What Channel Is A&E on DIRECTV?
A&E is on DIRECTV channel 265. It's included starting with the CHOICE package, so if you have ENTERTAINMENT, DIRECTV's entry-level package, you won't find it in your lineup. The same goes for its sister networks HISTORY and Lifetime. Below are the A&E-family channel numbers, the packages that include them and a few free channels built around A&E-family shows.
Quick answer
- A&E on DIRECTV: channel 265
- Cheapest Signature package with A&E: CHOICE (also ULTIMATE and PREMIER)
- Not included in: ENTERTAINMENT
- Sister channels: HISTORY 269, Lifetime 252, LMN 253, fyi 266
A&E and its sister channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Lowest package that includes it |
|---|---|---|
| A&E | 265 | CHOICE |
| The HISTORY Channel | 269 | CHOICE |
| Lifetime | 252 | CHOICE |
| LMN (Lifetime Movies) | 253 | CHOICE |
| fyi | 266 | ULTIMATE |
| Crime 360 | 4272 | Free streaming channel (MyFree DIRECTV) |
| Duck Dynasty | 4262 | Free streaming channel (MyFree DIRECTV) |
| Tiny House Nation | 4363 | Free streaming channel (MyFree DIRECTV) |
A&E is best known for true-crime and reality series such as The First 48, Storage Wars and Duck Dynasty, plus documentary specials. If you've seen older headlines about A&E channels leaving DIRECTV's streaming service, DIRECTV's July 2026 lineup still lists A&E on 265 in CHOICE and above.
Which DIRECTV packages include A&E?
| Signature package | A&E (265) | HISTORY (269) | Lifetime (252) | fyi (266) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | No | No | No | No |
| CHOICE | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| ULTIMATE | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PREMIER | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bottom line: CHOICE unlocks A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime together. fyi is the one A&E-family channel that needs ULTIMATE.
Cheapest way to get A&E on DIRECTV
- Signature packages: CHOICE is the lowest package with A&E. Moving up from ENTERTAINMENT also adds HISTORY, Lifetime and your regional sports network where available.
- Entertainment-only streaming: DIRECTV lists A&E in its MyEntertainment Genre Pack, a streaming lineup focused on shows and movies.
- Free, no package needed: Crime 360 (4272), Duck Dynasty (4262) and Tiny House Nation (4363) are free streaming channels based on A&E-family series. They have their own programming and aren't a live feed of channel 265.
Compare lineups in our DIRECTV package channel comparison, or call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll check CHOICE options at your address.
How to find A&E on your DIRECTV guide
- Enter the number: press 2-6-5. fyi is one channel up on 266.
- Look up a case series: search a show title to see new episodes and marathons.
- Catch marathons later: A&E often runs long blocks of one series, so a series recording is an easy way to save them.
- Group the family: add 252, 265 and 269 to a favorites list.
- On the go: sign in to the DIRECTV app and search "A&E."
Other ways to watch A&E
- DIRECTV app: live A&E and on-demand episodes with your DIRECTV login, if your package includes it.
- A&E app: A&E's own app lets you sign in with a TV provider to watch full episodes.
- Free channels: the A&E-family channels in MyFree DIRECTV cost nothing extra.
Related DIRECTV entertainment channels
- What channel is HISTORY on DIRECTV?
- What channel is Lifetime on DIRECTV?
- What channel is Investigation Discovery on DIRECTV?
- Full DIRECTV channel lineup guide
Want A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime in one package? See DIRECTV options near you or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is A&E on DIRECTV?
A&E is channel 265 on DIRECTV.
Is A&E included in DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT?
No. A&E starts with the CHOICE package. ENTERTAINMENT does not include A&E, HISTORY or Lifetime.
Which DIRECTV packages have A&E?
A&E is included in CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER. DIRECTV also lists it in the MyEntertainment Genre Pack.
What channels are HISTORY and Lifetime on DIRECTV?
HISTORY is channel 269 and Lifetime is channel 252. Both start with CHOICE, like A&E.
Are there free A&E channels on DIRECTV?
There are free streaming channels based on A&E-family shows, including Crime 360 (4272), Duck Dynasty (4262) and Tiny House Nation (4363). They are separate channels, not a live feed of A&E.
Is A&E still on DIRECTV?
Yes. DIRECTV's July 2026 lineup lists A&E on channel 265 in the CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER packages.
Need to know if your package includes A&E? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 2, 2026. Channel numbers and package contents reflect DIRECTV's current lineup and may change. A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, LMN, fyi, Crime 360, Duck Dynasty, Tiny House Nation, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.