There’s often one major hold-up for new cord-cutters (and cord-nevers): local channels. If you’re in the market for an internet TV service but still want to get popular local channels like FOX and NBC, DirecTV Stream may be an option to consider.
Below, we’ll explore DirecTV Stream's local channels, as well as how to find out which local broadcast networks DirecTV Stream is offering in your area.
What DirecTV Stream local channels are available?
DirecTV Stream offers all of the local channels you want in its different streaming packages. To note, DirecTV Stream has a rather extensive (and somewhat expensive) selection of channel packages:
Thankfully, you’ll only need to subscribe to the $70/month Entertainment package to get the following local channels:
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- FOX
- The CW
- PBS
- Univision
DirecTV Stream is one of only two streaming services currently carrying PBS, the other being YouTube TV. As a streaming service, DirecTV Stream has among the largest number of local channels, making it a good option for those cord-cutters who absolutely need locals as part of the package.
DirecTV Stream is also a good source for regional sports networks, such as SEC, Big Ten Networks and NBC Sports. It’s also the streaming service with Bally Sports.
How do I check my local channel list for DirecTV Stream?
Importantly, local channel availability will vary through DirecTV Stream or any other internet TV streaming service. Each service must purchase the rights to broadcast local channels individually, and not all local broadcasters offer their channels for online streaming purposes. As a result, you’ll need to check which channels are available to you before signing up for DirecTV Stream or any of its competitors.
DirecTV Stream has a local channel lookup tool available here. All you need to do is enter your zip code to determine which channels are available through the service.
DirecTV Stream TV guide - What's on DirecTV Stream?
You don’t need a DirecTV Stream subscription to check out what’s currently playing on its local channels. Use our Flixed TV Guide for DirecTV Stream to access currently streaming guides for most channels available through DirecTV Stream, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.
Source: Flixed
You may also want to explore our local channel guides. You can get more granular channel guide information for your city and specific local channels not available through DirecTV Stream if you live in one of the 60+ cities for which we have guides available, including New Orleans, Houston, and Colorado Springs.
What’s more, you can use our TV guides on any device with a web browser. Just launch the website, bookmark your TV guide, and come back to it any time.
Live TV recording for local channels
DirecTV Stream will let you record live TV from your available local channels. All plans include unlimited cloud DVR storage for 90 days, after which recordings expire.
It’s possible that you may experience some recording restrictions. Fast-forward and skipping through commercials may be disabled in some cases. Additionally, there’s a chance that the recording of some major sporting events could be blocked.
How do I get local channels not available on DirecTV Stream?
If you want MeTV, or any other local channel not available to your through DirecTV Stream, you may want to consider using a digital over-the-air (OTA) antenna. These devices connect to your TV and allow you to view free, digital broadcasts of major local broadcast networks. Depending on your equipment, you may be able to pick up dozens of local channels, which can also be recorded onto a physical DVR, like Tablo.
DirecTV Stream may not be up your alley, however, as the price could be a limiting factor. If you’re unsure about DirecTV Stream, we recommend using our Cord Cutter Express tool. The tool will let you select the channels you want to see in a streaming service package and will offer a visual comparison of different service packages. This makes it quick and easy to determine which streaming service best fits your needs.
DirecTV Stream is an excellent choice for local channels
The bottom line is that DirecTV Stream is among the best choices to watch local channels, at least in the category of cord-free live TV providers. The availability will depend on the location, but it’s easy to check which channels are available in any area. And the operator has deals with Fox, NBC, and even PBS, ensuring the selection of local channels is impressive. So, if you are thinking about live TV streaming but want to keep local networks, DirecTV Stream is a wise pick!
Sam Cook • Author
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.