YouTube TV does not carry A&E as a standalone channel
YouTube TV's channel lineup does not include A&E Network. If you want to watch A&E shows through YouTube TV, you cannot do so directly. However, YouTube TV does carry other networks that air similar content, and A&E programming may be available through other streaming services or cable providers.
A&E is owned by A&E Networks, which also owns History, Lifetime, and other cable channels. YouTube TV has chosen not to include A&E in its base package, though the service does carry many other entertainment and documentary networks.
Key Takeaways
- A&E Network is not part of YouTube TV's standard channel lineup.
- YouTube TV includes History, Lifetime, and other A&E Networks properties, but not A&E itself.
- You can watch A&E shows through traditional cable, the A&E app with a cable login, or services like Hulu with Live TV that do carry A&E.
- YouTube TV's channel list changes occasionally, so checking the current lineup on the YouTube TV website shows exactly what is available in your area.
What channels YouTube TV does include
YouTube TV carries over 100 channels depending on your location, including major broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. The service includes cable news channels such as CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, plus sports networks like ESPN, NFL Network, and regional sports channels.
For entertainment and documentary content, YouTube TV includes History, Discovery, TLC, Food Network, HGTV, and Lifetime. These channels overlap with A&E Networks' portfolio and offer similar programming to A&E, though they are not A&E itself.
YouTube TV also carries premium channels like HBO Max and Showtime as add-ons you can purchase separately. The exact channel list varies by location, and YouTube TV updates it periodically as licensing agreements change.
How to find A&E content on YouTube TV
If you have a YouTube TV subscription and want to watch A&E shows, search the YouTube TV guide for the specific program title. Some A&E content may be available through other channels in the lineup, or it may appear in the YouTube TV library if it has been licensed for on-demand viewing.
You can also use the YouTube TV search function to look for shows by name. If a program is available anywhere in the YouTube TV service, the search will show you which channel carries it and when it airs.
Other ways to watch A&E programming
If you need access to A&E specifically, Hulu with Live TV includes A&E in its channel package. Hulu with Live TV costs more than YouTube TV but carries a different set of channels, including A&E, and also includes on-demand access to Hulu's library.
You can also watch A&E through the A&E app if you have a cable or satellite TV login from a provider that carries A&E. Many cable providers offer the A&E app at no extra cost to their subscribers.
Traditional cable and satellite TV providers like Comcast, Charter, AT&T, and Dish Network all carry A&E as part of their standard packages. If you already have cable or satellite, you may already have access to A&E through your provider's app or website.
Checking YouTube TV's current channel list
YouTube TV's lineup changes based on licensing agreements and varies slightly by location. To see the exact channels available in your area, visit the YouTube TV website and enter your zip code, or open the YouTube TV app and look at the full channel guide.
You can also contact YouTube TV customer support to ask about specific channels. The support team can tell you whether a particular network is available in your location and whether it is included in the base package or available as an add-on.
Why some channels are not on YouTube TV
YouTube TV does not carry every cable channel because of licensing costs and negotiations with networks. Each channel requires a separate agreement, and not all networks choose to license their content to YouTube TV. A&E Networks has decided not to include A&E on YouTube TV, though they do license other networks like History and Lifetime to the service.
These licensing decisions are made by the networks themselves, not by YouTube TV. If you want A&E on YouTube TV, you could contact YouTube TV support to request it, though there is no may provide the service will add it in the future.
Comparing YouTube TV to other live TV services
If A&E is important to you, comparing YouTube TV to other live TV streaming services may help you decide. Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all have different channel lineups. Hulu with Live TV includes A&E, while Sling TV's lineup varies by package.
Each service has different pricing, channel counts, and features like cloud DVR storage and simultaneous streams. Before switching services, check whether the channels you watch most are included and compare the total cost, including any add-ons you might need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add A&E to YouTube TV as an add-on?
No. A&E is not available as an add-on channel for YouTube TV. The service does not carry A&E at all, and there is no option to purchase it separately like you can with premium channels such as HBO Max or Showtime.
Does YouTube TV have History or Lifetime?
Yes. YouTube TV includes both History and Lifetime, which are owned by the same parent company as A&E. These channels carry documentary and entertainment programming similar to A&E, though they are separate networks with different show schedules.
Will YouTube TV add A&E in the future?
There is no announced plan to add A&E to YouTube TV. Channel lineups depend on licensing agreements between YouTube TV and networks, and these agreements are negotiated privately. If you want A&E, contact YouTube TV support to request it, but there is no timeline for when or if it might be added.
What is the best way to watch A&E shows?
The best way depends on what you already have. If you have cable or satellite TV, use your provider's app or website. If you want a streaming service, Hulu with Live TV includes A&E. If you only want to watch specific A&E shows, the A&E app may have them available on demand with a cable login.