A Complete Guide to All Channels in DIRECTV's Genre Packs
DirecTV's Genre Packs are curated add-on channel bundles, each designed around specific content types—movies, sports, family entertainment, and more. These targeted collections give viewers the option to customize their lineup by subscribing to content they value most. Whether you're a cinephile searching for award-winning films, a die-hard sports fan with an appetite for niche leagues, or a parent looking for kid-friendly programming, there’s a pack tailored to your interests.
These Genre Packs are available to subscribers across both DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV's satellite TV service, allowing flexible access depending on how you choose to watch. Unlike services such as Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, which offer fewer genre-specific a-la-carte options, DIRECTV provides more detailed segmentation. That means subscribers aren’t paying for irrelevant content—they're selecting exactly what they want, by genre.
Explore Every Channel in DIRECTV’s Genre-Based Add-On Packs
DIRECTV simplifies content discovery by bundling specialty channels into curated Genre Packs. Instead of navigating a sea of hundreds of options, subscribers choose from focused channel collections built around specific interests like entertainment, sports, movies, or international content. Each pack offers a purpose-built lineup, allowing deeper viewing experiences with minimal clutter.
Organized by Interest for Efficient Browsing
DIRECTV sorts its Genre Packs into clearly defined categories. Whether you're chasing live sports, seeking indie films, or creating a child-friendly library, programming is grouped logically. That structural clarity cuts down the time spent searching and increases the time spent watching.
Here’s how the programming is segmented across Genre Packs:
- Entertainment Pack: Includes general interest networks focusing on drama, reality, and lifestyle content.
- Sports Pack: Covers both national and regional sports networks, plus specialty sports content.
- Movies Pack: Brings together film-focused channels from classics to box-office hits and independent cinema.
- News and Information Pack: Includes 24/7 news outlets, business channels, and factual programming networks.
- Family and Kids Pack: Features age-appropriate shows and educational series tailored for younger viewers and family viewing.
- International Pack: Offers language-specific content including Spanish, Korean, Filipino, and more.
- Premium Add-Ons: Gives access to networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz with expansive original series and film libraries.
This modular format enables subscribers to tailor their package to their personal viewing habits, avoiding excess channels and focusing on value-specific content delivery.
Explore the Entertainment Pack Channels on DIRECTV
The Entertainment Pack from DIRECTV curates a strong lineup for viewers who want a broad mix of movies, scripted series, lifestyle content, and comedic programming. This pack caters to general TV enthusiasts who enjoy flipping between hit dramas, blockbuster films, and long-running reality shows without narrowing their focus to one genre.
Core Networks That Define the Pack
Each channel included in the Entertainment Pack contributes a distinct flavor, creating a varied and robust viewing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable networks featured:
- TNT: Home to critically acclaimed dramas like Snowpiercer and high-profile syndicated series, TNT also carries select live events and special movie presentations.
- TBS: With a focus on comedy and late-night entertainment, TBS features staples such as American Dad!, original sitcoms, and annual coverage of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
- USA Network: Known for a mix of scripted content and reality programming, USA delivers recognizable hits like Law & Order: SVU (reruns) alongside WWE wrestling broadcasts.
- AMC: The channel behind modern classics like The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad, AMC also offers curated film blocks on weekends and original mini-series during primetime.
- FX: A destination for bold, edgy drama and comedy—from Fargo to American Horror Story—FX carries Emmy-winning storytelling and original films under the FX on Hulu banner.
- Comedy Central: Focused on humor across all formats, this channel showcases stand-up specials, classic sketch shows, and infamous animated series like South Park.
- A&E: Merging reality series with compelling real-life documentaries, A&E’s lineup includes long-form investigations and fan-favorite programming like Hoarders and Storage Wars.
Programming Highlights
The Entertainment Pack emphasizes variety. Tight storytelling and star-powered productions dominate primetime, while the afternoons and late nights mix syndicated hits, indie films, and rerun marathons. For fans who enjoy watching live as well as on-demand, several of these networks also offer TV Everywhere apps, expanding access across mobile devices.
From explosive drama and cinematic experiences to quirky unscripted series and punchy comedies, this genre pack satisfies viewers with diverse tastes looking for entertainment across the spectrum.
Explore the Full Roster of Channels in DIRECTV's Sports Pack
The Sports Pack on DIRECTV delivers an expansive lineup tailored to both regional and international sports enthusiasts. Designed to supplement the core sports coverage in base packages, this genre pack opens access to leagues, tournaments, and niche sports channels that aren't widely available elsewhere. Whether you're tracking the playoffs or scouting prospects in off-season games, this pack offers comprehensive coverage.
Key Channels in the DIRECTV Sports Pack
Subscribers get access to more than 30 sports-focused networks. Here's a closer look at some of the marquee offerings:
- NFL Network: Covers year-round programming from the National Football League. Includes exclusive games, live draft coverage, and daily news shows like Good Morning Football and Total Access.
- MLB Network: Delivers over 100 live baseball games each season along with studio analysis, documentaries, and classic games.
- NBA TV: Features live NBA games, real-time analysis, and original programming including NBA GameTime and Open Court.
- ESPN College Extra: Aggregates out-of-market college sports events from multiple NCAA conferences across football, basketball, baseball, and more.
- NHL Network: Offers live National Hockey League games, replays, and in-depth analysis. Includes exclusive content like NHL Tonight.
- Tennis Channel: Provides 24/7 tennis coverage from ATP, WTA, Davis Cup, and Grand Slam events. Also includes documentaries, training, and feature stories.
- Fox Soccer Plus: Specializes in international soccer and rugby. Includes matches from UEFA competitions, the English FA Cup, and Six Nations Rugby.
- Sportsman Channel: Focuses on outdoor and adventure sports, including hunting, shooting, and fishing series filmed across North America.
Additional channels in the pack round out the offering with regional sports networks (RSNs), college-focused channels, and specialty programming covering everything from motorsports to combat sports, depending on market availability.
DIRECTV Sports Pack vs. Hulu + Live TV
DIRECTV’s Sports Pack includes niche and premium networks that are absent from Hulu + Live TV's lineup. For instance, Hulu currently does not offer NFL Network, NHL Network, or Tennis Channel. Its sports content primarily focuses on what’s available via ESPN, FS1, regional sports networks, and the major broadcast networks. DIRECTV’s offering, by contrast, casts a wider net with its inclusion of exclusive networks and more live game broadcasts.
For users seeking access to the most comprehensive mix of pro league channels, college conference networks, and international sports coverage, DIRECTV's Sports Pack delivers an unmatched lineup.
Unpacking the Movies Pack Channels in DIRECTV’s Genre Lineup
DIRECTV’s Movies Pack channels focus exclusively on delivering cinematic experiences across a wide range of genres. Designed for audiences who prioritize storytelling, performance, and high-quality film production, this genre pack assembles a curated selection of channels that broadcast theatrical hits, indie gems, and vintage classics. The package brings together mainstream appeal and niche artistry into one cohesive offering.
Included Channels in the Movies Pack
- Hallmark Drama – This channel centers on emotionally rich storytelling, with original dramatic series, movies, and classic Hallmark titles. It captures timeless narratives grounded in relationships and personal transformation.
- Sony Movie Channel – High-definition, uncut films sourced primarily from Sony Pictures’ vast library dominate this network. Expect a mix of modern action, cult favorites, and award-winning dramas.
- FX Movie Channel (FXM) – FXM showcases a blend of recent theatrical releases and esteemed older films, including those spotlighted during Oscar season. The channel also features filmmaker commentary and behind-the-scenes segments.
- Reelz – While this channel leans into entertainment biopics and film-themed docuseries, it extends into true Hollywood stories, on-set scandals, and profiles of influential figures from the film industry.
- Starz Encore – Included in select packages, Starz Encore delivers an extensive lineup of blockbuster movies and classic films, often grouped into genre-specific marathons. Sub-genres like Westerns, Suspense, and Action get their own spotlight blocks.
What Viewers Can Expect
The Movies Pack doesn’t just stack titles for casual viewing—it offers thematic curation across channels. For example, viewers clicking over to FXM might find a noir marathon, while Sony Movie Channel could be showcasing a Director’s Spotlight week. Hidden treasures from indie circuits appear alongside household names. Distribution strategies vary day-to-day, with content scheduled to match peak viewing hours for film buffs.
Looking for black-and-white classics, critically-acclaimed performances, or midnight action thrillers? This pack captures that entire range. And as cinema continues to evolve, the Movies Pack adapts, weaving contemporary releases and emerging trends into the broadcast mix.
Stay Informed: News and Information Pack Channels on DIRECTV
The News and Information Pack on DIRECTV brings together a tightly curated group of channels tailored for viewers who make current events, in-depth analysis, and global affairs part of their daily media diet. Whether you're tracking global markets, watching live press briefings, or following major weather shifts, this pack delivers reliable, real-time coverage around the clock.
Channel Highlights
- CNN: Broadcasting 24/7 from CNN Center in Atlanta and bureaus worldwide, CNN offers comprehensive news coverage, breaking developments, and investigative reporting. Programming includes flagship shows like “Anderson Cooper 360°” and “The Lead with Jake Tapper”.
- MSNBC: A benchmark in political analysis and commentary, MSNBC features programs such as “Morning Joe,” “The Rachel Maddow Show,” and “All In with Chris Hayes.” The channel focuses on U.S. and global politics alongside cultural analysis.
- Bloomberg: Exclusively devoted to global business and financial news, Bloomberg TV covers real-time stock market data, CEO interviews, economic indicators, and global macroeconomic trends. Shows like “Bloomberg Surveillance” deliver data-driven insights for investors and executives alike.
- CNBC: From the opening bell to earnings calls, CNBC delivers live market updates, investor reports, and deep dives into corporate performance. Programs such as “Squawk Box,” “Mad Money,” and “Closing Bell” cater to traders, analysts, and business owners alike.
- The Weather Channel: Known for its real-time national and local weather coverage, this channel pairs forecasts with storm tracking, climate reporting, and disaster updates. Long-running programs like “Weather Underground” add depth to meteorological insights.
- BBC World News: Offering a distinctly international perspective, BBC World News reports on politics, science, technology, and global development. The network connects viewers with headlines from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas—all in one stream.
- HLN: Initially focused on headline news, HLN now blends true crime documentaries and daily news briefings. Programs like “Morning Express with Robin Meade” and “Crime & Justice with Ashleigh Banfield” attract viewers interested in faster-pacing storylines and justice reporting.
The News and Information Pack aligns with those who expect immediacy and depth from their television content—not only what is happening but also why it matters.
Family and Kids Pack Channels: Curated for All Ages
DIRECTV’s Family and Kids Pack delivers a balanced blend of entertainment and education, catering specifically to households with children, tweens, and families seeking age-appropriate programming. This pack bundles together trusted networks that focus on storytelling, imagination, creativity, and learning. Each channel contributes uniquely to a safe viewing environment while keeping children engaged across a wide range of genres—including animation, live action, and children’s documentaries.
Included Channels in the Family and Kids Pack
- Disney Channel: Home to hit shows like Bluey, The Owl House, and Big City Greens, Disney Channel blends heartwarming storytelling with relatable characters. Its focus ranges from early elementary to preteens.
- Nickelodeon / Nick Jr.: While Nickelodeon targets older kids with titles like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Loud House, Nick Jr. focuses on preschool programming that actively encourages imagination and early skills with shows like PAW Patrol and Dora the Explorer.
- Cartoon Network: Known for a dynamic mix of animated series such as Teen Titans Go!, Craig of the Creek, and The Amazing World of Gumball, Cartoon Network skews slightly older, targeting viewers aged 6–12.
- Universal Kids: A blend of animated series, movies, and game shows, Universal Kids offers a lineup including American Ninja Warrior Junior and Trolls: The Beat Goes On!, designed to entertain school-aged children.
- Discovery Family: Discovery Family blends science, adventure, and fantasy. It includes popular titles like My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and Littlest Pet Shop, with content structured to appeal to kids and co-viewing parents.
- PBS Kids: Commercial-free and curriculum-driven, PBS Kids remains a foundational network for educational content. With series like Arthur, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Wild Kratts, it emphasizes social-emotional development, STEM, and early literacy.
Integrated Parental Controls
Every channel included in the Family and Kids Pack is compatible with DIRECTV’s parental control system. Users can block specific channels, restrict content based on rating standards, or set viewing time limits. These tools empower parents to tailor the TV experience by age group and content type, ensuring alignment with household expectations. Want your kids to watch only during designated screen time? With DIRECTV settings, that becomes effortless.
Explore DIRECTV’s International Pack Channels
Cultural Programming Without Borders
DIRECTV’s International Genre Packs deliver curated programming for multilingual audiences and cultural enthusiasts alike. From Spanish-language staples to niche selections from Asia and Europe, these packs help households access content in their native language or explore new cultures through broadcast television.
Spanish Language Packs
For Spanish-speaking viewers, DIRECTV features multiple options tailored by region and content style. Each delivers a distinct blend of entertainment, sports, news, and lifestyle programming.
- Univision Pack: Includes Univision, Univision tlnovelas, Galavisión, and Univision Deportes Network. These channels showcase popular telenovelas, news, series, and live sports including Liga MX matches.
- Telemundo Pack: Covers Telemundo, NBC Universo, and specialty Telemundo extensions. Expect drama series, variety shows, and reality programs with a U.S. Hispanic flavor.
- Latino Más and Óptimo Más: Broader packages that bundle channels like Azteca América, ESPN Deportes, Cine Latino, Pasiones, and Discovery en Español into one lineup for general entertainment and sports coverage.
Asian Language Packs
Asian language packs feature channels from Korea, China, Japan, and beyond, often broadcasting directly from regional networks overseas or through their international arms. Programs span dramas, K-pop, variety, anime, and international news.
- Korean Pack: Includes KBS World, SBS International, and MBC—leading broadcasters that air contemporary Korean dramas, variety shows, and live news as seen in Seoul.
- Mandarin Pack: Offers channels such as Phoenix North America Chinese Channel and CCTV-4. These networks deliver a mix of entertainment, governmental news, and Chinese cinema programming.
- Japanese Pack: Features channels like TV JAPAN, a premium network affiliated with NHK, that includes Japanese news, anime, family entertainment, and cultural documentaries with English subtitles.
South Asian Network Options
Content from the Indian subcontinent reaches DIRECTV’s viewers through packs that group together content in Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Bengali, and Urdu. Ideal for keeping up with both Bollywood entertainment and regional affairs.
- Hindi Direct Pack: Showcases top Indian channels including STAR India, Zee TV, Sony Entertainment TV, and Colors TV. Content types range from soap operas and quiz shows to cricket coverage and music countdowns.
- South Asian Variety Pack: Merges Hindi with regional language programming such as Sun TV (Tamil), ARY Digital (Urdu), and PTC Punjabi for a diverse subcontinental mix.
European and Other International Offerings
European immigrants and global citizens can access news, entertainment, and sports from their home countries through specialized packages.
- Italian: Channels such as Rai Italia bring national Italian television, showcasing dramas, current affairs, and Serie A highlights.
- Russian: RTN and Channel One Russia cover Russian language talk shows, news, and serial dramas.
- Filipino: The FilipinoDirect package includes TFC (The Filipino Channel), GMA Pinoy TV, and ABS-CBN News Channel with shows ranging from teleseryes to comedic game shows.
Diversified in language, origin, and genre, DIRECTV’s International Packs accommodate a spectrum of viewing preferences. Whether you're maintaining a heritage connection or expanding cultural horizons, the programming is curated to reflect authentic voices from across the globe.
Unlock More With Premium Add-On Channels
Premium Add-On Channels sit outside the core Genre Packs, but strategic bundling unlocks enhanced value for specific interests—especially for film enthusiasts. These premium networks deliver exclusive series, new movie releases, and original programming not found in standard packs.
Standalone Premium Networks
- HBO: Includes HBO, HBO2, HBO Comedy, HBO Family, HBO Signature, HBO Zone, and HBO Latino. Home to award-winning originals like Succession and The Last of Us.
- Showtime: Encompasses Showtime, Showtime 2, SHO xBET, Showtime Extreme, Showtime Family Zone, and Showtime Showcase. Content ranges from drama series like Your Honor to boxing and documentaries.
- STARZ: Offers STARZ, STARZ Edge, STARZ Cinema, STARZ Comedy, STARZ in Black, and STARZ Kids & Family. Features current hits and an expansive movie library.
- Cinemax: Includes Cinemax, MoreMAX, ActionMAX, ThrillerMAX, MovieMAX, OuterMAX, 5StarMAX, and MAX Latino. Appeals to fans of action, suspense, and international cinema.
Smart Bundling for Movie Enthusiasts
Subscribers focused on cinema can combine Premium Add-On Channels with the Movies Genre Pack. The result: a deep catalog stretching from independent film festivals to Hollywood blockbusters under one subscription ecosystem.
Stream On the Go
Every Premium Add-On Channel supports streaming through the DIRECTV app. Subscribers can watch live HD feeds, catch up on-demand, or bookmark titles across mobile devices and smart TVs—with all content accessible under one DIRECTV login.
Breaking Down Pricing and Subscription Options for DIRECTV Genre Packs
Monthly Rates for Each Genre Pack
DIRECTV offers individual genre packs priced according to content type and channel count. Here's a breakdown of standard monthly fees:
Bundling Benefits vs. À La Carte Selection
Subscribing to multiple genre packs individually can quickly elevate monthly costs. However, bundling two or more packs under qualifying DIRECTV packages often unlocks significant per-pack savings. For instance, combining the Entertainment, News & Information, and Family & Kids packs can reduce your total by several dollars per month compared to standalone rates.
Packages like DIRECTV Ultimate or Premier often include several genre pack channels by default. When subscribers select these plans, they gain instant access to varied genre content without paying additional fees for each pack individually.
Exclusive Promotions for New Subscribers
First-time DIRECTV customers regularly receive promotional pricing. Recent offers have included:
- Free access to the Movies Pack for the first 3 months
- Discounted Premium Add-Ons such as STARZ or SHOWTIME bundled for $5/month during the first year
- $10 to $30 off base package pricing for up to 12 months, enabling budget room for optional genre packs
Special deals change frequently, so confirming active promotions through the official DIRECTV sales portal or representative ensures current pricing accuracy.
Satellite vs. Streaming-Only Pricing Structures
The cost structure for DIRECTV services differs between its traditional satellite platform and the streaming-only DIRECTV via Internet. Genre packs available on both platforms generally maintain consistent monthly pricing; however, their inclusion or availability can vary by base plan.
- Satellite: More genre packs are offered as optional add-ons to a core programming tier. This format allows for detailed customization but may increase monthly fees if several packs are selected independently.
- DIRECTV via Internet: Some genre content is pre-bundled into streamlined tiers, reducing the need for piecemeal genre pack subscriptions. The streaming platform also integrates promotions and pack access differently, often tying exclusive content to major packages.
Evaluating your content preferences, household viewing habits, and platform compatibility will determine the best cost-performance value between the two delivery formats.
Tailor Your Viewing with DIRECTV’s Genre Packs
DIRECTV’s Genre Packs offer a modular TV experience shaped around what each household actually watches. Whether someone wants all-day sports, curated family programming, breaking news, or acclaimed film releases, the system allows users to select targeted channel sets instead of paying for oversized, one-size-fits-all bundles.
Subscribers gain control without sacrificing variety. Each genre-specific pack—Sports, Movies, News, Family, International, and more—delivers curated lineups on both traditional TV and streaming via DIRECTV Stream. This cross-platform integration ensures content follows the viewer, not the device.
No other U.S. TV provider matches DIRECTV’s range in genre-dedicated packs, nor the ability to combine them into a custom-tailored channel library. Interested in NFL RedZone, BBC World News, Cartoon Network, or A&E Crime Central? Instead of upgrading blindly to the next tier, DIRECTV’s mix-and-match model keeps the focus on value and relevance.
Looking for a setup that fits your viewing habits? Explore DIRECTV Genre Packs now and build a lineup that fits your household, your preferences, and your screen time. Pay for what you love. Stream how and where you want.