“How many channels” is the wrong question — the right one is “does it have the channels I actually watch.” DirecTV’s lineup spans four full Signature Packages, five budget-friendly Genre Packs, and a completely free ad-supported tier. Here’s exactly what’s in each, verified against DirecTV’s official 2026 channel lineup, organized by what you actually care about.
Quick Answer: Which Tier Has What
| Package | Channels | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyFree DIRECTV | 100+ (ad-supported) | Free, no subscription | Casual viewers, cord-cutters testing the waters |
| Genre Packs | 10–60+ depending on pack | From $20.99/mo | Budget viewers who only want one category |
| ENTERTAINMENT | 90+ | $89.99/mo | Everyday viewing — news, general entertainment |
| CHOICE | 125+ | $94.99/mo | Adds regional sports networks |
| ULTIMATE | 160+ | $124.99/mo | Adds movie channels and more sports |
| PREMIER | 185+ | $169.99/mo | Everything, including HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax |
For full pricing details and satellite vs. streaming differences, see our DirecTV Packages guide.
Complete Channel Lineup by Category
Every channel below is included starting at the tier listed — since packages are additive, a channel available on ENTERTAINMENT is also on CHOICE, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER. This covers the channels people search for most; DirecTV’s full lineup includes hundreds more specialty, regional, and international channels not listed here (check directv.com/channel-lineup or call us for your exact local list).
News & Weather (all included starting at ENTERTAINMENT)
CNN, CNN International, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, Fox Weather, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Newsmax, NewsNation, BBC America, BBC News, Bloomberg TV, C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, Scripps News, Weather Channel
Sports
| Channel | Included Starting At |
|---|---|
| ESPN, ESPN2 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| FS1 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| ESPNEWS, ESPNU | CHOICE |
| NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network | CHOICE |
| GOLF Channel, Tennis Channel | CHOICE |
| SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network | CHOICE |
| FanDuel TV | CHOICE |
| FS2, CBS Sports Network | ULTIMATE |
| NHL Network, Sportsman Channel | ULTIMATE |
| Outdoor Channel | PREMIER only |
| NFL RedZone | PREMIER only (or the separate Sports Pack add-on on lower tiers) |
| Regional sports networks (your local MLB/NBA/NHL team) | CHOICE and above — varies by ZIP code |
General Entertainment & Lifestyle
| Channel | Included Starting At |
|---|---|
| AMC, Animal Planet, Discovery, Freeform, FX, FXX, Paramount Network, TBS, TNT, USA Network, VH1 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| A&E, Bravo, Comedy Central, E!, HISTORY Channel, IFC, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, Syfy, TLC, WE tv | ENTERTAINMENT |
| HGTV, Food Network | ENTERTAINMENT |
| truTV | CHOICE |
| Nat Geo Wild | ULTIMATE |
Kids & Family
| Channel | Included Starting At |
|---|---|
| Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, PBS Kids, TeenNick | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Disney Junior | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Nick Jr. | CHOICE |
Movies & Premium
| Channel | Included Starting At |
|---|---|
| TCM | CHOICE |
| FX Movie Channel, Smithsonian Channel | ULTIMATE |
| STARZ ENCORE (all variants) | ULTIMATE |
| HBO Max (HBO East, HBO Comedy, HBO Drama, HBO Movies), Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax | PREMIER only (built in; add-on or trial on lower tiers) |
| MGM+ | Separate add-on on any tier |
Local & International
Local network affiliates (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) are included on every Signature Package where available in your market — this depends on your specific billing address, not just general availability. Spanish-language channels (Univision, Galavisión, and more) appear on select tiers; a dedicated MiEspañol package (60+ Spanish-language channels) is also available separately. International add-on packages cover Vietnamese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese programming.
Sports Coverage: The Decision That Matters Most
If sports drive your choice, here’s the summary: ESPN and ESPN2 are included even on the base ENTERTAINMENT tier, but regional sports networks — the actual broadcasts of your local MLB, NBA, and NHL teams — require CHOICE or above. This is the single most important upgrade decision for sports fans, and it’s only a $5/mo jump from ENTERTAINMENT to CHOICE.
One common point of confusion: NFL Sunday Ticket is not available on DirecTV. It moved exclusively to YouTube TV in 2023 and hasn’t returned. DirecTV subscribers still get NFL Network on CHOICE and above, and NFL RedZone with PREMIER or the separate Sports Pack add-on (~$14.99/mo) on lower tiers.
Genre Packs: The Budget Alternative Most Guides Skip
If a full Signature Package is more than you need, DirecTV’s Genre Packs are curated, single-category lineups built for cord-cutters who want specific content without paying for channels they’ll never watch:
| Genre Pack | What’s Included | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| MyEntertainment | 60+ channels (A&E, Bravo, Discovery, FX, HGTV, TLC, and more) plus Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max with ads | ~$34.99/mo |
| MySports | 20+ sports channels plus the ESPN Unlimited streaming service | ~$69.99/mo |
| MyKids | 10+ kid-friendly channels plus Disney+ | From $20.99/mo |
| MyNews | Major news networks (Fox, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Newsmax) | From $20.99/mo |
| MiEspañol | 60+ Spanish-language channels | From $20.99/mo |
Mini-packs (MyHome Team for regional sports, MySports Extra, MyCinema) can be added to a base pack for roughly $10.99/mo more. No annual contract is required on Genre Packs, and every subscriber — regardless of pack — also gets access to MyFree DIRECTV.
MyFree DIRECTV: Actually Free, No Subscription Needed
This is worth knowing even if you’re not planning to subscribe to anything: MyFree DIRECTV is a genuinely free, ad-supported streaming service with 100+ channels — no credit card, no signup fee, no trial period that converts to a paid plan. It’s a real option for casual viewers or anyone testing whether streaming TV fits their household before committing to a paid package.
How to Check Your Exact Local Lineup
Channel availability — especially regional sports networks and local affiliates — varies by ZIP code and billing region. The only way to see your exact channel list is to check by address, since national guides (including this one) show what’s typically available, not a guarantee for your specific market. Call (409) 273-7460 and we’ll confirm the exact lineup available at your address, alongside pricing for every tier.
Which Package Should You Choose?
- Just want the basics — news, kids’ shows, general entertainment? ENTERTAINMENT covers it, and it’s the cheapest full Signature Package.
- Follow a local pro sports team? CHOICE is the floor — regional sports networks aren’t available below this tier.
- Want movies without a separate streaming subscription? ULTIMATE adds movie channels; PREMIER includes premium channels (HBO Max, STARZ, SHOWTIME) permanently.
- Only care about one category — sports, kids, or news specifically? A Genre Pack is likely cheaper than a full Signature Package for the same core content.
- Not ready to commit to anything? MyFree DIRECTV costs nothing and requires no subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DirecTV have NFL Sunday Ticket?
No — it moved exclusively to YouTube TV in 2023 and remains there. DirecTV subscribers still get NFL Network on CHOICE and above, and NFL RedZone with PREMIER or the Sports Pack add-on.
What’s the difference between Signature Packages and Genre Packs?
Signature Packages are broad, traditional cable-style lineups spanning every genre. Genre Packs are curated, cheaper, single-category lineups (sports, entertainment, kids, news, or Spanish-language) for viewers who don’t need a full traditional bundle.
Is MyFree DIRECTV really free?
Yes — it’s an ad-supported streaming service with 100+ channels, no subscription or credit card required.
Which DirecTV package has premium channels like HBO Max included?
Only PREMIER includes HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, and Cinemax permanently at no extra cost. Lower tiers can add these individually or get a limited-time free trial.
Do local channels come with every package?
Yes, where available in your market — local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates are included on all Signature Packages, though availability depends on your specific billing address.
Which tier do I need for HGTV, TLC, and Food Network?
All three are included starting at the base ENTERTAINMENT tier — no upgrade required for general lifestyle and home channels.
The Bottom Line
Most households land on CHOICE if local sports matter, or ENTERTAINMENT if they don’t — and Genre Packs are worth a serious look if you only care about one category of content. PREMIER only makes sense if you’d subscribe to those premium movie channels separately anyway. Since exact channel availability (especially regional sports) varies by address, call Local Cable Provider at (409) 273-7460 and we’ll confirm your exact local lineup alongside current pricing for every DirecTV option.
