What channels does DIRECTV STREAM not have?

DIRECTV STREAM, previously called AT&T TV, is one of the most prominent live TV streaming services with numerous channel options in its packages. Nevertheless, there are certain channels and channel families which are absent from the DIRECTV STREAM.

Major Channels Missing Some of the channels missing from the DIRECTV STREAM include, AMC, BBC America, BET, CMT, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, E!These networks include A&E, Animal Planet, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNN, CNN en Español, Cooking Channel, Discovery, Discovery en Español, Discovery Life, DIY Network, Food Network, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TBS, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, truTV, and VH1. Some of these channels are with Discovery, Paramount, ViacomCBS and Warner Bros Discovery and while many of them are not on some of the streaming platforms, it is usually due to carriage disputes.

Missing Sports Channels Lacking regional sports networks for the pay-TV service includes AT&T SportsNet, Fox Sports Networks, MASN, NBC Sports Networks, NESN, Root Sports, and Spectrum SportsNet. Thus, for local team coverage, you might not have much choice if your regional sports network is not available on DIRECTV STREAM. They also do not broadcast the NFL RedZone or the NFL Network. Other missing sports channels are beIN Sports, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, Longhorn Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Outside Television, Sportsman Channel, TVG and TVG2.

KID AND FAMILY CHANNELS NOT AVAILABLE They lack many kids channels such as Baby TV, Boomerang, Cartoonito, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Nick Jr, Nicktoons, TeenNick, and Universal Kid. It lacks networks such as BET Her, BYUtv, UPtv, and WEtv which are mainly focused on family entertainment.

Other Notable Missing Channels and Networks In addition to the major channel groups outlined above, here is a list of some other channels that do not come with any DIRECTV STREAM package:In addition to the major channel groups outlined above, here is a list of some other channels that do not come with any DIRECTV STREAM package:

A&E, Cinemax, CMT, Comedy. American Heroes, BET Jams, BET Soul, Bravo, Cartoon Network, Chiller, CNBC World, Comedy Central, Cooking Channel, DIY Network, FX Movie Channel, FXX, Game Show Network, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, HDNet Movies, IFC, LOGO, Magnolia Network, MotorTrend Network, MTV Classic, MTV2, National Geographic Wild, Nick Music, Ovation, Science, Sund

Why Channels Are Missing But why isn’t this service, called DIRECTV STREAM, available for these popular channels? In particular, it is primarily about carriage negotiations and controversies between AT&T/WarnerMedia, which owns DIRECTV, and other largest media organizations. The networks and channel owners demand fees from the streaming services that wish to host their content. And if there is no agreement on the financial compensation, then channels are pulled out from the lineups.

Another factor is that many media companies also have their own ambitions to have their own streaming platforms, which means they might not want to license so many of their channels to a competitor. For instance, ViacomCBS has got Paramount+, Disney has Disney+ and Hulu, while Discovery also has Discovery+. They believe having exclusive content aids in attracting subscribers to their own channels.

The good news is that DIRECTV STREAM is constantly striving to include more content and channel options. Adding Bally Sports RSNs, Weather Channel, Cinemax, Hallmark, etc. , they updated their channel list in 2022. Thus, one can expect that with time the number of channels to be subscribed to goes up as new carriage deals are negotiated.

But now, the main channel groups described above are the main deficiencies of the show that can and should be considered when choosing a potential subscriber. They have some wonderful channels and functions but you will likely be deprived of many popular programs, kids’ shows, movies, and sport events depending on your tastes. It is always advisable to visit their website and check the current channel lineup to decide whether you need the services of DIRECTV STREAM or not.