How to Watch A&E in Canada Without Cable [Easy Steps | 2025]

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Disclosure: We research and test the best streaming options for viewers in Canada. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

A&E (Arts & Entertainment) is a popular American cable network, offering a diverse lineup of non-fiction programming, including true-crime documentaries, reality shows, and engaging original series.

The channel features popular shows like The First 48, 60 Days In, Duck Dynasty, and a variety of captivating crime and social documentaries that keep viewers hooked.

For live TV streaming, A&E’s official website requires a subscription to U.S. live streaming services such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV, which carry the US channels‘ live broadcasts.

While A&E’s app is available in Canada, Canadian viewers can only access on-demand content and are unable to stream live TV. To watch A&E in Canada, you must subscribe to U.S. live TV services with the help of a VPN.

Using a VPN bypasses geographic restrictions and enjoy A&E’s full content library, like Surfshark ensures a seamless connection, allowing Canadian viewers to access live TV and additional features that would otherwise be unavailable.

Our Recommended VPN - Surfshark

surfshark-warning

⚠️ Warning! You Are Being Monitored

Yes, It’s True! Without Proper Encryption, your IP Address is Exposed, and your Online Activity is Being Tracked.

This can lead to:

  • Failed Access to international streaming platforms.
  • Exposure of your Personal data to hackers, ISPs, and even Canadian authorities

But There’s a Solution - ‘Surfshark VPN’

Save 87% + Get 3 Extra Months FREE with SurfShark VPN [Limited Time Offer]

This Includes: 

✅ VPN for just CA$0.09/day!

✅ Access to unlimited geo-blocked content with 100+ server locations.

✅ Industry Standard Encryption (256-Encryption)

✅ Kill Switch Feature.

✅ Data Breach Alerts.

✅ Unlimited Device Connections.

✅ 30-day money-back guarantee.

✅ Verified No Logs Policy.

Try Surfshark

Howtowatch disclaimer


How to Watch A&E in Canada (Live TV)

To watch A&E live in Canada, you’ll need a US streaming service, e.g., Hulu+Live TV and a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions. A&E only offers on-demand content in Canada, so using a VPN will unlock live TV streaming for Canadian viewers.

The following are the steps to access A&E in Canada:

Step 1: Sign up with a VPN service. Surfshark is our recommended choice

Step 2: Download and install the Surfshark VPN App on your device. 

Step 3: Open the VPN and connect it to a USA server

surfshark-us-server

Step 4: Go to the A&E website and click on “Live TV

watch-a&e-in-canada-4

Step 5: Click on Sign in

watch-ae-in-canada-5

Step 6: Choose a Live TV Provider (e.g., Hulu)

watch-a&e-in-canada-6

Step 7: Enter your email

watch-a&e-in-canada-7

Step 8: Enter your password

watch-a&e-in-canada-8

Step 9: Enter 6-digit code

watch-a&e-in-canada-9

Step 10: You’ll be redirected to A&E on Hulu. Select a show (e.g., The First 48 Hours)

watch-a&e-in-canada-10

Step 11: Choose a season/episode

watch-a&e-in-canada-11

Step 12: Start streaming!

Try Surfshark


How to Watch A&E in Canada for Free

Since the platform is available in Canada, you can stream a selection of shows on demand without a subscription, giving viewers easy access to popular titles. However, to enjoy full content, including live TV, a U.S. streaming service subscription is required.

Here’s how you can watch A&E in Canada for free without a VPN:

Step 1: Go to the A&E website and click on “Browse

watch-a&e-in-canada-free-1

Step 2: Select a Show (e.g., 60 Days In)

watch-a&e-in-canada-free-2

Step 3: Choose a season/episode

watch-a&e-in-canada-free-3

Step 4: Start streaming!

watch-a&e-in-canada-free-4


Best Ways to Watch A&E in Canada

Watching A&E outside of the United States is only possible through live TV streaming services because US TV cable providers are unavailable outside the US.

However, you will have to use a VPN to bypass the US geo-restrictions of the services.

1. Pluto TV

watch-a&e-in-canada-PLUTO

Pluto TV is Paramount’s most popular free streaming service, available in over 35 countries, including Canada, the U.S., Australia, and Germany. The platform offers access to select A&E shows at no cost.

It offers dedicated channels for A&E shows, including Crime 360, The First 48 Hours, Cold Case Files, and more, with 24/7 live streaming of these popular series. Additionally, the platform provides on-demand access to select A&E titles, such as Shark Wranglers,

Since Pluto TV’s content library differs in each country, the Canadian catalogue may offer limited content. To watch Pluto TV US in Canada, you must connect to a VPN, like Surfshark.

Read More: Watch Pluto TV US in Canada


2. Hulu + Live TV

watch-a&e-in-canada-hulu

Hulu + Live TV is our recommended service to watch A&E and over 85 other US cable channels, such as USA Network, Paramount Network, NBC, Fox Sports, CBS, NFL Network, and more..

The live TV subscription starts at $89.99/mo and includes ESPN+ and Disney+. You can also watch AE content with the Hulu Base plan starting from $11.99/mo.

Since Hulu+ Live TV is geo-restricted in Canada, you must connect to the US Server of a VPN like Surfshark to unblock it.

Read More: Watch Hulu in Canada


2. DirecTV

unblock-AE-in-canada-directv

DirecTV Stream is also a good option for watching ESPN in Canada. With DirecTV Stream, you can access up to 185+ channels, including ESPN, CNN, TNT, Nickelodeon, and many others.

A&E is included in all of its packages, which range from $89.99/mo to $129.99/mo (currently discounted as $49.99/mo to $89.99/mo), giving you flexible options depending on the channels you want.

Since the platform is geo-restricted in Canada, to access A&E via DirecTV outside the U.S., you’ll need a VPN. We recommend Surfshark.

Read More: Watch DirecTV in Canada


4. Sling TV

watch-a&e-in-canada-SLING

Sling TV is an American Live TV service that offers 2 main plans, Sling Orange and Sling Blue. However, only the Sling Orange plan includes A&E

You can subscribe to Sling Orange for $45.99/mo. You can also purchase a day pass for $4.99 to stream channels in Sling Orange for 24 hours.

Unfortunately, Sling TV is also geo-restricted to the US only, so you will need a VPN to unblock the service in Canada. Surfshark is our #1 choice.

Read More: Watch Sling TV in Canada.


3 Best VPNs to Unblock A&E in Canada

I have tried 35+ VPNs to shortlist the best ones for you. These top 3 VPNs will help you unblock A&E in Canada, they are discussed below.

The top three VPNs that we have shortlisted for you are:

  1. Surfshark
  2. NordVPN 
  3. ExpressVPN

1. Surfshark- #1 Affordable VPN for Watching A&E in Canada

Surfshark - 1

Features Details
Global Reach 4500 servers in over 100+ countries
A&E Unblocking in Canada 600 servers in 25 major US cities, including Boston, New York, and Buffalo. 
Exclusive deal $2.79/month (30-day money-back guarantee)
Multi-Device Compatibility Unlimited devices – Windows, Android, Mac, iOS and more
Fast Streaming Uninterrupted streaming experience with Higher bandwidth per user, and numerous servers.
Excellent Privacy Secure the connection with Camouflage Mode, IPv6 leak protection, AES-256-GCM Encryption, Kill Switch, DNS data protection, and No-Logs Policy.

Surfshark is an excellent option for unblocking A&E in Canada. Its affordability and advanced features make it one of our top recommendations.

With Surfshark, you can connect an unlimited number of devices on a single account, allowing you to enjoy your favourite content on multiple screens simultaneously.

Additionally, Surfshark grants access to various other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including 9Now, 10Play, TVNZ+ etc.


2. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Watch A&E in Canada

NordVPN - 1

Features Details
Global Reach 8,700+ servers in 60 countries
A&E Unblocking in Canada 3,040+ servers in the 20 US cities
Exclusive deal $4.69/month (30-day money-back guarantee)
Multi-Device Compatibility Up to 10 devices at once – Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, and more
Fast Streaming Faster streaming with a Wider server range & NordLynx Protocol.
Excellent Privacy Protect your connection with Military-grade encryption, Threat Protection, Double VPN, CyberSec, and No logs policy

NordVPN is another great choice for accessing A&E in Canada, known for its extensive server network and smooth, uninterrupted streaming.

It offers robust security features, including Double VPN, Multi-Factor Authentication, and Split-tunnelling, ensuring your online identity stays protected.

Beyond A&E, NordVPN also allows access to various other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, such as Max, Hulu, Fubo, Sling etc.


3. ExpressVPN – Another VPN for Unblocking A&E in Canada

ExpressVPN-1

Features Details
Global Reach 3200 servers in over 100+ countries
A&E Unblocking in Canada Servers all over the US including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and more. 
Exclusive deal $4.99/month (30-day money-back guarantee)
Multi-Device Compatibility Log in to 10-12 different devices simultaneously – Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and more
Enhanced Streaming Fast streaming with Smart DNS/IPv6 leak protection, Split Tunneling, and Lightway Protocol.
Top-notch Privacy Digital privacy with 256-bit Encryption, Kill Switch, and No Log policy.

To bypass geographic restrictions and access A&E in Canada, ExpressVPN is another VPN which offers a wide network of high-speed servers.

Speed Test: After connecting to an ExpressVPN server in New York and running a speed test, the performance was impressive, reaching 43 Mbps out of a potential 50 Mbps.

EXPRESSVPN-Speed-test

With these fast speeds, I was able to instantly access A&E and stream smoothly. ExpressVPN also provides top-notch security with AES-256-bit encryption and a kill-switch feature.

Beyond A&E: ExpressVPN opens the door to various geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including USA Network, Frndly TV, Prende TV, Paramount Network, etc.


Why Do I Need a VPN to Access A&E in Canada?

A&E is primarily available in the US, and geo-restrictions prevent viewers from accessing the live channel outside the US. Plus, the mentioned live streaming platforms limit their content based on licensing rights. 

The platforms, like Pluto TV, Hulu, Sling TV, DirecTV, and Pluto TV, detect your location through your IP address, and if the user is outside the United States, e.g., Canada, the service automatically restricts access.

However, using a VPN is the easiest way to watch AE outside the US because it gives you a secure American IP address.

Surfshark is our recommended choice, as it allows you to bypass geo-blocks, stream without errors, and unlock the complete US content catalogue.


What Can I Watch on A&E?

content-a&e

If you have access to A&E and you’re confused about what to watch, here is a list of top shows in multiple genres to get you started!

Crime

  • The First 48
  • Intervention
  • Killer Cases

Paranormal

  • Ghost Hunters
  • Celebrity Ghost Stories
  • Paranormal State

Reality

  • Storage Wars
  • 60 Days In
  • Court Cam

Documentary

  • Secrets of Playboy
  • Hoarders
  • Biography: WWE Legends

How to Watch A&E in Canada on Mobile

You can stream ESPN using your phone’s browser via its official A&E website (follow the steps mentioned above), or you can download the official A&E app.

However, the official app may be restricted to the US only. But you can download the A&E APK to access its content. Here’s how to watch ESPN in Canada on your mobile Phone:

Step 1: Subscribe to Surfshark VPN App and connect to the US server.

Surfshark-US-Mobile

Step 2: Download and install the A&E APK from your browser

WATCH-AE-IN-CANADA-MOBILE-2

Step 3: Open the app and click on Yes

WATCH-AE-IN-CANADA-MOBILE-3

Step 4: Create profile or click on maybe later 

WATCH-AE-IN-CANADA-MOBILE-4

Step 5: You’ll be redirected to your homepage, and choose the show (e.g., Court Room)

WATCH-AE-IN-CANADA-MOBILE-5

Step 7: Select the season/episode you want to watch

WATCH-AE-IN-CANADA-MOBILE-6

Step 8: Click on the Play button and enjoy Streaming!

WATCH-AE-IN-CANADA-MOBILE-7

Try Surfshark


Devices Compatible with A&E

The A&E app is compatible with a wide range of devices, allowing you to stream A&E shows easily. Here’s a list of supported platforms:

  • iOS Devices: iPhone and iPad
  • Android Devices: Phones and tablets running Android
  • Apple TV
  • Roku
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Android TV
  • Samsung Smart TVs
  • Chromecast

Other Channels/Services to Watch in Canada

You can watch US TV Channels & services other than A&E. Some of these are:


FAQs – A&E

1. Can I subscribe directly to A&E?

No, A&E does not offer a direct subscription service. You need to sign in through a supported TV provider to access its content. Some unlocked episodes can be viewed without signing in.

2. What streaming services offer A&E?

A&E is available on streaming services like Philo, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Stream, and Frndly TV.

3. Does A&E offer closed captioning for all shows?

Yes, A&E provides closed captioning for its programs. If captions are not showing, check your TV settings or report the issue to A&E​.

4. How often is new content added to A&E’s website or app?

A&E adds new videos regularly, although the timing of new releases may vary​.

5. Where can I get the A&E app?

The A&E app is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and more

6. Why am I seeing a different language on A&E?

Some viewers may experience content airing in Spanish due to their settings or the broadcast region. Adjust the language in your TV or streaming service settings


Conclusion

A&E is a popular U.S. cable network known for its diverse non-fiction programming, including true-crime documentaries, reality shows, and original series. It is available through live TV streaming services in the US and can be accessed globally.

However, since these services are geo-blocked outside the US, a VPN is essential to stream the channel. You can watch A&E in Canada without any interruptions or lag by using a premium VPN like Surfshark.

https://howtowatch.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/320x480-1.png

Nayelly Smith
Nayelly Smith
Nayelly Smith is a big fan of streaming everything, from shows to sports, wherever she can. She’s always exploring new platforms and sharing her finds with you. When she’s not writing, she’s catching up on the latest binge-worthy content.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

9 + 7 =