I want to start by giving you a quick overview of what we‘ll cover in this guide.
By the end, you‘ll know:
- The full history between TNT and DISH Network over the past 30+ years
- Exactly what channel number TNT is on all DISH TV packages
- Details on the movies, shows, sports and originals you can watch on TNT through your DISH subscription
- How TNT compares to other major sports channels also offered by DISH
- Answers to frequently asked questions about getting access to TNT
Let‘s get started!
A 30-Year Partnership: The History of TNT on DISH
TNT has been a staple channel on DISH Network ever since first launching in October 1988 under media tycoon Ted Turner. Over the past three decades, TNT has grown into one of the most popular basic cable entertainment networks. And it‘s been available to DISH customers since the satellite TV provider started operations in the early 1990s.
This long-standing partnership has benefited both brands tremendously. TNT gained distribution into millions more households through DISH‘s subscriber base. And DISH customers got reliable access to TNT‘s movies, sports and original shows on channel 138.
Despite ownership changes from Time Warner to AT&T to now Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT has retained its prime channel position on DISH‘s lineups year after year. Both brands have maintained a positive, mutually fruitful relationship with no public disputes.
So as a DISH customer, you can be confident that TNT will be a staple in your channel package for years to come. Now let‘s explore some of the great TNT programming options this partnership enables you to watch.
All The Entertainment Options TNT Offers on DISH
From blockbuster movies, to live NBA games, to popular original series, TNT brings a compelling blend of entertainment on channel 138.
As you flip through TNT on your DISH remote, here are some of the highlights you may catch on-air:
- Big theatrical films like the Harry Potter series, The Lord of the Rings, The Dark Knight and more from studios like Warner Bros. and MGM
- Binge-worthy shows such as Supernatural, Charmed, Cold Case Files plus TNT originals like Snowpiercer
- Live coverage of 72+ NHL games during hockey season
- Marquee NBA basketball matchups all season outside of local team broadcasts
- In-depth NBA talk on the award-winning Inside the NBA show with Shaq, Charles Barkley and others
- Wrestling events like AEW Dynamite, Battle of the Belts and wrestling analysis programs
In fact, a 2021 Nielsen analysis found that TNT was ranked as the #5 most-watched entertainment cable network among 18-49 year olds across total day viewing. This just shows TNT‘s wide appeal to DISH audiences seeking movies, sports or pop culture programs to enjoy.
TNT is on Channel 138 Across All DISH TV Packages
As a loyal DISH customer, you can access TNT by tuning to channel 138 on your TV box.
This TNT channel slot remains consistent whether you have DISH‘s satellite TV service like America‘s Top 200/250, the Hopper 3 DVR, or their Sling TV streaming packages.
So it‘s easy to remember – just punch in 138 on your DISH remote to instantly access TNT‘s movies, NBA games, NHL coverage, wrestling and more!
Here‘s a quick channel reference:
| DISH TV Service | TNT Channel |
|---|---|
| Satellite Box | 138 |
| Sling Orange/Blue | 138 |
| Sling Orange + Blue | 138 |
TNT Sister Channels Also Available from DISH
In addition to TNT, DISH also provides several other Turner-owned channels that originated from the Ted Turner media empire. These TNT "sister channels" you also get with a DISH subscription include:
- TBS (Ch. 139) – Airs classic shows, movies and MLB baseball
- TCM (Ch. 132 ) – Commercial-free classic films from massive Turner library
- truTV (Ch. 246) – General entertainment featuring truTV original shows like Impractical Jokers
- CNN (Ch. 200) – 24/7 global news network
- Cartoon Network (Ch. 296) – Animated shows for kids like Adventure Time
So as a DISH customer, you really get a cluster of Turner-branded channels beyond just TNT. These provide more options to flip through Whether you want comedy on TBS, news on CNN or cartoons on Cartoon Network.
How TNT on DISH Compares to Other Sports Channels
When it comes to sports, TNT holds its own with its award-winning Inside the NBA program and live coverage of national NBA and NHL games.
But it doesn‘t have nearly the volume of 24/7 sports commentary, analysis and live events compared to dedicated ESPN and Fox Sports.
Here‘s a more detailed comparison:
- TNT airs 72+ live NHL games per season vs. 100+ games on ESPN/ABC
- TNT shows 40-45 live regular season NBA games vs. 100+ games for ESPN/ABC
- ESPN has rights to MLB, NFL, college football/basketball that TNT lacks
- But TNT has exclusive wrestling like AEW that ESPN doesn‘t cover
So while TNT may not be on par with ESPN or Fox Sports 1, it nicely complements them as a secondary destination for NBA and NHL. Plus TNT offers wrestling programming you won‘t find on other mainstream sports networks.
When combined with regional sports networks also offered by DISH, TNT provides a robust cross-section of live events, analysis and commentary for basketball, hockey and wrestling fans — beyond just ESPN.
FAQs About Accessing TNT as a DISH Subscriber
Here are answers to some common questions about getting access to TNT:
Can I watch TNT without paying for cable or satellite TV?
There are limited options to stream some TNT content for free on demand. But getting full, regular access to TNT programming requires a TV provider subscription like DISH or live TV streaming services.
What cord-cutting streaming options offer TNT access?
Many live TV streamers like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM and Sling TV offer TNT in base packages or as part of optional channel add-ons. Check each streaming provider for specifics.
Does TNT have its own streaming app I can download?
Yes! TNT offers apps for iOS, Android, Fire TV, Roku and other devices. However, you still need to log in with valid TV provider credentials like your DISH account.
Is TNT considered a "basic cable" channel included in starter bundles?
Yes, as a popular entertainment network, TNT is usually included in even basic packages across cable/satellite companies. This huge distribution helps drive TNT‘s large viewership.
What does "TNT" even stand for?
TNT is just an abbreviation for Turner Network Television. It was founded in the ‘80s by industry pioneer Ted Turner under his Turner Broadcasting media empire. The brand has lived on through various company mergers over the past 30+ years.
