YouTube TV includes AMC, but only in its base package and only the main AMC channel
Yes, YouTube TV carries AMC as part of its standard subscription. When you sign up for YouTube TV, AMC is included in your channel lineup at no extra cost. However, YouTube TV does not include AMC+, which is a separate premium streaming service that AMC operates. If you want to watch shows that air exclusively on AMC+ — like Interview with the Vampire or Dark Winds — you would need to pay for AMC+ as an add-on subscription through YouTube TV or subscribe to it separately.
The distinction matters because many people assume "AMC" and "AMC+" are the same thing. They are not. One is a cable channel you get with your YouTube TV subscription. The other is a streaming library you pay extra for, whether through YouTube TV or directly.
Key Takeaways
- AMC is included in YouTube TV's base package at no additional charge.
- AMC+ is a different service and costs extra; it is not automatically part of your YouTube TV subscription.
- You can add AMC+ through YouTube TV for a monthly fee, or you can subscribe to AMC+ directly through its own app or website.
- YouTube TV's channel lineup can vary slightly by location, so you should check your specific area to confirm AMC is available in your zip code.
What channels are included with YouTube TV's base package
YouTube TV's standard subscription includes over 100 channels, among them AMC, CNN, ESPN, HGTV, Food Network, Disney Channel, and local broadcast stations in most markets. The exact list of local channels depends on where you live, but the national cable networks remain the same across the country.
You can view your complete channel lineup by entering your zip code on YouTube TV's website before you subscribe. This shows you which local channels are available in your area and confirms that AMC is included.
The difference between AMC and AMC+
AMC is the traditional cable channel that airs shows like The Walking Dead, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad. It comes with your YouTube TV subscription. AMC+ is a streaming service owned by AMC Networks that offers a separate catalog of shows, movies, and exclusive content that does not air on the regular AMC channel.
Think of it this way: AMC is what you get when you turn on cable television. AMC+ is a separate streaming library, similar to how Netflix or Hulu work. Some content appears on both (usually after it airs on AMC), but AMC+ has its own original series and films that only subscribers to that service can watch.
How to add AMC+ to your YouTube TV account
If you want AMC+ while you have YouTube TV, you can add it directly through the YouTube TV app or website. Go to your account settings, select "Memberships," and look for the option to add AMC+. YouTube TV will charge you a monthly fee for AMC+ on top of your YouTube TV bill.
Alternatively, you can subscribe to AMC+ through its own website or app without going through YouTube TV. The monthly cost is the same either way, but subscribing directly means you manage two separate subscriptions. Many people find it simpler to add it through YouTube TV so everything appears on one bill.
What shows air on AMC versus AMC+
The main AMC channel (included with YouTube TV) airs new episodes of AMC's original series on a weekly schedule, along with reruns of older shows and movies. Recent seasons of shows like The Walking Dead spin-offs and Killing Eve air on AMC first, then move to AMC+ after their initial run.
AMC+ is where you find the full back catalog of AMC shows, exclusive originals that premiere only on AMC+, and content from other networks that AMC owns, like IFC and SundanceTV. If you want to binge an entire series or watch shows that never aired on cable, AMC+ is where you would find them.
Checking your channel lineup by location
YouTube TV's national channels are the same everywhere, but local broadcast channels vary by market. Before you subscribe, visit YouTube TV's website and enter your zip code in the "Check your area" tool. This shows you exactly which channels are available where you live, including confirmation that AMC is included.
If you already subscribe to YouTube TV, you can see your full channel list in the app under the "Home" or "Browse" section. Channels are organized by category, and you can search for AMC directly to confirm it is in your lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch AMC shows on demand with YouTube TV?
Yes. YouTube TV includes cloud DVR storage, so you can record AMC shows and watch them later. You can also search for on-demand episodes of many AMC shows directly in the YouTube TV app, though availability depends on the network's licensing agreements.
Is AMC+ worth adding if I already have YouTube TV?
That depends on what you want to watch. If you are interested in AMC's exclusive originals or want to binge entire series from the beginning, AMC+ adds value. If you are happy watching new episodes of AMC shows as they air on the main channel, you do not need it.
What if AMC is not showing up in my YouTube TV channel list?
Check your zip code again using YouTube TV's channel lookup tool — in rare cases, AMC may not be available in your specific area due to local licensing. If it should be available and is not, contact YouTube TV support to troubleshoot.
Can I get AMC+ without YouTube TV?
Yes. You can subscribe to AMC+ directly through its website or app, or through other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels. You do not need YouTube TV to watch AMC+.