‘I Was a Child Bride: The Courtney Stodden Story, How to Stream the Lifetime Documentary Without Cable

‘I Was a Child Bride: The Courtney Stodden Story’ premiered on Lifetime on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST. The new documentary revisits Courtney Stodden’s controversial teenage marriage to actor Doug Hutchison and explores the impact it had on her life. Many viewers are looking for ways to watch the film online without a traditional cable subscription. Here’s everything you need to know.

The documentary is produced and narrated by Courtney Stodden herself. It dives into her experience marrying at just 16 to a man 35 years older and how the media storm affected her adulthood. Lifetime is the exclusive network airing the film, but you can stream it online using several services.

Where to Watch ‘I Was a Child Bride: The Courtney Stodden Story’ Online

Lifetime is available on multiple live TV streaming platforms. If you do not have cable, these are the top options:

DirecTV Stream: This platform offers a five-day free trial. After the trial, plans start at $34.99 per month. The MyEntertainment package includes Lifetime and more than 50 additional channels. It’s one of the easiest ways to watch the documentary for free on premiere day.

Philo: Philo offers more than 70 live channels, including Lifetime, with a seven-day free trial. Plans start at $28 per month. It’s one of the most affordable streaming options for viewers who want access to Lifetime shows and movies.

Sling TV: Sling’s Orange or Blue plans start at $45.99 per month. You can also choose the combined Orange + Blue plan for $60.99 per month. Sling does not offer a free trial, but it’s reliable for live TV streaming and has flexible packages.

Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV includes Lifetime along with popular shows and events like “The Golden Bachelor” and “Dancing with the Stars.” It offers a three-day free trial before plans start at $82.99 per month.

All of these platforms allow you to stream the movie live as it airs or watch on-demand afterward. Signing up for a trial on DirecTV, Philo, or Hulu + Live TV means you can watch the film without paying upfront if you cancel before the trial ends.

What the Documentary Reveals

‘I Was a Child Bride: The Courtney Stodden Story’ reflects on Stodden’s teenage years and the global reaction to her marriage. At just 16, she married actor Doug Hutchison in Las Vegas, where the legal age to marry without parental consent is 18. The marriage lasted nine years before the couple divorced in 2020. The documentary shows how media coverage, public judgment, and personal trauma shaped Stodden’s journey into adulthood.

The film has sparked conversation about child marriage laws in the United States and how media attention can affect young celebrities. Trusted outlets such as the Associated Press and BBC have long documented concerns over underage marriage and its legal loopholes in several states.

Reactions and Impact

Viewers have taken to social media to express support for Stodden’s decision to share her story. Many are revisiting the cultural climate of the early 2010s and how online bullying shaped public perception. The documentary could renew calls for legal reform around marriage age limits in certain U.S. states.

Entertainment analysts suggest Lifetime’s release may encourage similar survivor-led documentaries about past media controversies. It highlights how streaming access makes such stories more widely available and part of cultural discussions beyond cable TV audiences.

‘I Was a Child Bride: The Courtney Stodden Story’ is available to stream now on Lifetime via DirecTV, Philo, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV. Viewers can watch live or on-demand with free trials from select services.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is ‘I Was a Child Bride: The Courtney Stodden Story’ about?

The film tells Courtney Stodden’s story of marrying actor Doug Hutchison at 16 and explores the long-term impact on her life and career.

Q2: Where can I watch ‘I Was a Child Bride: The Courtney Stodden Story’ online?

You can watch it on Lifetime via DirecTV, Philo, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV. Several services offer free trials.

Q3: Is the documentary available to stream without cable?

Yes. You can stream it without cable using DirecTV Stream, Philo, Sling TV, or Hulu + Live TV. Some offer free trials for new users.

Q4: Does the film discuss U.S. child marriage laws?

Yes. It touches on legal loopholes that allowed the marriage and highlights ongoing debates about age requirements in some states.

Q5: Who produced the documentary?

Courtney Stodden produced and narrated the film, sharing her personal experience and perspective.