What Channel Is Discovery on DIRECTV?
Discovery Channel is on DIRECTV channel 278, and it's included in all four Signature packages, starting with ENTERTAINMENT. Several of its sister networks sit just above it in the guide, but not all of them come with every package. Here's the full family, channel by channel, and the package each one needs.
Quick answer
- Discovery on DIRECTV: channel 278
- Packages: ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER
- Also in ENTERTAINMENT: TLC 280, Animal Planet 282, Investigation Discovery 285
- Needs an upgrade: Science 284 (CHOICE), Discovery Life 261 and Destination America 286 (ULTIMATE)
Discovery and sister channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Lowest package that includes it |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Channel | 278 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| TLC | 280 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Animal Planet | 282 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Investigation Discovery (ID) | 285 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Science | 284 | CHOICE |
| Discovery Life | 261 | ULTIMATE |
| Destination America | 286 | ULTIMATE |
| Discovery Family Channel | 294 | ULTIMATE |
Discovery is known for adventure and survival series such as Deadliest Catch and Gold Rush, and for its summer tradition, Shark Week.
Which DIRECTV packages include Discovery?
| Signature package | Discovery (278) | Science (284) | Discovery Life (261) | Destination America (286) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | Yes | No | No | No |
| CHOICE | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ULTIMATE | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PREMIER | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bottom line: ENTERTAINMENT covers Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet and ID. CHOICE adds Science, and ULTIMATE adds Discovery Life, Destination America and Discovery Family.
Cheapest way to get Discovery on DIRECTV
- Signature packages: ENTERTAINMENT is the lowest package with Discovery Channel.
- Entertainment-only streaming: DIRECTV lists Discovery in its MyEntertainment Genre Pack, along with Science, Discovery Life, Destination America, Animal Planet, TLC and ID.
See how the four packages stack up in our DIRECTV package channel comparison, or call 1-855-690-9884 to check your address.
How to find Discovery on your DIRECTV guide
- Enter the number: press 2-7-8. Channel up to reach TLC (280), Animal Planet (282), Science (284) and ID (285).
- Search a series: look up a show to see new episodes and marathons across the Discovery family.
- Record a season: set a series recording so new episodes save to your DVR.
- Make a nonfiction list: add 278, 282 and 284 to a favorites list.
- Away from home: sign in to the DIRECTV app and search "Discovery."
Other ways to watch Discovery
- DIRECTV app: live Discovery and on-demand episodes with your DIRECTV login, if your package includes it.
- Streaming services: many Discovery series are also available on discovery+ and HBO Max, which are separate subscriptions.
- Other providers: see what channel Discovery is on DISH.
Related DIRECTV channels
- What channel is Animal Planet on DIRECTV?
- What channel is TLC on DIRECTV?
- What channel is Investigation Discovery on DIRECTV?
- Full DIRECTV channel lineup guide
Want the whole Discovery family on one plan? See DIRECTV options near you or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Discovery on DIRECTV?
Discovery Channel is channel 278 on DIRECTV.
Is Discovery included in DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT?
Yes. Discovery is in ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER, so every Signature package includes it.
What channel is Science on DIRECTV?
Science is channel 284. It starts with the CHOICE package and is not in ENTERTAINMENT.
What channel is Animal Planet on DIRECTV?
Animal Planet is channel 282, and it's in every Signature package, like Discovery.
What channels are Discovery Life and Destination America on DIRECTV?
Discovery Life is channel 261 and Destination America is 286. Both start with ULTIMATE.
Can I watch Discovery on the DIRECTV app?
Yes. If your package includes Discovery, you can watch it live in the DIRECTV app with your DIRECTV login.
Want help finding the package with all your Discovery channels? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 2, 2026. Channel numbers and package contents reflect DIRECTV's current lineup and may change. Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Science, Discovery Life, Destination America, Discovery Family, discovery+, HBO Max, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.