General Hospital, which has been on the air since 1968.
Reality TV
If you’ve ever watched The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, you’re already aware of the type of reality TV you can watch on ABC. However, the channel offers much more than that. A few other popular shows include Dancing with the Stars, Shark Tank, and Judge Steve Harvey.
Comedy
For lovers of comedy and humor, ABC has many different shows you might enjoy. These include The Conners, Abbott Elementary, and Not Dead Yet. You can also catch reruns of shows like Mixed-ish and American Housewife from time to time.
Game Shows
Almost everyone loves a good game show. With the ABC channel, you have quite a few to pick from. Some popular shows include Celebrity Family Feud, Press Your Luck, and Jeopardy! Masters.
Talk Shows
There are both morning and late-night talk shows available on ABC. For morning shows, you’ll find The View and GMA3: What You Need to Know. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. EST.
ABC Main Sister Channels
Since ABC was purchased by The Walt Disney Company, it has quite a few sister channels. Here are just a few that you can watch on Spectrum.
ABC Sister Channels Guide
| Name | Channel Number |
|---|---|
| ESPN | Varies |
| Disney Channel | Varies |
| A&E | 42 |
| Lifetime | Varies |
| FX | 52, 68, 108, 116, or 205 |
| National Geographic | 66 or 129 |
As we noted, Spectrum varies its channels based on the customers’ locations. If you’re trying to find the specific channel number for some of these networks, you can find them by going to your Spectrum account and looking at the channel guide, or by clicking “Guide” on your TV and searching for the channel.
ESPN Programming
ESPN is the ultimate sports channel, providing live and recorded games from the NFL, MLB, NBA, and more. It also provides commentary on shows like SportsCenter, Around the Horn, and First Take.
Disney Channel Programming
If you have children, Disney Channel is a great network option for them to watch. It has shows for toddlers and younger children in the mornings, like Bluey. For pre-teens and teens, evening and night programs like Raven’s Home, Pretty Freekin Scary, and Secrets of Sulphur Springs are great options.
A&E Programming
A&E is a popular network for true crime and paranormal lovers. The channel provides plenty of interesting shows for fans of these genres, including 60 Days In, The First 48, and Ghost Hunters.
Lifetime Programming
Lifetime offers both its own feature films and syndicated made-for-television movies that have been previously broadcast on other networks. While the network does also have a few shows, like Married At First Sight, it’s mostly known for its movies. Some of the most popular include Girl in the Basement, The Night Stalker, and Death Saved My Life.
FX Programming
FX is mainly known for mature content in the horror, sci-fi, drama, and comedy genres when it comes to its shows. The network also shows documentaries and films previously released in theaters. Just a few shows that you can watch on the channel are American Horror Stories, Welcome to Wrexham, black-ish, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadephia.
National Geographic Programming
©The Walt Disney Company – License
If you love nature, animals, and documentaries, National Geographic is the perfect channel for you. It includes shows like Alaska’s Deadliest, Life Below Zero, To Catch a Smuggler, and Doomsday Preppers.
ABC on Spectrum Wrap-Up
It’s almost impossible to think of news and reality TV without thinking of ABC. With so many different options when it comes to shows and films, you’re bound to find something you enjoy watching. If that isn’t enough for you, ABC’s sister channels can fill in any gaps!
