YouTube TV shows most major broadcast and cable channels, but not every program streams there
Whether you can watch something on YouTube TV depends on which channel airs it and whether YouTube TV carries that channel in your region. YouTube TV includes ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, and many others, but it does not carry every network—particularly smaller cable channels, premium services like HBO or Showtime, and some regional sports networks. The fastest way to know is to search for the title directly in the YouTube TV app or on the YouTube TV website.
If you search and the show does not appear, it either airs on a channel YouTube TV does not carry, or it is available only through a different streaming service. Some programs air on multiple networks or move between services, so the answer can change month to month.
Key Takeaways
- Search the YouTube TV app or website for the show title—if it appears in results, it is available on a channel in your plan.
- YouTube TV carries most major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) and cable channels (ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network), but not premium channels like HBO, Showtime, or Starz.
- Regional availability matters: some channels and programs are blocked in certain parts of the country due to broadcasting rights.
- If a show does not appear in YouTube TV search, check the network's own app or website, or search a service like JustWatch to see which streaming platform carries it.
How to search YouTube TV for a specific show
Open the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, or computer, or go to tv.youtube.com in a web browser. At the top of the screen, tap or click the search icon (the magnifying glass). Type the name of the show or movie you want to watch.
If the title appears in the results, YouTube TV carries it. The search results will show you which channel airs it and when upcoming episodes are scheduled. You can also add the show to your library so YouTube TV alerts you when new episodes air. If the title does not appear at all, YouTube TV does not currently carry it.
Which channels are included in YouTube TV
YouTube TV includes the major broadcast networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. It also carries ESPN, ESPN2, and other ESPN channels; cable news networks like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC; and lifestyle and entertainment channels such as HGTV, Food Network, Discovery Channel, TLC, and Bravo. The exact list varies slightly by region because some channels are blocked in certain areas due to local broadcasting agreements.
YouTube TV does not include premium subscription channels like HBO, Showtime, Starz, or Paramount+. It also does not carry some smaller cable networks, regional sports channels, or specialty channels. If a show airs on one of these networks, you will need a separate subscription or a different streaming service to watch it.
What to do if the show is not on YouTube TV
If your search returns no results, start by checking which network airs the show. You can usually find this on the show's official website, IMDb, or by searching "[show name] network" in Google. Once you know the network, you can check whether YouTube TV carries it using the channel list on YouTube TV's website.
If the network is not on YouTube TV, the show may be available through the network's own app (many networks stream their shows free with ads or through their own paid apps), through a different streaming service, or for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. A service called JustWatch lets you search a show title and see which streaming platforms carry it in your region.
Regional differences in what you can watch
YouTube TV's channel lineup is the same across the country, but some programs are blocked in specific regions due to local broadcasting rights. This happens most often with sports—a game might be blacked out in the home team's region to protect local broadcast rights, or available only in certain states.
If you see a show in search results but get a message that it is not available in your area, the blackout is temporary and tied to that specific broadcast. You cannot change your region in YouTube TV to work around this, but the program will usually become available again once the blackout period ends.
How to add shows to your library so you do not miss them
When you find a show on YouTube TV, you can add it to your library by clicking the plus icon or "Add to library" button. YouTube TV will then notify you when new episodes air, and the show will appear in your library section for straightforward access. This works for both live broadcasts and on-demand episodes.
If a show is not yet available on YouTube TV but you want to watch it when it arrives, you cannot pre-add it. However, you can check back periodically or search for it again in a few weeks—some shows rotate onto YouTube TV's lineup as licensing agreements change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch movies on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV carries some movies, but it is primarily a live TV and on-demand TV service, not a movie streaming platform. Movies that air on the included channels (like ABC or ESPN) are available, but YouTube TV does not have a large movie library like Netflix or Disney+. For most movies, you will need a separate service.
Do I need a YouTube TV subscription to search for shows?
Yes, you must have an active YouTube TV subscription to search the app or website. If you do not subscribe yet, you can check the YouTube TV channel list on their website to see which networks are included, then search those networks' websites or apps directly to see if they stream the show.
What if a show was on YouTube TV but is not anymore?
Streaming rights change constantly—a show may leave YouTube TV when its licensing agreement expires. Check the network's own app or website, or search JustWatch to see where it moved. Sometimes shows return to YouTube TV later when a new licensing deal is made.
Can I watch YouTube TV shows on my phone without the app?
Yes, you can watch on tv.youtube.com in any web browser on your phone, tablet, or computer. The experience is similar to the app, though some features like offline viewing may work differently depending on your device.