Finding your favorite TV shows and movies can be frustrating when you’re not sure what channel to tune into. This is often the case for viewers trying to locate Paramount Network on DirecTV.
Paramount Network offers popular shows like Yellowstone, Evil, Ink Master, and Wife Swap that many DirecTV subscribers are eager to watch. However, the channel number is not obvious in DirecTV’s vast channel lineup spanning over 200 options.
This article will answer the question “What channel is Paramount on DirecTV?”. Beyond simply stating the channel number, we’ll explore the different DirecTV packages that include Paramount Network along with various ways to access its content.
Whether you’re a long-time satellite TV subscriber or considering a switch from cable, this guide will help you conveniently watch Yellowstone, NCIS: New Orleans, and other Paramount favorites. Keep reading to end any confusion over accessing this sought-after channel through your DirecTV service.
Direct Access to Paramount Network
Out of over 200 channel options on DirecTV, locating Paramount Network can be like finding a needle in a haystack. To immediately answer the question “What channel is Paramount on DirecTV?”, the channel number is 241.
Channel Number and Package Availability
Paramount Network is available on DirecTV channel 241 in the Choice package or above. This means you’ll need at least the Choice TV plan currently starting at $69.99/month. Regional Sports Fee and taxes also apply.
If you have a lower DirecTV package like Entertainment or Preferred Xtra, Paramount Network will not be included in your channel lineup. You would need to upgrade your base package first.
Besides entering the channel number directly, there are a couple ways to lookup Paramount Network in the DirecTV guide:
- Scroll through the channel list to locate 241 Paramount Network
- Search for the channel by name using the guide search function
Reference the table below for a quick overview of Paramount Network’s availability across DirecTV packages:
| DirecTV Package | Includes Paramount Network? |
|---|---|
| Entertainment | No |
| Choice | Yes |
| Ultimate | Yes |
| Premier | Yes |
As shown above, an upgrade to Choice or above opens access to the sought-after programming on Paramount Network through your DirecTV subscription.
Next, let’s explore some of the shows and movie content offered on channel 241 that makes Paramount Network a popular entertainment destination for subscribers.
Programming and Content Overview
As Paramount Network was originally known as Spike TV, you can expect programming geared toward a male-centric audience while also expanding into compelling dramas and iconic movies.
Some highlights of Paramount Network’s programming include:
- Yellowstone: Kevin Costner stars in this neo-Western series following the conflicts and drama surrounding a ranching family in Montana. Yellowstone is Paramount’s most watched scripted series.
- Evil: A psychological mystery about a skeptical female psychologist who teams up with a priest-in-training to assess unexplained mysteries the Catholic church encounters.
- Ink Master: The long-running tattoo artist competition show where artists showcase their skills and battle elimination.
- Wife Swap: A reality series where mothers from different backgrounds switch families to observe cultural and lifestyle contrasts.
- NCIS: New Orleans: Following an elite Naval criminal investigative service unit based out of New Orleans as they solve crimes affecting military personnel.
Besides original Paramount Network programming, you’ll also gain access to movies like Forrest Gump, Indiana Jones and Transformers through your DirecTV subscription.
While Paramount Network offers a sampling of content from the new Paramount+ streaming service, much of that platform’s exclusives require a separate subscription. We’ll explore how to supplement your DirecTV access with Paramount+ later in this guide.
Viewing Options and Devices
Now that you know Paramount Network’s channel location and availability on DirecTV, understanding the viewing options can maximize your access to content.
The primary way most subscribers watch DirecTV programming is through a DirecTV satellite box connected to a TV. However, you’re no longer constrained to the living room TV thanks to access across devices.
Ways to watch Paramount Network through your DirecTV subscription include:
- DirecTV satellite boxes
- DirecTV streaming app on mobile devices and computers
- DirecTV compatible apps on smart TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles
With proper login credentials, you can stream Paramount Network anywhere in or away from home. Although certain restrictions apply when accessing outside your household due to content rights.
The DirecTV channel lineup is also consistent across devices. So Paramount Network will remain on channel 241 as you toggle between viewing on the big screen TV and laptop.
For a full rundown of supported devices and how to access DirecTV Everywhere apps, visit their support site.
Beyond DirecTV: Accessing Paramount Content
While Paramount Network grants you access to certain shows and movies through your DirecTV subscription, an increasing amount of Paramount content is shifting to their standalone streaming platform. Let’s compare how to supplement your DirecTV access with Paramount+.
Paramount+ Streaming Service
Paramount+ offers live sports, breaking news and over 30,000 episodes and movies to stream on-demand. With an extensive content library spanning the CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and more, Paramount+ stands as a top competitor to services like Netflix and Hulu.
Some Paramount+ exclusives not available on DirecTV’s Paramount Network include:
- 1883 (Yellowstone prequel series)
- Star Trek: Discovery
- iCarly reboot
- Rugrats reboot
- The Good Fight
- Seal Team
- Big Brother live feeds
An online subscription starts at $4.99 per month for the Essential plan including ads. Ad-free viewing bumps up to the $9.99 Premium plan. But Paramount+ introduces special offers like a free one-week trial to incentivize new sign-ups.
Bundling Paramount+ with a Showtime add-on also grants you access to Showtime’s catalog of original series, documentaries, and sports programming not available through a DirecTV package upgrade.
So while Paramount Network provides a sampling of content, think of Paramount+ as an all-access VIP pass to everything the media giant has to offer.
Third-Party Streaming Services
Besides the Paramount+ app, you can access live Paramount Network streams through third-party live TV streaming platforms. Options like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV and FuboTV carry Paramount Network in certain package bundles.
Pricing and channel lineups vary across each streaming provider. But below is a general overview of where to find Paramount Network:
- Hulu + Live TV ($69.99/month): Paramount Network available in the base channel bundle. Compatible devices include iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Mac/PC and more.
- YouTube TV ($64.99/month): Paramount Network only available with add-on packages like the Entertainment Plus bundle. Stream YouTube TV on most devices.
- Sling TV ($40-$55/month): Paramount Network available on Sling Blue tier and higher. Restrictions apply based on location. Supported devices include Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android and more.
- FuboTV ($69.99/first month): Paramount Network available in base bundles along with over 120 channels. Cloud DVR included with up to 1000 hours capacity. Apps available for Roku, Fire TV, iOS, Android and more.
Compared to upgrading your DirecTV package, the starting prices are very similar across these streaming platforms. But benefits like cloud DVR access and on-demand libraries make them enticing alternatives to satellite. Be sure to read the fine print for regional restrictions, add-on fees, and full device compatibility before switching.
Cord-Cutting Alternatives
If looking to cut the cord from satellite and cable completely, you do have options to access Paramount content outside of live TV streaming bundles.
The Paramount+ app contains the company’s deepest library of VOD content. After any free trials expire, you could maintain periodic access to Paramount+ for certain events like new Yellowstone season releases.
Paramount Network’s website and YouTube channel also offer select full episodes and clips to stream for free. This provides a budget way to sample shows before paying for complete access.
While scheduling and ads won’t make these options convenient replacements for 24/7 live channel access, they do provide affordable alternatives. Be sure to check each platform’s newest offerings as free content frequently changes.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
While we’ve covered the core question of “What channel is Paramount on DirecTV?”, here are some additional FAQs that commonly arise:
Q: Why can’t I find Paramount Network on my DirecTV guide?
A: The most likely reason is needing a package upgrade. Double check that your base DirecTV package is Choice or above which unlocks access to Paramount Network on channel 241. Preferred Xtra and below do not include this channel.
Q: Do I need a Paramount+ subscription to watch new Yellowstone episodes?
A: Paramount Network (channel 241) will air new Yellowstone season 5 episodes. But to stream the exclusive 1883 prequel series, you need a Paramount+ account.
Q: What devices can I use to stream Paramount content?
A: The Paramount Network live channel is available on DirecTV boxes, mobile apps and compatible streaming devices. Separately, Paramount+ supports iOS, Android, Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, PS4, Xbox One, Web and more.
If troubleshooting access to Paramount channels or content playback issues, first reference DirecTV and Paramount’s support sites:
- DirecTV Support: Contains troubleshooting guides for channel and streaming access issues.
- Paramount+ Help Center: Includes platform status updates and fixes for streaming problems.
If problems persist after consulting support content, contact each service’s customer service team:
- DirecTV Customer Service: 1-800-531-5000
- Paramount+ Customer Service: 1-888-274-5343
Conclusion
We’ve cut through the confusion surrounding how to access Paramount content on DirecTV. Now you can directly tune your satellite box to channel 241 Paramount Network as part of Choice package and above TV bundles.
While Paramount Network grants you a sample of VOD programming, Paramount+ contains the most robust and exclusive access to new shows, movies and live sports. Consider supplementing your DirecTV subscription with their streaming service.
And if ready to ditch satellite TV, streaming providers like Hulu + Live TV also carry live Paramount Network at competitive price points. But carefully compare channel lineups, cloud DVR allowances, and device support before switching services.
Hopefully this guide provided multiple options to conveniently view Yellowstone, Evil, NCIS: New Orleans and other Paramount programming. Never miss your favorite shows again now that you know exactly what channel Paramount resides on DirecTV and beyond.