What Channel Is CNN On?

Even though it fell behind fellow news channels MSNBC and Fox News in the rankings, U.S. news stalwart CNN had a great year last year, with a 20% increase in viewership during 2024.

So, want to tune in to CNN? Keep reading—I have the details on how to watch CNN on six different TV providers across 50+ of the largest U.S. cities.

But you’re a cord-cutter, you say? CNN’s also available on multiple live TV streaming services (plus a channel on Max), so I’ll have all the details on how you can stream CNN, too.

Jump to:

• CNN channel numbers
• Get CNN with cable or satellite
• Get CNN with a live TV streaming service
• Stream CNN on Max

What channel is CNN on near me?

The channel CNN is on near you will depend on what TV provider you have and where you’re located. For example, the channel number for DIRECTV or DISH will be the same regardless of location, but numbers for providers like Spectrum and Cox will vary.

Don’t see your city below? Enter your zip into our service-finder tool directly above to find out the TV provider options near you.

CNN channel numbers in major U.S. cities

Data effective as of post date.

Get CNN with cable or satellite TV

You can watch CNN with the majority of traditional TV providers. CNN is typically included in providers’ base plans, so you shouldn’t have to break the bank to get your news fix.

Here are some of the top cable and satellite TV providers that offer CNN.

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Get CNN with a live TV streaming service

Are you a cord-cutter who wants to know how to watch CNN? Luckily for you, CNN is available on most live TV streaming services.

Some notable exceptions are Fubo, Frndly TV, and Philo. Friendly TV and Philo make sense, as they are two services that don’t carry any news channels, but Fubo came as a surprise.

Fubo carries Fox News and MSNBC but not CNN, weirdly. (We don’t love Fubo, anyways, so nbd.)

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Stream CNN on Max

If you have Max (previously HBO Max), you’ll get CNN content included with your subscription.

Unfortunately, starting at the end of March 2025, CNN’s live feed is no longer available to subscribers on Max’s ad-supported tier ($9.99/mo.). From now on, you’ll need to pay for the Standard ($16.99/mo.) or Premium plan ($20.99/mo.) to stream breaking news from CNN on Max.

But regardless of what tier sub you have, Max users will still be able to access CNN documentaries and non-news programs.

What’s on CNN?

CNN airs programming primarily based around U.S. and global news. CNN has also aired non-news programs, such as food and travel shows like Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

Some current CNN shows

What is CNN?

Cable News Network (CNN) is a multinational news organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

CNN was first launched in 1980 by Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld, quickly becoming one of the most popular TV channels in the United States. CNN was also the first channel to provide 24/7 news coverage in the U.S. as the first news-only channel in the country.

Still one of the most popular channels in America, CNN was the 15th most-watched last year, falling a few steps behind fellow news channels Fox News and MSNBC.

What channel is CNN on FAQ