ABC, CBS and NBC: the Big Three TV networks explained
· World TV Channels · 2 min read
For most of the 20th century, American television meant three letters: ABC, CBS or NBC. The “Big Three” networks shaped popular culture, defined the evening news and drew audiences in the tens of millions. Here is a short history of how they rose — and how they’re navigating the streaming age.
NBC: the pioneer
The National Broadcasting Company is the oldest of the three, with roots in a radio network founded in 1926 and regular television broadcasts beginning in 1939. NBC pioneered colour television in the 1950s and 1960s — hence its famous peacock logo — and created enduring formats such as the morning programme Today, The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live. Today NBC is owned by Comcast’s NBCUniversal, which carries its programming on the Peacock streaming service.
CBS: the Tiffany Network
The Columbia Broadcasting System earned the nickname the “Tiffany Network” for the perceived quality of its programming. Its news division set the standard for American broadcast journalism in the mid-20th century, and its newsmagazine 60 Minutes remains a Sunday-night institution. CBS is part of Paramount Skydance Corporation and streams much of its catalogue through Paramount+.
ABC: the challenger
The American Broadcasting Company was the youngest of the three, spun off from NBC’s radio operations and launching as a television network in 1948. For years it competed from behind, but innovative programming and strong sports coverage lifted it into the front rank. Since 1996 it has been owned by The Walt Disney Company, and its shows are widely available on Hulu and Disney+.
The streaming shift
The Big Three no longer command the near-universal audiences they once did. Cable, the internet and streaming have fragmented viewing, and each network now sits inside a larger media conglomerate with its own streaming platform. Yet broadcast television still matters: live sport, breaking news, awards shows and major events continue to draw mass audiences that streaming alone rarely matches.
Who owns ABC, CBS and NBC?
- ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is connected to Disney+ and Hulu.
- CBS is part of Paramount Skydance Corporation and its main subscription streaming service is Paramount+.
- NBC is operated through NBCUniversal, with Peacock as its main streaming service.
The channel number for each network depends on the local affiliate and television provider. Their official websites and station finders are the most reliable places to check local availability.
Watching today
You no longer need an antenna and a living-room set to sample American network television. The networks’ own free news streams — such as ABC News Live, CBS News 24/7 and NBC News NOW — are available online. Read the individual guides to ABC, CBS and NBC, or use World TV Channels to explore official streams from broadcasters around the world.
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