Global news network CNN is still one of the most trusted sources for news around the world. Therefore, a lot of viewers in the UK want to know how to watch CNN live, preferably on their big-screen TV.
Unfortunately, when CNN was removed from Freesat, Virgin Media and BT TV in 2021, it became harder to watch CNN live in the UK – especially without paying extra – but this year, things have improved again.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the options UK viewers currently have to watch CNN live: With a Sky or Virgin Media subscription (yes, it’s back on Virgin), free watching on certain models of TVs and devices, and more options.
CNN was founded in 1980 by Ted Turner, as a 24/7 news network. It’s one of the most popular news networks in the US, at a time when news networks are losing viewership.
Globally, CNN operates via CNN International, with various international editions available worldwide, with viewers in more than 200 countries, often as part of premium pay-TV packages.
In the UK, CNN used to be available for free on Freesat, a free-to-air service that only requires a satellite dish, and a Freesat receiver/recorder.
However, in 2021, CNN started changing its focus towards subscription-based distribution, and the CNN channel was removed from Freesat (as well as from two pay-TV platforms – Virgin Media and BT TV).
Watching CNN Live In The UK
If you want to watch CNN live on your TV in the UK, there are a few options at the moment. Strangely, CNN’s own subscription-based service, only works on computer browsers and smartphones, and doesn’t have a TV app for now.
Here are the main options that currently exist in the UK to watch CNN:
1. CNN on Sky
For a few years, Sky was the only pay-TV platform that still carried CNN in the UK – and while that’s no longer the case, Sky is still one of the options to watch CNN live if you’re subscribed to Sky (check Sky offers here).
CNN is available in HD, on Sky channel 506.
CNN is available on Sky Q, as well as on Sky’s newer streaming-based devices – Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
2. CNN on Virgin Media TV
In 2024, CNN finally returned to Virgin Media’s TV services, and it’s even better than before – the channel is now in HD, and it includes a library of catch-up content that’s available on-demand via Virgin Media’s service.
Viewers can find CNN on Virgin Media Channel 626.
3. CNN On Amazon’s Prime Video
Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service has a “Live TV” section that includes free (ad-supported) channels – and on the news section, you can find CNN.
You can watch Prime Video’s live channels on all devices that support the Prime Video app – so basically, most streaming devices (and smart TVs) are available in the UK.
4. CNN On Roku / Phones / PCs via Rakuten TV
Rakuten TV’s free streaming platform offers a selection of live channels – including CNN.
Until a couple of years ago, the platform was only available on a few specific TV models (such as LG Smart TVs), but the free channels section was then added to Rakuten TV on more devices.
Therefore, this is now another widely available way to watch CNN for free in the UK, and is currently available on:
- Rakuten TV’s Website
- Roku streaming devices
- iOS
- Android
- Pc and Mac computers
- LG Smart TVs from 2013 onwards
- Philips Smart TVs from 2019
- Hisense Smart TVs
- Panasonic Smart TVs from 2015 onwards
- Some Sony Android TVs
- Virgin Media
5. CNN On Samsung TVs And Phones
Samsung’s free (with adverts) live TV service, Samsung TV Plus, includes more than 90 live channels – including CNN.
Samsung TV Plus is currently available on Samsung TV models from 2016 onwards, as an app that usually comes pre-installed on the supported TVs.
Samsung TV Plus is also available on Samsung’s mobile phones from the Galaxy series, so you can watch CNN through that as well.
When you run the app on your Galaxy phone, you’ll get a “TV Guide” that lists the available channels, including CNN, with the show that’s currently airing.
6. CNN Live Subscription (Browsers Only)
In June 2021, CNN introduced a streaming-based live subscription service in the UK with a live stream of CNN’s broadcast.
The service is ad-free, and costs £1.99/month or £19.90/year.
Unfortunately, the only direct way to watch the CNN Live subscription is via a browser, either on your desktop/laptop or on a mobile phone.
CNN is also streamed live on Pluto TV. (Well, I say “live”. There’s about a two-minute delay on the feed.)
CNN International is also available live (and in recorded portions going back several days) on Giniko.com
I watched CNN in the middle of the night when sleep evaded me but the subscription only went to my main TV not the one in my bedroom. Has anyone got idea how i can divert it, or get it on both. I dont want to get up and sit in cold room,,!!
Isn’t it about time CNN, with their enormous profits, produced an app, so that the millions of us folk woldwide can once again watch a live streaming service. I personally, followed your broadcasts of news for many many years and feel let down by a service one could always rely on. I am 84 years old and unable to pay extra for what was once included in my TV broadcast plan.
Shame on you CNN.
That or get it added to Discovery Plus! its the same parent company after all, I guess it will be on the MAX app as well?
I miss watching CNN on my TV (on BT).