HBO Max launched in Italy in January 2026 and Paramount+ in 2022, but live broadcasts from US networks, news channels, and sports streams still play only for US IP addresses. CBS was the hardest network in our tests: NordVPN unblocked it on a New York server, while Proton VPN and ExpressVPN were detected. PBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox detected none of them.
US Networks From Italy: Setup for 2026
- Start a NordVPN subscription and open the app once it’s installed.
- Choose a New York server, which is closer to Italy than West Coast servers.
- Load PBS, NBC, or CBS and press play on a live feed or episode.
- Keep a US payment card ready for Peacock, YouTube TV, or other paid services.
Unblocking US Channels From Italy
After connecting to New York, open the network’s website or app and press play. US broadcasters check the viewer’s IP address, and our explainer on what a VPN does covers how the server replaces an Italian IP address with a US one. PBS, NBC, Fox’s trial, and CBS’s free news and sports channels played without a US account.
ABC’s live feed requires a US TV provider login, such as fubo or YouTube TV, although its episodes become free to watch a week after they air. Paid US subscriptions require a US-issued card at checkout.
Italian Services With US Shows
Several US studios sell their catalogs directly in Italy, so no VPN is required for these:
- HBO Max: available since January 13, 2026, and also sold as a Prime Video add-on. The Italian catalog differs from the US HBO Max one.
- Paramount+: available in Italy since September 2022.
- Disney+: offers Hulu-branded US series alongside Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars titles.
- Netflix and Prime Video: Italian catalogs that miss many US titles. The US Netflix library is covered in our Netflix VPN guide.
Live ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS, plus Peacock and ESPN’s US streaming service, aren’t sold in Italy.
US Network Results on Each VPN
New York speeds from our October tests, against a 190.36 Mbps connection on a Windows 11 PC in Europe.
| VPN | New York download | CBS | PBS, NBC, ABC, Fox | YouTube TV and NFL+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 179.88 Mbps | Unblocked | Unblocked | Unblocked |
| Proton VPN | 145.61 Mbps | Detected | Unblocked | Unblocked |
| ExpressVPN | 163.66 Mbps | Detected | Unblocked | Unblocked |
Top VPNs for American TV in Italy
- NordVPN: Best for East Coast speed, losing 5.5% on its New York server.
- Proton VPN: Best for Swiss-based privacy, with Secure Core servers for extra protection.
- ExpressVPN: Best for plug-and-play setup, with apps that require no configuration.
1. NordVPN: Best for East Coast Speed
Pros
- CBS free channels unblocked
- YouTube TV, NFL+ unblocked
- Fault-free on US servers
Cons
- Renewal costs much more
- Pricey single-month plans
NordVPN recorded 179.88 Mbps in New York, 5.5% under our baseline, and CBS didn’t detect it. Its US performance was excellent, and we found no faults. NordVPN averages below $3.50 a month over its first 27 months, and the renewal price of about $139 a year is our one complaint.
2. Proton VPN: Best for Swiss-Based Privacy
Pros
- Swiss privacy law
- Secure Core via Switzerland
- ABC and Fox unblocked
Cons
- CBS detected it
- Slow New York download
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland and has independently audited no-log claims. Its New York speed was 145.61 Mbps, 23.5% below our baseline. CBS detected every Proton VPN server we tried, which disappointed us, and the four other networks played normally. About $72 buys two years of VPN Plus, with monthly billing at about $10.
3. ExpressVPN: Best for Plug-and-Play Setup
Pros
- Works on default settings
- Unblocked Fox on US servers
- Wide US location list
Cons
- CBS blocked playback
- Limited advanced settings
On its New York server, ExpressVPN lost 14.0% of our baseline at 163.66 Mbps, and its apps work without any setup beyond choosing a server. CBS flagged it on every server, a result we didn’t expect from ExpressVPN, and the other networks played. The 28-month Basic plan drops ExpressVPN below $3 a month. Its Android trial is card-backed and ends after three days.
US Sports Times in Italy
Italy is six hours ahead of the US East Coast for most of the year, so live US sports fall late:
- NFL Sunday early games (1 p.m. ET): 7 p.m. in Italy
- NFL Sunday late games (4:25 p.m. ET): 10:25 p.m.
- Sunday and Monday night football (about 8:15 p.m. ET): about 2:15 a.m. the next day
In March and from late October to early November, the US and Europe change clocks on different dates, which shortens the difference to five hours for one to three weeks. The three VPNs unblocked YouTube TV and NFL+ in our NFL tests, and our out-of-market NFL guide covers the game passes. ESPN’s US streaming service, launched in August 2025, costs about $30 a month and, like other paid US services, requires a US card.
Fixing a Blocked US Stream
- Playback error on CBS: CBS detected each new server we tried on Proton VPN and ExpressVPN. Use NordVPN for CBS instead.
- A region message after connecting: clear the network’s cookies, check the VPN app for a New York connection, and reload.
- Card declined at sign-up: US services check the card’s country, so an Italian card won’t work.
Free VPNs for US Channels
Windscribe and PrivadoVPN have US locations on their no-cost tiers, and on US servers in our tests, Windscribe measured 160.59 Mbps and PrivadoVPN 164.55 Mbps. Each allows 10 GB a month. At that cap, Windscribe disconnects, while PrivadoVPN drops to 1 Mbps and keeps working. The two rank in our free VPN guide.
Summary
Italy’s own services already cover many US series, so the VPN is for live networks, news, and US sports. NordVPN unblocked every network we tried, CBS included, and its only drawback was the renewal price. Choose Proton VPN for its Swiss privacy protections if CBS isn’t on your list, or ExpressVPN for the simplest setup. For other countries, see our guides to American TV abroad and US TV in Spain.
US TV in Italy FAQs
How can you watch American TV in Italy?
Connect NordVPN or Proton VPN to a New York server, then load the channel's website or app. US broadcasters check the IP address before playing live channels or episodes.
What streaming services work in Italy?
Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and NOW work in Italy. Peacock, live US networks, and ESPN's app serve only US IP addresses.
Is HBO Max available in Italy?
Yes, HBO Max has been available in Italy since January 13, 2026. It's sold directly and through Amazon's Prime Video Channels, with a catalog that differs from the US version.
Why does CBS block VPNs?
CBS checks whether an IP address belongs to a VPN server and stops playback when it does. NordVPN's New York servers pass that check, while Proton VPN's and ExpressVPN's are detected.
What time are NFL games on in Italy?
Early Sunday kickoffs at 1 p.m. Eastern start at 7 p.m. in Rome, and 4:25 p.m. games at 10:25 p.m. Prime-time games begin after 2 a.m. Italian time.
Can you pay for US streaming with an Italian card?
No, US streaming subscriptions require a US card. A VPN changes the location the service sees, but the payment page still reads the card's country.