BTS is back, marking their return from a nearly four-year hiatus with a new album and upcoming world tour. Their appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon are a key part of this comeback, airing on March 25th and 26th at 11:35 PM ET / 10:35 PM CT on NBC. For fans wanting to watch live without cable, several options exist, though navigating them requires some clarity.
Streaming Options: Free Trials First
The most straightforward way to watch live without immediate cost is through free trials offered by streaming services. Here’s a breakdown:
- DIRECTV: Currently offers a 5-day free trial. Their Entertainment package ($89.99/month after the trial) includes NBC in most areas, making it the cleanest option for live viewing.
- Hulu + Live TV: Provides a 3-day free trial. The cheapest plan with live TV and local channels (including NBC) is Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV at $89.99/month after the trial.
- Sling TV: Does not offer a standard free trial. Short-term passes exist, but they don’t reliably include local NBC stations.
Why this matters: The availability of local NBC channels varies by market. Before committing to any service, verify that your local station is included in the package to avoid disappointment.
Peacock: Next-Day Streaming
If you’re willing to wait, Peacock streams The Tonight Show episodes the day after they air.
- Peacock Premium ($10.99/month): Provides access to current NBC shows after broadcast.
- Peacock Premium Plus ($16.99/month): Includes a live feed of your local NBC channel, but this is unnecessary if you’re fine with next-day streaming.
Sling TV: The Least Reliable Option
Sling TV is the most complicated choice. While technically possible in some markets, NBC availability is inconsistent.
- Sling Blue or Orange & Blue packages are required, starting at $45.99 and $60.99/month, respectively.
- Even with these packages, NBC is not guaranteed in all areas.
Timing: When to Tune In
BTS will appear on The Tonight Show on Wednesday, March 25th, and Thursday, March 26th, at 11:35 PM ET / 10:35 PM CT on NBC. West Coast viewers should also check their local NBC station for the same airtime.
The Bottom Line
The simplest path to watching BTS on Jimmy Fallon live without upfront payment is to utilize DIRECTV’s free trial. If that doesn’t work, Hulu + Live TV is a viable fallback. Peacock is best for next-day viewing, and Sling TV should only be considered if you’ve already confirmed NBC availability in your area.
