How to Watch the World Series: Your Complete Guide
Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just tuning in for the excitement, knowing how to watch the World Series is crucial to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about watching the World Series, from traditional cable and satellite TV to streaming services, online platforms, and even radio broadcasts. We’ll also touch on international viewing options, as baseball has a global fan base that tunes in from various countries.
Table of Contents
- What is the World Series?
- When and Where is the World Series Played?
- Traditional Cable and Satellite TV
- Streaming the World Series
- Watching the World Series on Mobile Devices
- International Viewing Options
- Radio Broadcasts and Audio Streaming
- Watching the World Series with or Without Cable
- Accessing Highlights and Replays
- Tips for Enjoying the World Series Experience
1. What is the World Series?
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America, played between the champions of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). This best-of-seven playoff series typically takes place in late October and sometimes stretches into early November, earning the nickname “The Fall Classic.”
Dating back to 1903, the World Series is steeped in tradition and history, featuring legendary players, iconic moments, and intense drama. For baseball fans, the World Series represents the culmination of a long season, and it draws massive viewership, making it one of the most significant sporting events in the U.S. and beyond.
2. When and Where is the World Series Played?
The World Series takes place annually in October. The exact dates vary slightly depending on the regular season schedule, playoffs, and how long each World Series matchup lasts. It can extend from late October to early November, especially if the series goes to a full seven games.
The location of the World Series alternates between the home stadiums of the two competing teams. The format is typically 2-3-2, meaning the team with the better regular-season record hosts Games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while the other team hosts Games 3, 4, and 5. If you’re planning on watching live or in person, these locations are determined at the conclusion of the MLB playoffs.
3. Traditional Cable and Satellite TV
For many years, watching the World Series was primarily done via cable or satellite television. The games are broadcast nationally, and in the U.S., Fox Sports typically holds exclusive broadcasting rights. Here’s how you can watch the World Series on traditional TV:
A. Fox Sports Network
Fox Sports is the go-to network for the World Series. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you can easily watch the games on your local Fox affiliate. Fox Sports provides comprehensive coverage, including pre-game shows, live commentary, and post-game analysis.
Make sure to check your local listings for the exact channel number and game times, as these can vary depending on your location. You can also watch Fox Sports on some cable-free services, which we’ll cover in the next section.
B. Sports Bars and Public Venues
If you don’t have cable at home, many sports bars, restaurants, and public venues offer a great environment to watch the World Series. The atmosphere in these settings can be electrifying, especially when surrounded by fellow fans.
C. Setting Up DVRs for Game Recording
For those with busy schedules, most cable and satellite providers offer DVR (Digital Video Recorder) services. You can easily set up your DVR to record the games in advance, allowing you to watch them later at your convenience. Make sure to account for possible extra innings or rain delays by adding extra time to the recording.
4. Streaming the World Series
In today’s digital age, many people prefer to stream live events rather than watch through traditional cable. Luckily, there are several streaming options available for the World Series. Most of these services offer free trials, so even if you don’t want to commit to a subscription, you can still catch the games.
A. Fox Sports Go
Fox Sports Go is an app and online service that allows you to stream live sports events, including the World Series, as long as you have access to Fox through a participating cable provider. You’ll need your cable login to use the service, but once logged in, you can stream the games on your phone, tablet, or computer.
B. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu’s live TV package includes access to Fox Sports, making it a great option for streaming the World Series. Hulu + Live TV not only offers live game streaming but also includes DVR functionality, allowing you to record games and watch them later. Subscriptions are paid, but there is a free trial period available for new users.
C. YouTube TV
YouTube TV also offers Fox Sports as part of its channel lineup, making it another good option for watching the World Series. YouTube TV has unlimited DVR storage, so you can record the entire series and re-watch key moments at your leisure. It’s compatible with multiple devices, from smart TVs to smartphones.
D. Sling TV
Sling TV is a more affordable streaming service that offers Fox Sports in its package. Sling’s “Blue” package includes Fox and is generally more cost-effective than other live TV streaming services. It’s a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly way to stream the games live.
E. FuboTV
FuboTV focuses primarily on live sports and offers access to Fox Sports, making it an excellent choice for watching the World Series. Like other services, FuboTV also includes cloud DVR, so you can record the games and watch them later.
F. AT&T TV Now
AT&T’s streaming service, AT&T TV Now, also includes Fox Sports in its lineup. While it is slightly more expensive than other options, it still provides excellent live streaming quality and DVR features, making it a solid option for World Series viewing.
5. Watching the World Series on Mobile Devices
If you’re constantly on the go but don’t want to miss a second of the World Series, mobile streaming is an excellent solution. Many of the streaming services mentioned above (Fox Sports Go, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV) offer mobile apps that let you watch live baseball from your smartphone or tablet.
A. MLB.TV App
The MLB.TV app is a great way to stream the World Series, particularly if you are an international viewer or live outside the U.S. In some cases, local blackouts may apply, so check MLB’s policies regarding your region. Subscriptions are available for either the full season or just for the postseason.
B. Fox Sports Go App
The Fox Sports Go app provides mobile streaming for those who have access to Fox Sports via their cable provider. The app is free to download, but you’ll need your cable login to access the live stream.
C. Watching on Tablets and iPads
Tablets and iPads provide an enhanced mobile viewing experience with their larger screens. The apps mentioned above are compatible with most tablets, and some services like YouTube TV and Hulu even optimize their interfaces for tablet use, giving you a better overall experience than on a small smartphone screen.
6. International Viewing Options
Baseball fans around the world tune in to watch the World Series, and fortunately, there are numerous international streaming options.
A. MLB.TV (International Version)
MLB.TV is the most popular platform for international fans. While U.S. viewers might experience blackouts due to local broadcasting rights, international viewers typically have unrestricted access to stream the World Series live through MLB.TV. Subscriptions are available, and the service offers high-definition streams, making it an excellent choice for global viewers.
B. ESPN International
In several countries, ESPN International holds the broadcasting rights for the World Series. In regions such as Latin America, parts of Europe, and Australia, ESPN airs the games live. Check your local ESPN affiliate for exact timings and availability in your region.
C. Other International Networks
In Japan, where baseball is immensely popular, local sports networks like NHK and Nippon TV sometimes broadcast the World Series. Similarly, in countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and the Dominican Republic, local sports channels often cover the games live. Keep an eye on local sports programming to catch the action.
7. Radio Broadcasts and Audio Streaming
For those who love the charm of radio broadcasts or can’t access a screen, listening to the World Series on the radio is a timeless way to follow the game.
A. Local Radio Stations
Many local sports radio stations across the U.S. broadcast the World Series. The games are typically called by professional sports announcers, and it’s an excellent way to follow the action if you’re in your car or can’t watch the game live on TV.
B. SiriusXM Radio
SiriusXM Radio provides live broadcasts of the World Series via its MLB Radio channel. This is a premium service, but it’s accessible nationwide and offers high-quality radio commentary.
C. MLB At Bat App
The MLB At Bat app provides live audio streaming of the World Series for both home and away broadcasts. For a small subscription fee, you can listen to every game live from your mobile device or computer, making it a great option for fans who prefer listening to the action.
