YouTube TV: For years, cord-cutters faced a frustrating dilemma: jump for the massive $82.99/month base package to catch prestige dramas and hit cable shows, or settle for cheaper, stripped-down alternatives that missed essential channels.
Earlier this year, YouTube TV shook up the live streaming market by rolling out standalone, genre-based plans starting at $54.99/month.
Now, Google is making those lower-cost options significantly sweeter. Without quiet price hikes or hidden add-on fees, YouTube TV has expanded its custom genre tiers with six major additions, headlined by AMC and BBC America.
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YouTube TV: What Changed?
The update focuses on rounding out YouTube TV’s category-focused packages. AMC Networks and Google reached a refreshed distribution agreement, allowing six linear and specialty channels to jump over to lower-priced tiers:
| Plan Category | Newly Added Channels | What You Can Watch |
| Entertainment Plans (Entertainment, News + Entertainment, etc.) | • AMC • BBC America • IFC • Sundance Now • WE tv | Prestige television like The Walking Dead universe and Interview with the Vampire, indie cinema, cult comedy classics (Portlandia), and reality television. |
| News Plans (News + Entertainment, Sports + News, etc.) | • BBC World News | 24/7 global news reporting, international analysis, and documentaries. |
Why This Is a Major Win for Cord-Cutters
When YouTube TV debuted its genre packages (such as the stand-alone Entertainment Plan at $54.99/month or News + Entertainment at $69.99/month), missing cable heavyweights were the main dealbreaker. Viewers who wanted Mad Men re-runs or sci-fi staples on BBC America were often forced back up to the full $82.99 Base Plan.
By populating these budget plans with anchor networks:
- Zero Extra Cost: Existing subscribers on any qualifying Entertainment or News package get the new channels automatically.
- Full DVR Perks: The newly added channels retain YouTube TV’s hallmark unlimited cloud DVR with a 9-month retention policy.
- Flexibility Maintained: Users can still swap between genre packages month-to-month based on what’s currently airing.
How to Check Your Account
- Open YouTube TV on your smart TV, web browser, or mobile app.
- Head to the Live Guide tab.
- If you are on an Entertainment or News-inclusive plan, scroll down—the new networks should automatically populate your guide.
- To rearrange channel positions, customize your view via Settings > Live Guide from a web browser.
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