Finding your favorite networks within DirecTV‘s vast channel lineup can perplex even the most seasoned channel surfer. Flipping aimlessly through hundreds of options trying to locate stations like ABC wastes precious time you could spend watching the actual programming.
Luckily, you can easily reference this guide to pinpoint ABC‘s channel number in your local market. Read on for the channel details plus insider background on ABC‘s 80+ year history rising to network prominence under Disney‘s wing. From rising sitcoms like Abbott Elementary to reality juggernauts like The Bachelor, ABC‘s broad mix of prestigious dramas, buzzy comedies, trusted news and sports makes it a channel you won‘t want to miss.
Where to Find ABC on DirecTV by Market
Here are the local DirecTV channel numbers for ABC affiliates across over 40 major metropolitan areas:
| City | ABC Channel |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 7 |
| Atlanta, GA | 2 |
Check this table for your closest major city to determine your ABC channel position. With broadcast networks, the channel numbers are consistent across a geographic media market encompassing the city itself plus surrounding areas.
Now that you know precisely where to tune in for ABC‘s programming, what shows and offerings can you look forward to watching?
Tracing ABC‘s Storied History Leading to Disney Era
ABC first launched in 1943 as an offshoot radio network from NBC. Eventually spinning into its own company in the 1950s, ABC slowly built an audience through investments in television broadcasting and programming. The network switched ownership hands multiple times over the ensuing decades before Disney took the reins in 1996.
Timeline of Notable Events in ABC History
| 1943 | Launches as NBC Blue Network radio service |
| 1953 | Spins off from NBC under ownership of Edward J. Noble |
| 1961 | Airs first color TV broadcast signals |
| 1996 | Acquired by Disney in $19 billion mega merger |
ABC steadily increased reach through affiliate station growth and boosted programming with investments in broadcast rights for elite sports leagues. The network took risks on groundbreaking shows that came to define generations of TV despite initial controversy.
Hit series like The Fugitive, Monday Night Football, Roseanne, and NYPD Blue cemented ABC‘s place as a big three broadcaster setting trends for others to follow. Now part of Disney‘s portfolio, ABC leverages corporate synergies with properties like ESPN while balancing broadly entertaining programming options.
Overview of ABC Primetime Programming
Living up to its "Always Broadcasting Classics" reputation, ABC‘s current lineup engages wide audiences with diversity across scripted stories, reality competitions, late night comedy, breaking news, and thrilling live sports.
Scripted Dramas and Comedies Anchoring the Lineup
Scripted shows may represent ABC‘s deepest bench, with hit comedies and captivating dramas filling primetime hours. The network earns critical acclaim and devoted fan followings for series like:
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Grey‘s Anatomy (2005-Present) – Now TV‘s longest-running primetime medical drama ever, this beloved Shonda Rhimes series follows the personal and professional lives of surgical interns, residents and attendings at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Over 19 seasons, the show has aired over 420 episodes and counting, averaging roughly 8 million live viewers per episode.
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Abbott Elementary (2021-Present) – ABC struck gold with this mockumentary sitcom following teachers at an underfunded Philadelphia public school. Breakout start Quinta Brunson earned Emmy nominations for her role as idealistic second grade teacher Janine Teagues. In just its first season, Abbott Elementary averaged 5 million viewers despite airing later in the 2021-22 season.
Beyond currently airing shows, ABC has been home to long-lasting hits in various eras:
| Series | Seasons | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| The Fugitive | 4 | 120 |
| The Mod Squad | 5 | 124 |
| Roseanne | 10 | 222 |
| NYPD Blue | 12 | 261 |
| Lost | 6 | 121 |
| Desperate Housewives | 8 | 180 |
Reality and Game Shows Drawing Big Audiences
Beyond scripted programs, ABC offers escapist entertainment through a strong roster of reality romance, game shows, and talent competitions.
The network struck ratings gold with The Bachelor franchise, which continues captivating viewers 25 seasons later through its formula of eligible singles going on fairytale dates and exotic getaways. Hosted by Chris Harrison until 2021, recent seasons of The Bachelor and its all-female spinoff The Bachelorette have averaged over 5 million live viewers.
Veteran programs also thrive like Dancing with the Stars, which pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers in a quest to master new styles. Now in its 31st season, DWTS has over 500 episodes under its belt.
For enthusiasts of high stakes business investments, Shark Tank gives aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to pitch new products to a panel of wealthy tycoons. The show heads into its 14th season having sparked numerous successful companies and over half a billion dollars in total deals.
Late Night Comedy, Morning Shows and Evening News
ABC provides fans well-rounded variety through late night shows, daytime talk programming, and serious evening newscasts.
Jimmy Kimmel Live stands out for booking top musical guests and hilariously probing conversations with the biggest stars. More than 3,000 episodes in, the show continues hitting ratings milestones thanks to Jimmy‘s sharp comedic instincts and rapport with guests.
Earlier in the day, ABC devotes hours to news analysis commentary through enduring talk shows The View and GMA3.
Come evening time, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir delivers the day‘s headlines with in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. Anchored by trusted journalist David Muir since 2014, the show routinely competes for the #1 evening news ratings slot. Compatriot programs like 20/20 and Nightline further bolster ABC‘s hard news offerings.
Live Sports Coverage of Marquee Events
Cementing its reputation as the complete programming package, ABC also dedicates portions of its schedule to marquee live sporting events.
Monday Night Football showcases elite NFL action in primetime throughout the fall. Come winter and spring, ABC covers championship matchups for basketball and hockey such as the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals based on league agreements.
When the summer Olympics roll around, the network divides early round broadcasting duties with parent company NBC. Come 2028, ABC will find itself back in the Olympic spotlight as the exclusive home of the Los Angeles Summer Games in the United States.
How to Stream ABC Shows on Hulu
While finding ABC‘s DirecTV channel number opens access to must-see live sports and breaking news coverage, much of the network‘s programming catalog streams on-demand too.
Thanks to Disney‘s part ownership of popular streaming service Hulu, current seasons for most ABC series become available on Hulu soon after live airing. That means you can easily binge hit shows like Abbott Elementary and The Bachelor any time inspiration strikes.
Hulu subscriptions grant unlimited access to thousands of episodes stretching across ABC‘s 80+ year programming history. So dive into classics like Lost, Desperate Housewives and Roseanne during free moments without being beholden to linear broadcast schedules.
Together, DirecTV and Hulu form the perfect ABC viewing combination – tuning into live events as they happen while streaming favorites on your own time.
Final Thoughts
We hope locating your local ABC channel details and learning about the legendary network‘s famed programming history gives you insight into the station‘s integral place in television. Streaming and multi-channel guides unlock more viewing options than ever before. But efficient navigation starts with understanding channel positions and backgrounds.
Now head over to DirecTV channel [your number] or Hulu profiles to start watching ABC hits new and old. Just don‘t get overwhelmed determining what to binge first!
