A:
It depends on if the providers have it as an option or not.
For example. You can watch CBS from their website (or android app) and Chromecast that to the TV without a provider required.
The WatchESPN/DisneyXD/DisneyChannel apps require you to log in with a provider they support. Currently ESPN supports TWC, but Disney does not.
I'm not sure about Fox, but I suspect that they will be a similar case.
If you don't need the shows same day, you can get most shows through Hulu Plus or Netflix these days. The only ones you're really missing out on is live sports, but ESPN is helping cover that.
Naturally there are bootleg options out there, but the stream quality is so bad that it isn't worth it.