ABC Restricting Next-Day Availability of Full Episodes

Credit: ABC

ABC has long been one of the most efficient and accommodating networks when it comes to wide availability full episodes via streaming the day after air. But ABC is preparing to enact some restrictions on its streaming service. The network announced -- via the official Watch ABC portal -- a potentially disappointing decision to those who've cut the cable cord.

Effective Monday, Jan. 6, only viewers who can verify their cable subscription — or those using the Hulu Plus premium service — will be able to access full episodes the day after they air. Those without a valid cable service log-in or Hulu account will need to wait eight days before new episodes become available for free streaming.

However, if you can't wait, next-day downloads will be made available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon Instant Video. But ABC seems to be encouraging cable subscriptions. Valid cable services include AT&T U-verse, Cablevision Optimum, Charter, Comcast XFINITY, Cox Communications, Google Fiber, Midcontinent and Verizon FiOS. DISH, DirecTV and Time Warner Cable are not included, unfortunately.

Via: TVLine