YouTube TV does not include A&E Network in its standard channel lineup
YouTube TV's base package does not carry A&E Network. If you want to watch A&E shows like Intervention, Hoarders, or Live PD through YouTube TV, you will need to add the Entertainment Plus add-on, which bundles A&E with several other cable networks.
The Entertainment Plus add-on costs around $7.99 per month (pricing varies by region and changes periodically). This add-on is the only way to get A&E through YouTube TV's service—the network is not available as a standalone channel purchase.
Key Takeaways
- A&E Network is not part of YouTube TV's base package and requires the Entertainment Plus add-on to watch.
- The Entertainment Plus add-on includes A&E, BET, History, Lifetime, and several other networks for approximately $7.99 per month.
- You can add or remove the Entertainment Plus add-on at any time through your YouTube TV account settings.
- If you only want A&E and not the other networks in the bundle, you cannot purchase A&E alone through YouTube TV.
What Comes in the Entertainment Plus Add-On
When you add Entertainment Plus to your YouTube TV account, you receive access to multiple networks beyond A&E. The bundle typically includes BET, History, Lifetime, LMN (Lifetime Movie Network), and SundanceTV. Some regions may have slight variations in which networks are included.
This add-on is designed for viewers who want lifestyle, documentary, and entertainment programming. If you watch A&E regularly but also enjoy history documentaries or Lifetime movies, the bundle may offer better value than paying for A&E alone would if that option existed.
How to Add Entertainment Plus to Your Account
To add the Entertainment Plus add-on, open YouTube TV on your device and go to your account settings. Look for the "Memberships" or "Add-ons" section—the exact name depends on your device type. Select "Entertainment Plus" and confirm the purchase. The add-on will set up when ready, and you can start watching A&E right away.
The charge appears on your next YouTube TV billing date. You can cancel the add-on at any time without penalty, and it will stop charging you at the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access until your next billing date.
Checking Your YouTube TV Channel List
If you are unsure whether you already have A&E on your account, check your channel guide. Open YouTube TV, go to the "Live" tab, and scroll through the full channel list. A&E will appear in the guide only if you have the Entertainment Plus add-on active. You can also search for "A&E" directly in the search bar—if the network appears in results, you have access.
Your channel list updates when ready when you add or remove an add-on, so you will see A&E appear or disappear from your guide as soon as the change takes effect.
Other Ways to Watch A&E Content
If you do not want to add Entertainment Plus to YouTube TV, you have other options for watching A&E shows. The A&E app itself (available on most smart TVs, phones, and tablets) lets you stream some content for free with ads, though full episodes and current seasons often require a cable login. You can log in with your YouTube TV credentials if you have the Entertainment Plus add-on, or with credentials from another TV provider if you subscribe elsewhere.
Streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video also carry some A&E shows, though their libraries differ from what airs on the live A&E channel. If you watch A&E occasionally rather than regularly, checking these services might be cheaper than adding Entertainment Plus to YouTube TV.
Pricing and Regional Differences
The Entertainment Plus add-on costs approximately $7.99 per month, but this price varies by region and YouTube TV periodically adjusts rates. When you go to add the service, YouTube TV will show you the exact price for your location before you confirm the purchase.
Some promotional offers occasionally include free trials of add-ons for new YouTube TV members, though these deals change frequently. Check your YouTube TV account or the YouTube TV website to see if any current promotions explore to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch A&E on YouTube TV without paying extra?
No. A&E is only available through the Entertainment Plus add-on, which costs extra per month. The base YouTube TV package does not include A&E.
What if I only want A&E and not the other networks in Entertainment Plus?
YouTube TV does not offer A&E as a standalone add-on. You must purchase the entire Entertainment Plus bundle if you want access to A&E through YouTube TV. If that does not work for your budget, the A&E app or other streaming services may be better options.
Can I try Entertainment Plus before paying for it?
YouTube TV occasionally offers free trials of add-ons to new members, but these promotions vary. Check your account or the YouTube TV website to see if a trial is currently available. Otherwise, you pay the full monthly price when ready when you add it.
Will I lose A&E if I cancel Entertainment Plus?
Yes. A&E disappears from your channel guide as soon as you cancel the add-on. You keep access through the end of your current billing cycle, then it stops.
Does YouTube TV offer any other add-ons besides Entertainment Plus?
Yes. YouTube TV offers several add-ons including sports packages, movie channels, and international programming. Each has its own cost. You can mix and match add-ons based on what you want to watch.