YouTube TV does not carry the Outdoor Channel
YouTube TV's channel lineup does not include the Outdoor Channel. If you are looking for outdoor recreation and hunting content, you will need to check what YouTube TV does offer in that category, or consider other streaming services that carry it.
The Outdoor Channel is owned by Discovery, Inc., and YouTube TV has not licensed it as part of their standard package. This is not unusual — YouTube TV carries roughly 100 channels, which means many cable channels are left out. The channels that are included change occasionally as licensing agreements are renegotiated, but the Outdoor Channel has not been part of their lineup in recent years.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV does not include the Outdoor Channel in its standard channel package.
- YouTube TV does carry some outdoor and nature content through channels like Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic.
- The Outdoor Channel is available through other streaming services, including Philo and some cable providers' streaming apps.
- YouTube TV's channel lineup changes when licensing agreements are renewed, but the Outdoor Channel has not been added in recent contract cycles.
What outdoor content YouTube TV does include
While the Outdoor Channel itself is not available, YouTube TV carries several channels with outdoor and nature programming. Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic all have shows about hunting, fishing, survival, and outdoor skills. These channels are part of YouTube TV's base package, so you do not need an add-on subscription to watch them.
The specific shows available on these channels change based on what is currently airing and what YouTube TV has licensed. If you are looking for a particular show or series, you can search YouTube TV's guide to see whether it is scheduled or available on demand. Many outdoor-themed programs rotate between these channels, so checking the schedule is faster than assuming a show is not there.
Where to find the Outdoor Channel if you need it
Philo, a streaming service that focuses on entertainment and lifestyle channels, carries the Outdoor Channel as part of its base package. Philo costs less than YouTube TV and includes over 60 channels, though it does not carry sports or news channels the way YouTube TV does. If the Outdoor Channel is your main reason for switching, Philo is the most direct option.
Some cable providers also offer the Outdoor Channel through their streaming apps — Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, and others include it if you have a cable subscription. If you already pay for cable, you may be able to stream the Outdoor Channel through your provider's app without paying extra. Check your cable provider's website or app to see whether the Outdoor Channel is included in your package.
How YouTube TV's channel lineup is decided
YouTube TV negotiates licensing agreements with networks and studios to carry their channels. These agreements have expiration dates, and when they come up for renewal, both sides have to agree on new terms. If the cost goes up or the two sides cannot reach a deal, a channel may be dropped or added depending on what is negotiated.
The Outdoor Channel has not been part of YouTube TV's negotiations in a way that resulted in carriage. This could be because of cost, because YouTube TV's audience does not match the channel's target viewers, or straightforward because neither side has prioritized the deal. Unlike channels that are must-haves for most subscribers (like ESPN or local news), the Outdoor Channel is more specialized, which makes it a lower priority in YouTube TV's package strategy.
Checking YouTube TV's current channel list
YouTube TV publishes a complete list of channels on their website, organized by category. You can view the full lineup without signing up, which lets you see exactly what is included before you commit to a subscription. The list is updated when channels are added or removed, though changes happen infrequently.
If you are considering YouTube TV and want to know whether a specific channel is included, the official channel list is the most reliable source. YouTube TV's support pages also have a search function where you can look up individual channels by name. This is faster than scrolling through the full list if you are checking for one or two channels.
Comparing YouTube TV to services that carry the Outdoor Channel
| Service | Outdoor Channel | Sports | News | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | No | Yes (ESPN, Fox Sports, etc.) | Yes (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, etc.) | $73/month |
| Philo | Yes | No | No | $25/month |
| Cable (varies by provider) | Often yes | Yes | Yes | $80–150/month |
The choice between these services depends on what you watch most. If you want sports and news along with outdoor content, YouTube TV plus a separate Philo subscription would give you both, though that costs more than YouTube TV alone. If the Outdoor Channel is your priority and you do not need sports, Philo is the most affordable option. If you already have cable, checking whether your provider's app includes the Outdoor Channel costs nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add the Outdoor Channel to YouTube TV as a premium add-on?
No. YouTube TV does not offer the Outdoor Channel as an add-on or premium tier. The channels included in YouTube TV are fixed, and you cannot purchase individual channels separately. If you need the Outdoor Channel, you would have to use a different service.
Will YouTube TV add the Outdoor Channel in the future?
It is possible but not certain. YouTube TV's lineup changes when licensing agreements are renegotiated, which happens periodically. There is no public information about whether YouTube TV and the Outdoor Channel's owner are in talks, so you cannot predict whether it will be added.
Does YouTube TV have hunting and fishing shows on other channels?
Yes. Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic all air hunting, fishing, and survival content. These channels are included in YouTube TV's base package. The specific shows available depend on what is currently airing, so check the guide to see what is scheduled.
Is Philo a good alternative if I only want the Outdoor Channel?
Philo includes the Outdoor Channel and costs less than YouTube TV, but it does not carry sports, news, or local channels. If you only watch outdoor programming, Philo works well. If you also want sports or news, you would need to add another service.