YouTube TV includes on-demand shows, but the selection is smaller than the live TV channels you get
YouTube TV's on-demand library lets you watch thousands of shows and movies whenever you want, separate from the live channels in your subscription. The on-demand catalog includes current episodes from networks like NBC, ABC, Fox, and others, plus older seasons and complete series. However, the on-demand selection is not the same as what airs live — you will not find every show that broadcasts on your channels available to watch on demand.
On-demand content refreshes regularly as new episodes air. Most current-season shows appear in the on-demand library within a few days of broadcast, though timing varies by network and licensing agreements. You can search for specific titles or browse by category, and you can watch on any device where YouTube TV is installed — phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
The on-demand library is included in your YouTube TV membership at no extra cost. You do not need to pay per show or per episode. If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to on-demand content the same way you lose access to live channels.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes thousands of on-demand shows and movies as part of your standard subscription, with no additional fees.
- New episodes typically appear in the on-demand library within a few days of airing on the live channel, though timing depends on the network.
- The on-demand selection is smaller than the full broadcast schedule — not every show that airs live is available to watch on demand.
- You can watch on-demand content on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices using the same YouTube TV login.
What shows are actually in the on-demand library
YouTube TV's on-demand catalog includes dramas, comedies, reality shows, news programs, and sports-related content from the networks included in your subscription. Popular shows like The Bachelor, Grey's Anatomy, The Office, and Saturday Night Live are typically available. Game shows, talk shows, and competition series also appear regularly.
The availability of specific shows depends on licensing deals between YouTube TV and each network. Some networks make more of their catalog available on demand than others. For example, one network might put entire back seasons online, while another only offers the most recent episodes. These agreements change over time, so a show you watched on demand last month might have different episodes available now.
Sports programming is limited in the on-demand library. While YouTube TV records live sports events, you usually cannot rewatch full games or matches on demand the way you can with scripted shows. Highlights and clips may be available through the network's own app or website, but not through YouTube TV's on-demand section.
How to find on-demand shows in YouTube TV
Open the YouTube TV app or website and look for the "On Demand" or "Library" section — the exact name varies depending on your device. From there, you can search by show title, browse by category (Drama, Comedy, Reality, and so on), or scroll through what is currently available.
You can also find on-demand episodes by going to a specific channel's page. If you are watching NBC live and want to catch up on a show, you can often see recent episodes listed under that channel's on-demand section. Some shows also appear in your "Watch Next" or "Continue Watching" list if you have started an episode before.
YouTube TV does not have a way to set reminders for when new episodes appear on demand, but you can add shows to a "Favorites" or "My Shows" list so they are straightforward to find when you want to watch.
How on-demand differs from cloud DVR storage
YouTube TV includes both on-demand content and a cloud DVR with 9 months of storage. These are two separate features. On-demand shows are provided by the networks and available to all subscribers. Your cloud DVR records shows you choose to record, and only you can watch those recordings.
If a show is available on demand, you do not need to record it — you can just search for it and watch whenever you want. If a show is not in the on-demand library, you can record it from the live broadcast and keep it in your DVR storage for up to 9 months. You can also record a show even if it is available on demand, if you prefer to have your own copy.
The cloud DVR is useful for shows that are not available on demand, or for recording live events like sports or news that you want to rewatch later. On-demand is faster because you do not have to wait for the show to air and record — it is already there.
Restrictions and limitations on on-demand viewing
Some on-demand shows have blackout restrictions, particularly sports-related content. If a game or match is blacked out in your region on the live broadcast, you will not be able to watch it on demand either. Blackouts are set by the leagues and networks, not by YouTube TV.
Certain premium or exclusive content may not be available on demand at all. For example, some networks release new episodes only on their own streaming apps or websites, not through YouTube TV's on-demand library. You would need to watch those shows through the network's app instead.
On-demand content is only available while you have an active YouTube TV subscription. If you pause or cancel your membership, you cannot watch on-demand shows. When you resubscribe, the on-demand library is available again.
Comparing YouTube TV on-demand to other streaming options
YouTube TV's on-demand library is included in your subscription, so there is no extra cost. However, the selection is smaller than what you would find on a dedicated streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. YouTube TV focuses on recent episodes and current seasons, not deep back catalogs.
If you want to watch older seasons of a show, you might need to use a separate streaming service or purchase episodes through a digital store. YouTube TV is best for keeping up with current shows week to week, not for binge-watching entire series from the beginning.
Many networks also offer their own free or paid streaming apps (like NBC's Peacock or ABC's app) where you can watch on-demand content. These apps sometimes have more episodes or different licensing terms than what appears in YouTube TV's library. You can use both YouTube TV and a network app at the same time if you want more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch on-demand shows offline or read them?
No. YouTube TV's on-demand content requires an internet connection and cannot be downloaded to watch later. You must stream it live. If you want to watch offline, you would need to record the show to your cloud DVR and then read it if that feature becomes available, but currently YouTube TV does not support offline downloads.
Why is a show I want to watch not in the on-demand library?
Licensing agreements between YouTube TV and networks determine what is available on demand. Some shows are only available on the network's own app or website, not through YouTube TV. You can check the network's app or website directly, or contact YouTube TV support to ask if a specific show will be added to on-demand soon.
Do new episodes appear on demand the same day they air live?
Usually not the same day. Most shows appear in the on-demand library within a few days of airing, but some take longer depending on the network's agreement with YouTube TV. Check the on-demand section a few days after an episode airs if you do not see it when ready.
Is on-demand content included in my YouTube TV subscription cost?
Yes. On-demand shows and movies are included in your standard YouTube TV membership at no extra charge. You do not pay per episode or per show.