Optimum’s cable channel has a three-tier TV lineup that is more straightforward than most cable providers, but “80+, 125+, or 200+ channels” doesn’t tell you whether your favorites are actually included. Here’s exactly what’s in each tier, organized by what you actually watch.
Quick Answer
| Package | Channels | Price | What It’s Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment TV | 80+ | $30/mo | Lifestyle, reality TV, and general entertainment — no local news or sports |
| Extra TV | 125+ | $85/mo | Adds local broadcast networks, CNN, ESPN, and national sports |
| Everything TV | 200+ | $140/mo | The deepest lineup, for sports fans and heavy viewers |
Important regional note: Entertainment TV is available broadly, but Extra TV and Everything TV are currently rolling out region by region. Confirmed available in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut tri-state area, with expansion ongoing elsewhere. Some markets (particularly former Suddenlink areas in the West region) may still use Optimum’s older tier names. Basic, Core, Select, and Premier. Always check your specific address for the exact lineup sold there.
What’s Actually in Each Tier
Entertainment TV ($30/mo, 80+ channels) is a streaming-only package delivered through the free Optimum Stream device. Confirmed channels include A&E, AMC, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Food Network, Game Show Network, Great American Family, HGTV, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TLC, and We TV — strong on lifestyle, reality, and general entertainment. One important limitation: this tier does not include local broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX), cable sports networks, or core cable news channels. It does include Optimum’s own News 12 hyperlocal news service, exclusively on the Optimum Stream device.
Extra TV ($85/mo, 125+ channels) is where local and national news, sports, and broadcast networks enter the picture. Confirmed channels include ABC, Bravo, CBS, CNN, Disney Channel, ESPN, FOX News Channel, NBC, and USA Network, alongside family entertainment programming. This is genuinely the tier where “cutting the cord” concerns about missing local news or your NFL broadcast network stop applying.
Everything TV ($140/mo, 200+ channels) builds on Extra TV’s foundation with the deepest available lineup — the right choice for sports fans and households that want maximum channel variety without managing multiple add-ons separately.
Sports Coverage
ESPN is included starting at the Extra TV tier not available on Entertainment TV. For deeper sports coverage, Optimum’s Sports Package add-on brings in 24 additional sports channels, layered onto Extra TV or Everything TV for sports fans who want beyond-the-basics coverage.
Premium Channels
Premium networks are not bundled into any tier by default they’re available as paid add-ons on Extra TV and Everything TV:
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
- HBO / HBO Max
- STARZ
Some legacy-market tier structures (the Premier package in former Suddenlink/West region areas) include these premium channels built in at no extra charge another reason to confirm your exact regional lineup before assuming what’s included.
International and Spanish-Language Channels
Optimum offers Spanish-language, Russian, Chinese, and other international channel packages as add-ons across TV tiers – the exact channel count varies by package, so confirm current specifics when you call.
What’s Included Free, Regardless of Tier
Every Optimum TV package regardless of tier includes:
- The Optimum Stream device, free, with a Google Assistant voice remote
- On Demand library access
- Cloud DVR record up to 15 shows simultaneously, up to 150 hours of storage
- TV app access on phones, tablets, and streaming devices, plus 100+ network apps like ABC, ESPN, and FXNOW
For the full breakdown of bundle pricing and savings, see our guide to Optimum Internet and TV Bundles.
Which Tier Should You Choose?
- Just want lifestyle and entertainment channels, no live news or sports? Entertainment TV covers it at the lowest price but confirm you’re comfortable without local broadcast networks
- Want local news, CNN, and ESPN included? Extra TV is the floor for that – it’s the tier most households actually need
- Sports fan or want the deepest lineup available? Everything TV, optionally layered with the Sports Package for NFL RedZone and more
- Want premium movie channels? Budget for the HBO/STARZ/Paramount+ add-ons on Extra or Everything TV, or check whether your region’s legacy Premier tier includes them by default
How to Check Your Exact Local Lineup
Because Optimum’s channel lineup varies significantly by region both in which tier names are used and which specific channels are included. The only reliable way to know what you’ll actually get is to check by address. Call (409) 273-7460 and we’ll confirm the exact current lineup and pricing for your specific location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Optimum’s cheapest TV package include local channels?
No, Entertainment TV ($30/mo) does not include local broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, or NBC. You’ll need Extra TV or higher for those.
Which Optimum TV tier includes ESPN?
Extra TV and above. ESPN is not included on the Entertainment TV tier.
Are premium channels like HBO included with Optimum TV?
Not by default on the current Entertainment/Extra/Everything tiers available as paid add-ons. Some legacy-market Premier packages include them at no extra cost; check your specific address.
Is Optimum’s channel lineup the same everywhere?
No, Extra TV and Everything TV are still expanding beyond the NY/NJ/CT tri-state area, and some regions use an older tier structure (Basic/Core/Select/Premier) instead. Always confirm your exact local lineup.
Does Optimum have Spanish-language channels?
Yes, Spanish-language channel packages are available as an add-on; confirm the current specific lineup and channel count when you call.
The Bottom Line
Optimum’s three-tier structure is simpler to understand than most cable lineups, but the jump from Entertainment TV to Extra TV is where the real functional difference lives local news, national broadcast networks, and ESPN all start at Extra TV, not the entry tier. Since availability and even tier names vary by region, confirm your exact lineup before choosing. Call Local Cable Provider at (409) 273-7460 and we’ll walk through exactly what’s available at your address.
