Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of Dallas Cowboys football without the hassle of traditional cable? You've come to the right place! Watching America's Team on Hulu + Live TV is a fantastic option for cord-cutters and loyal fans alike. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step to ensure you don't miss a single touchdown, tackle, or game-winning field goal. Let's get started!
How to Watch Dallas Cowboys Games on Hulu: Your Ultimate Guide
Hulu + Live TV has become a powerhouse for live sports, offering access to many of the channels that broadcast NFL games. For Dallas Cowboys fans, this means you can catch most of their matchups with a single, convenient subscription.
Step 1: Confirm Your Commitment to the Cowboys! (And Hulu + Live TV)
Before we get into the technicalities, let's make sure you're truly ready. Are you prepared to join the ranks of passionate Cowboys fans cheering from your living room, or even on the go? If the answer is a resounding YES, then the first crucial step is to understand what Hulu + Live TV offers and if it's the right fit for you.
What is Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu + Live TV is a streaming service that combines Hulu's extensive on-demand library of shows and movies with live television channels. This includes major networks that carry NFL games, such as:
CBS
FOX
NBC
ESPN
NFL Network (often included with Hulu + Live TV)
ABC (for select games)
Why is this important for Cowboys fans? The Dallas Cowboys play on a variety of networks throughout the season. Having access to these channels through Hulu + Live TV ensures you'll be able to watch most, if not all, of their regular-season games, along with playoff matchups if the Cowboys make it!
Check Pricing and Plans:
Hulu offers various plans, but to watch live NFL games, you absolutely need Hulu + Live TV. As of my last update, here are the primary Hulu + Live TV plans:
Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads): This is the most common and cost-effective option, giving you live TV along with the vast on-demand libraries of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+.
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads): For a slightly higher price, you can enjoy most Hulu on-demand content without ads, while still getting live TV and ESPN+.
Live TV Only: This plan gives you access to live content only, without the Hulu streaming library or access to Disney+ or ESPN+. This is generally not recommended as the other bundles offer much more value for a similar price.
Always check the official Hulu website for the most up-to-date pricing and plan details, as these can change.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Hulu + Live TV Account
Now that you're committed, let's get you signed up!
A. Navigate to the Hulu Website:
Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.) and go to the official Hulu website: www.hulu.com.
B. Choose Your Plan:
Look for the "Sign Up Now" or "Get Hulu + Live TV" button. You'll be presented with the available plans. Select the Hulu + Live TV bundle that best suits your needs. Remember, you need the "Live TV" component to watch Cowboys games live.
C. Create Your Account:
You'll be prompted to enter your email address, create a password, and provide some basic personal information. Make sure to use a strong, unique password.
D. Enter Payment Information:
Hulu will require your payment details (credit card or other accepted methods) to complete the subscription process. Your subscription will typically start with a free trial period, but this can vary, so always confirm.
E. Complete Signup:
Follow the on-screen prompts to finalize your account creation. You'll usually receive a confirmation email.
Step 3: Downloading and Installing the Hulu App
Once your account is active, it's time to get the Hulu app on your preferred device.
A. Identify Your Streaming Device:
Hulu is widely available on a variety of devices. This could be:
Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, etc.
Streaming Sticks/Boxes: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast.
Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch.
Mobile Devices: Android phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads.
Web Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari on your computer.
B. Search for the Hulu App:
On Smart TVs, Streaming Devices, and Consoles: Go to your device's app store (e.g., Roku Channel Store, Amazon Appstore, Apple App Store, Google Play Store, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store). Use the search function and type "Hulu."
On Mobile Devices: Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for "Hulu."
C. Download and Install:
Select the Hulu app from the search results and choose "Download" or "Install." The app will then be added to your device.
D. Open the App and Log In:
Once installed, open the Hulu app. You'll be asked to log in using the email address and password you created in Step 2.
Step 4: Finding Dallas Cowboys Games on Hulu
Now for the moment of truth! How do you actually find the game?
A. Utilizing the Live TV Guide:
Hulu + Live TV has a comprehensive "Live Guide" that functions much like a traditional cable TV guide.
Access the Live Guide: On most devices, you can find the Live Guide by navigating to the "Live" tab or icon within the Hulu app.
Browse Channels: Scroll through the channels to find CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network.
Check Schedule: Look for the Dallas Cowboys game listed on the appropriate channel at its scheduled time. Games are listed by date and time.
B. Using the Search Function:
If you know the game details (e.g., "Dallas Cowboys vs. [Opponent]"), the search function is your best friend.
Access Search: Look for the "Search" icon (often a magnifying glass) within the Hulu app.
Type in Keywords: Enter "Dallas Cowboys," "NFL," or the specific opponent.
Filter Results: Hulu will show you relevant results, including live and upcoming games, as well as on-demand content related to the Cowboys or NFL. Look for the live game to tune in.
C. Setting Reminders or Recording (DVR):
Hulu + Live TV includes a Cloud DVR feature, which is incredibly useful.
Find the Game: Locate the upcoming Cowboys game in the Live Guide or via search.
Add to My Stuff/Record: Select the game and look for options like "Add to My Stuff" or "Record." This will save the game to your Cloud DVR, allowing you to watch it later or rewind/fast-forward during the live broadcast.
Most Hulu + Live TV plans now include Unlimited Cloud DVR, so you don't have to worry about running out of space.
Step 5: Understanding Blackouts and Regional Availability
This is a critical step for any live sports fan.
A. Regional Blackouts:
What are they? Live sports broadcasts, especially NFL games, are subject to "blackout" restrictions. This means that if you are in the local market of a team playing, the game might only be available on your local CBS or FOX affiliate and not on a national feed of the same channel if it exists. Conversely, if a game is aired nationally (e.g., on NBC's Sunday Night Football or ESPN's Monday Night Football), it generally won't be blacked out.
Why do they happen? Blackouts are primarily due to broadcast rights agreements. Local broadcasters pay significant amounts for exclusive rights to certain games in their geographic area to encourage local viewership.
How Hulu handles them: Hulu + Live TV determines your location based on your IP address. It will then provide you with the local channels available in your area. This means you'll typically get your local CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates. If the Cowboys game is on one of these channels and you're within the local market for that specific game, you'll see it.
B. Checking Your Local Channels:
When you sign up for Hulu + Live TV, you'll be asked to enter your ZIP code. Hulu uses this to determine which local channels are available to you.
Before game day, it's a good idea to check Hulu's local channel availability tool on their website, or within the app, to ensure you'll receive the necessary channels for the Cowboys game.
C. Thursday Night Football and Other Exclusives:
While Hulu + Live TV covers most Cowboys games, it's essential to remember that some games might be exclusive to other platforms.
Thursday Night Football (TNF): Many TNF games are exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video. This means you will not find them on Hulu.
Sunday Night Football (SNF): Primarily on NBC, which is usually included with Hulu + Live TV.
Monday Night Football (MNF): Primarily on ESPN, also usually included with Hulu + Live TV.
Select Games: Occasionally, games might be exclusive to NFL+, Peacock, or other platforms. Always check the official NFL schedule closer to game day to confirm the broadcast channel.
Step 6: Troubleshooting and Tips for a Smooth Viewing Experience
Even with the best setup, sometimes issues arise. Here are some tips:
A. Internet Connection:
Stability is Key: A strong and stable internet connection is paramount for live streaming. Hulu recommends specific speeds for optimal viewing (e.g., at least 8 Mbps for live streams).
Wired vs. Wireless: If possible, connect your streaming device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable for the most reliable connection. If using Wi-Fi, ensure your router is centrally located and not too far from your device.
B. App Updates:
Keep it Current: Ensure your Hulu app is always updated to the latest version. App updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. You can usually check for updates in your device's app store.
C. Device Compatibility:
Check Requirements: Make sure your streaming device is still supported by Hulu. Older models might eventually lose support for the latest app versions.
D. Restart Everything:
The Classic Fix: If you encounter buffering, freezing, or other issues, try restarting the Hulu app, then your streaming device, and finally your internet router and modem. This often resolves minor glitches.
E. Contact Hulu Support:
When in Doubt: If you're still having trouble, Hulu's customer support is a valuable resource. They can help troubleshoot account-specific issues or technical problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know which channels broadcast Dallas Cowboys games?
Dallas Cowboys games are typically broadcast on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Occasionally, a game might be on ABC or exclusively on Amazon Prime Video for Thursday Night Football.
How to sign up for Hulu + Live TV?
Go to www.hulu.com, choose the Hulu + Live TV plan, create an account, and enter your payment information.
How to download the Hulu app on my smart TV?
Go to your smart TV's app store, search for "Hulu," and then select "Download" or "Install."
How to find upcoming Dallas Cowboys games on Hulu?
Use the "Live Guide" within the Hulu app to browse channels like CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, or use the search function and type "Dallas Cowboys" or "NFL."
How to deal with regional blackouts on Hulu?
Hulu + Live TV uses your IP address to determine your location and will provide you with the local channels available in your area. Blackouts are based on broadcast rights, so if a game is blacked out, it's typically due to local exclusive broadcasting rights.
How to record Dallas Cowboys games on Hulu?
Find the upcoming game in the Live Guide or via search, select it, and then choose the "Record" option to save it to your Cloud DVR.
How to watch Thursday Night Football games on Hulu?
Many Thursday Night Football (TNF) games are exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video, meaning they will not be available on Hulu. Always check the official NFL schedule for TNF broadcast details.
How to check my internet speed for Hulu streaming?
You can use various online speed test tools (e.g., Speedtest.net) to check your internet download speed. Hulu recommends at least 8 Mbps for live streams.
How to troubleshoot buffering issues on Hulu?
Ensure a strong internet connection, restart the Hulu app, your streaming device, and your router/modem. Check for Hulu app updates.
How to watch other NFL games on Hulu besides the Cowboys?
With Hulu + Live TV, you'll have access to all the major networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network) that broadcast NFL games, allowing you to watch a wide variety of matchups throughout the season.
