Cable-type channels want to be paid. When you have a paid subscription to a "tv provider" service (like cable or satellite) that carries these channels, the channels receive their pay out of the subscription fees you pay that provider. When you don't have a subscription to such a provider you are not paying for those channels.
Many cable-type channels, like HGTV, make their content available for streaming via a "TV Everywhere" channel app for those paying for the channel through a provider as mentioned above. You can install HGTVGO to your Roku for free, but unless you can authenticate with a tv provider account, you won't be able to receive programming, other than maybe some very limited previews or teasers.
Some streaming services that you can subscribe to directly act like a cable system and provide access to a variety of cable-type channels. Ones that I'm aware of that include HGTV are:
• Hulu plus Live TV
• Sling
• philo
• Directv Stream
• YouTube TV
• fubu
Roku Community Streaming Expert
I am not a Roku employee, only a user like you. Please, no support questions via private message -- post them publicly to the Community where others may benefit as well.
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