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TruTV: How to Watch Without Cable and Start Saving $$$ Today

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TruTV has changed a lot over the years, but it now stands as one of the best overall channels for entertainment with a focus on comedy with a healthy dose of sports. Although it is one of the base “cable channels,” it is not necessary to have cable to enjoy it. Read on to learn your options.

In a hurry? Any of the following services will provide you with access to TruTV and many other channels:

  • DIRECTV STREAM: Makes it easy to switch from cable to streaming with their 75+ channel Entertainment plan and options for much more. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
  • Sling TV: The top low-cost streaming service provides a great base channel lineup in both its plans. Save 50% with Sling TV.
  • Hulu + Live TV: This total entertainment streaming service provides a great on-demand selection and all the essential live TV channels.

If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, try ExpressVPN to get access to the content you deserve.

In a hurry? Unfortunately, we don’t know a streaming service in that offers this TV channel/sport. But if you’ve already paid for the right service, and just can’t watch because of your location, there is an easy way to get the sports, movies, and TV you deserve. You need a VPN, like one of the following.

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TruTV was launched in 2008, rising phoenix-like from the ashes of CourtTV. At the time, it was still very much a drama- and action-based reality network — so “real” that the channel’s staff felt the need to coin a new word for it: “actuality.”

Courtroom coverage was reduced to the “In Session” programming block from 9 am to 3 pm, then whittled away until it was removed altogether.

By 2014, the station’s content had completely shifted to comedic-themed reality shows, semi-scripted docuseries, sketch comedy, and reality competitions aimed at “funseekers.” Some syndicated series and films were also thrown into the mix.

The joke is on your cable company, though, if they think you need their expensive contracts to catch the latest Backyard Bar Wars. Just check out the streaming services discussed below, and you’ll be the last one laughing.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

March Madness on TruTV

March Madness 2022 is a long way out so we don’t know what teams will be competing. But we know when it will be happening. TruTV will be showing First Four and first- and second-round coverage.

  • Selection Sunday: March 17
  • First Four: March 19, 20
  • First/Second Rounds: March 21, 22, 23, 24
  • Sweet 16/Elite 8: March 28, 29, 30, 31
  • Final Four: April 6
  • NCAA Championship: 9 p.m. Monday, April 8 (ET)

Here’s the full schedule:

RoundDate City
Selection SundayMarch 13N/A
First FourMarch 15 and 16Dayton, Ohio
First/SecondMarch 17 and 19 Buffalo, New York
First/SecondMarch 17 and 19Cincinnati, Ohio
First/SecondMarch 17 and 19 Fort Worth, Texas
First/SecondMarch 17 and 19 Portland, Oregon
First/SecondMarch 18 and 20 Greenville, South Carolina
First/SecondMarch 18 and 20 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
First/SecondMarch 18 and 20 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
First/SecondMarch 18 and 20 San Diego, California
Sweet 16/Elite EightMarch 24 and 26 San Antonio, Texas
Sweet 16/Elite EightMarch 24 and 26 San Francisco, California
Sweet 16/Elite EightMarch 25 and 27Chicago, Illinois
Sweet 16/Elite EightMarch 25 and 27 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Final FourApril 2 and 4New Orleans

Unblock Your Favorite Movies and Shows With a VPN

If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, a VPN will allow you to get the access you are entitled to, plus extra security and unequalled privacy. Check out our VPN Guide for everything you need to know, including our top pick ExpressVPN.

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How to Watch TruTV Live Without Cable

TruTV is currently marketed together with its closest sibling stations, TBS (more standard scripted comedy) and TNT (scripted drama), which were in turn part of the Turner Broadcasting family, which also included CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, Boomerang, and Turner Classic Movies. Turner Broadcasting is currently owned by WarnerMedia, making TruTV a step-sibling of HBO, Cinemax, and The CW.

Unfortunately, you can’t get TruTV with an antenna, because it’s not an over-the-air network (think NBC, ABC, CBS). It’s considered a “pay” or “cable” channel because you can only watch it if your local cable or satellite provider — like Xfinity or Verizon — makes it available.

At least, that’s how it used to work.

These days, more and more people turn to OTT (over-the-top) services that find alternate methods to deliver the same TV channels. No year-long commitments, no hidden fees, no waiting around all day for the cable guy to come just to plug in a few cords.

You can get all your favorite shows, live, just like you watch them on cable, through a streaming service that provides all the TV you love over the internet.

Streaming Services With TruTV

Another great advantage to streaming services is that you have choices. Usually at least two or three (and sometimes up to six or more) give you access to the channels you want.

Each service has its own pros and cons. You can choose one that works best for you. TruTV is carried by several of the biggest services: Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV).

Let’s talk details.

Sling TV

Sling TV Logo (2021 100x50)

The great strength of Sling TV is its flexibility. You can get around 40 channels or over a hundred. It’s the most customizable service out there. It’s cheap too. Sling Blue gives you TruTV plus 40+ other channels for just $40.00/mo!

This plan also comes with Cartoon Network (Adult Swim), Comedy Central, FX, TBS, and TNT. You also get your local NBC and Fox affiliates in most areas. Plus, you can watch on up to three devices at the same time if your household doesn’t always agree on what to watch. And you get 50 hours of cloud DVR.

Sling TV doesn’t have a free trial. Save 50% on Sling TV now! Read our thorough review for more information. You can also check out our guide to March Madness coverage and schedule.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

Sling TV - TruTV
TruTV on Sling TV.

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) carries TruTV and all the Warner sister stations (including TBS) in its base Entertainment package. You get Comedy Central, FXX, TV Land, and TLC.

DIRECTV STREAM offers four tiers of service. The lowest level is the Entertainment Plan with 75+ channels for $79.99/mo. The top-level is the Premier with 140+ channels for $164.99/mo. That plan might sound expensive but it comes with a ton of premium channels from HBO, Showtime, Starz, and MGM+.

All packages come with an upgradable unlimited cloud DVR (as long as you sign up online) and the ability to watch on unlimited different devices in the same home (and remotely). All TV packages also come with a full slate of local broadcast channels.

For details, see our DIRECTV STREAM review.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days

Hulu + Live TV

hulu logo

Good old reliable Hulu + Live TV has got your back when it comes to Turner-WarnerMedia channels: it’s got them all. You get TruTV plus over 85 other channels, unlimited Cloud DVR with 9 month storage, and the ability to watch on up to 2 screens at a time, for $76.99/mo.

But wait, there’s more! They’ll even throw in access to their huge on-demand library, and Disney+, and ESPN+. Still not convinced? In most areas, your local network affiliates are included in the deal (including The CW). And, HBO and Cinemax are available as premium channels for a little extra.

If you’re still hunting up laughs, they also carry Comedy Central, FXX, and TV Land, plus TLC for more reality-based escapism. Read our Hulu + Live TV review for more information.

Try Hulu + Live TV Today!

Superpower Your Live TV Streaming With a VPN

You can’t beat a VPN for privacy, security, and access. We have used them for years as an important part of our streaming toolkit and we recommend ExpressVPN. Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.

i See our VPN Buyer’s Guide for complete information on how to choose the best VPN for your needs.

Other Ways to Stream TruTV

Searching for more ways to keep up with Fast Foodies? Here are more ways to stream TruTV:

  • YouTube TV: Similar to Hulu + Live TV, you can get TruTV, TBS, TNT, plus over 80 other channels, including local networks.
  • On-demand: TruTV’s shows are available to stream on several services. The most comprehensive collection is on HBO Max (since both HBO and truTV are part of WarnerMedia’s Entertainment division). You can also find some series on Amazon Prime Video and Vudu.
  • TruTV App: Offers a live-stream of the channel plus on-demand content of former and current original series. It requires you to sign in with your TV provider so if you don’t already have a cable TV subscription or compatible streaming service it won’t do you much good.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

TVs and Other Devices for Watching TruTV

Most modern TVs and streaming devices will allow you to watch TruTV with the services we’ve discussed. In particular, all of the following are supported:

  • Smartphones/Tablets
    • Android
    • iOS
  • Casting
    • Chromecast devices
    • Chromecast-enabled TVs
  • TV Stick Devices
    • Amazon Fire TV
    • Apple TV
    • Roku
  • Samsung TVs
  • Web browsers
    • Chrome
    • Edge
    • Safari.

DIRECTV STREAM offers its own device (like a cable box), which is expensive ($120), but may make the transition from cable to streaming easier.

Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV support Android TV devices and smart TVs from LG and Vizio. They also both support the Xbox One. There are a number of less popular devices that are also supported; see our streaming reviews for more details.

Today’s TruTV Schedule

Here is today’s schedule in Eastern Time:

Bold Baking 10 Years

Chef & baking superstar, Gemma Stafford, will help you elevate your celebrations with a 24-Layer Chocolate Cake featuring silky pastry cream, luxurious ganache, and tender cake layers. It's all to commemorate 10 years of Bigger Bolder Baking!

Inogen Portable Oxygen - No More Tanks!

Regain independence and enjoy greater mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of portable oxygen.

Impractical Jokers: Inside JokesNot Safe for Work

Q, Sal, Murr and Joe share how long Murr had to hold each pose for his nude modeling punishment.

World's Dumbest ...World's Dumbest Motorheads 10

A car cut in half; a bumper-loving pig; the snow plow driver who makes vehicles disappear.

World's Dumbest ...World's Dumbest Performers 16

Lion trainers under attack; a sexy drum solo; a guy famous for smoking weed.

World's Dumbest ...World's Smartest Inventions 11

Inventions that will scare and delight including one that cools off those man parts for baby making and a sound system for the dead.

World's Dumbest ...World's Dumbest Shoppers

Counting down 20 incidents involving crazed consumers; shoppers in the buff; a woman hopes to get free lingerie; store stampede; celebrity commentators include Danny Bonaduce, Tonya Harding, Todd Bridges, Leif Garrett and Gary Busey.

World's Dumbest ...World's Dumbest Daredevils 4

Kite-surfing in a hurricane; island jumping in a speedboat; climbing a monument in Paris.

World's Dumbest ...World's Dumbest Drivers 8

Counting down 20 incidents involving dumb drivers in blunders and crashes; celebrity commentators include Todd Bridges, Leif Garrett, Danny Bonaduce and Tonya Harding.

Impractical JokersTipping Point

Sal, Murr, Joe, and Q pull desk duty; the Jokers bar strangers from the bathroom; the big loser learns the hard way that gratuity is not included.

Impractical JokersFull Mental Jacket

Joe, Murr, Q, and Sal send blood pressure rates sky-high while posing as nurses, then they stroll through the store with their wives; the big loser wishes he could check out early at a pop-up fashion show.

Impractical JokersBlue Man Dupe

Murr, Joe, Q and Sal are a little too generous with fellow shoppers at the market, then ask strangers to help them out of a texting jam. Plus, the big loser fights his way - repeatedly - to the best seat in the house.

Impractical JokersThe Dumbbell

Joe, Sal, Q, and Murr test their parental instincts by reading their daughters' diaries, then they give presentations that are anything but normal; the big loser gets painfully honest with bodybuilders at the gym.

Impractical JokersThe Eggman

Joe, Q, Sal and Murr go incognito to fool unsuspecting strangers, pop in for a coffee just in time to miss out on a big prize, and the big loser has a rotten punishment.

Impractical JokersCake Loss

Q, Sal, Murr and Joe mean no disrespect to patrons at a food court, then cut to the chase while posing as tailors. Later, strangers pick sides in a wild debate, and tonight's big loser takes the cake with his crumby punishment.

Impractical JokersThe Antisocial Network

Sal, Murr, Joe, and Q play matchmakers at the food court; the Jokers pose as architects, sharing some perplexing new building technology; the night's big loser makes a connection while networking -- and won't let go.

Impractical JokersNCAA March Madness Breakdown

NBA stars Doug McDermott and Enes Kanter, along with host Joey Fatone, determine which Joker is the year's top draft pick.

NCAA Tip-Off

Coverage and analysis of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

2024 NCAA Men's Basketball TournamentFirst Four: Teams TBA

From UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.

2024 NCAA Men's Basketball TournamentFirst Four: Teams TBA

From UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.

Inside March Madness

Coverage and analysis of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Impractical JokersAnthony Davis

From working remotely to pitching unconventional business ideas with Steve Byrne, one Joker has a shot at winning a pair of highly sought-after sneakers thanks to NBA star Anthony Davis.

Impractical JokersPost Malone

The jokers give unsolicited etiquette advice and live tape strange product reviews; one lucky joker takes all the blame for celebrity guest Post Malone.

Impractical JokersJohn Mayer

Joined by John Mayer, the Jokers must convince unsuspecting temps to accompany them to a business dinner; the losing Joker has to face the wrath of angry Mayer fans in a humiliating punishment.

Impractical JokersOff the Reservation

Murr, Q, Joe, and Sal participate in a fake documentary, then find themselves in the middle of a marshmallow-throwing contest; the big loser cannot find customers' dinner reservations.

Impractical JokersFraudway

Q, Joe, Sal, and Murr one-up each other while trying not to laugh; they team up for a lunch that's for the birds; the big loser hits the Broadway stage where he's treated to a classic New York welcome by an agitated crowd.

Impractical JokersThe Show Stopper

Sal, Q, Joe, and Murr are at Universal Studios in Hollywood, Calif.; they serve up ridiculous surveys, then make things awkward while posing as maintenance workers; the big loser can't catch a break, no matter how many times he tries.

Impractical JokersSucks for You

Sal, Q, Joe and Murr bus their way through Katz's Deli, then express some unpopular opinions at the park; plus, the big loser must talk his way through some real highs and lows, in a punishment that truly sucks.

Impractical JokersWell...

Q, Sal, Joe, and Murr play a game of tag at a coffee shop, then convince shoppers to deliver sketchy messages at the grocery store; the big loser may lose his mind in the show's first-ever non-punishment punishment.

Inogen Portable Oxygen - No More Tanks!

Regain independence and enjoy greater mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of portable oxygen.

Powerful Cleaning with Shark Stratos

Meet the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum with features like the DuoClean PowerFins HairPro, Extended Reach and detachable pod for hard to reach areas, and odor neutralizing technology, you'll be cleaning like a pro in no time!

Who Stole My Life?

Every 3 seconds an American's identity is stolen. Just how safe is your 401k? Your bank account? Your home? Your credit? Crime Reporter Tom Morris Jr. investigates the identity theft epidemic. Find out how you can help protect yourself with LifeLock.

Shark CarpetXpertTM with StainStrikerTM 2-in-1 deep carpet cleaner with built-in spot & stain remove

Shark CarpetXpert with StainStriker, 2-in-1 deep carpet and upholstery cleaner with a handheld spot & stain eliminator, combines Shark's powerful suction & deep-cleaning innovation to deliver unbeatable deep carpet cleaning & tough stain elimination.

Bold Baking 10 Years

Chef & baking superstar, Gemma Stafford, will help you elevate your celebrations with a 24-Layer Chocolate Cake featuring silky pastry cream, luxurious ganache, and tender cake layers. It's all to commemorate 10 years of Bigger Bolder Baking!

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill

Meet the Shark Ninja Wood Fire Grill, with Master Grill, BBQ Smoke, and Air Fry outdoor capabilities. Powered by electricity and flavored by real burning wood pellets, Woodfire Technology allows you to easily create rich flavor you can see and taste.

Wrapping Up

So whether you love the hilarious firefighter hijinks of Tacoma FD or you go in more for the mind-bending street magic of Big Trick Energy, you don’t have to put up with your cable bill any longer.

Make the switch to one of these streaming services, and keep right on laughing with Impractical Jokers and all your other TruTV favorites.

FAQ

What TV shows can I watch on TruTV?

TruTV stays pretty true to its current theme of taking a standard reality premise and giving it a comedic twist.

The network’s two oldest original shows are still running and still popular: Impractical Jokers (four friends issue and complete outrageous public dares) and The Carbonaro Effect (a magician catches people’s reactions to spontaneous tricks on a hidden camera). Other current top original series include:

  • Adam Ruins Everything
  • Backyard Bar Wars
  • Big Trick Energy
  • Double Cross with Blake Griffin
  • Fast Foodies
  • Hot Ones: the Game Show
  • It’s Personal with Amy Hoggart
  • Tacoma FD
  • Tirdy Works
  • Top Secret Videos.

TruTV, because of a deal between Turner Sports and CBS, also airs NCAA Division I Championship games (March Madness) “First Four” and parts of the first and second rounds. Or, as SBNation puts it, “You’re watching college hoops on a comedy channel that used to cover courtroom proceedings.”

Ditch “Big Cable” Now – 3 Simple Steps to Cut the Cord

  1. Pick the right streaming service
  2. Get the content you deserve with the best VPN.
  3. Supercharge your internet provider

That’s it — you’ll save money, take back control, and enjoy TV more!

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Alanna Baker

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