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What Channel Is Lifetime on DirecTV? (2024 Update)

Have you ever overheard someone talking about a surprisingly entertaining movie they saw recently on Lifetime and wondered what channel that would be on your DirecTV lineup? Or maybe you‘re a longtime Lifetime fan yourself and recently made the switch to DirecTV satellite, suddenly unsure of where your favorite melodramatic guilty pleasures went.

Either way, you‘ve come to the right place to get the scoop on exactly what channel Lifetime is on DirecTV along with the full rundown of the network‘s history and programming. Read on for details on accessing Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, and more through your DirecTV subscription.

What This Article Will Cover

Over the next 3000+ words, you can expect to gain understanding of topics like:

  • The background and origins of the Lifetime cable network, launched in 1984 as a channel "for women, about women"
  • Lifetime‘s transition into producing signature made-for-TV movies and addictive reality relationship programming
  • Where to find Lifetime‘s main network on channel 252 as part of your DirecTV channel package
  • Lifetime Movie Network (LMN) being available 24/7 on channel 253, airing Lifetime movies back-to-back
  • How DirecTV‘s channel packages and pricing compare to other major cable providers
  • The types of programming featured on Lifetime today, ranging from sensational reality shows to enduring TV movies
  • How sister station Lifetime Real Women (LRW) focuses specifically on reality documentary series

Follow along for an in-depth exploration of the past, present, and future of the groundbreaking women‘s network. Let‘s start by getting you caught up on the world of DirecTV and how channel packages work so you know exactly where Lifetime lives in their lineup.

A Quick Refresher on DirecTV Packages

In case you need a refresh, here‘s a quick overview of how channel packages work on DirecTV compared to traditional cable…

Now that you know the basics of navigating DirecTV lineup, let‘s zoom in specifically on Lifetime and its sister channels…

History of a Network For Women

Lifetime first launched on February 1, 1984 as a joint venture between media titans Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company. At a time when cable television largely overlooked female viewers, Lifetime filled that void by catering programming directly to women‘s tastes with shows like…

From these humble beginnings 40 years ago, Lifetime has expanded into a multimedia women’s brand that includes multiple sister TV networks. Now let‘s explore exactly how to access this enduring channel for women on your DirecTV…

Lifetime and LMN on DirecTV

I have great news! Finding Lifetime on your DirecTV lineup requires no hunting whatsoever. Lifetime has been included as part of DirecTV‘s core channel packages since the satellite provider‘s early days.

You‘ll discover the main Lifetime network conveniently on channel 252 on any DirecTV package with entertainment channels included. This means packages like Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate and Premier all come with Lifetime already tuned in on channel 252.

And that‘s not all – DirecTV treats you to double the drama and twice the thrill with Lifetime Movie Network (AKA LMN) also included on channel 253. This network plays Lifetime movies 24/7, so can binge your favorite made-for-TV true crime stories to your heart‘s content!

I‘m sure by now you must be curious about that Lifetime programming actually airs on these two killer channels. Let‘s explore…

Modern Lifetime Lineup

In 2023, a typical night tuned into Lifetime may include a combination of acquired drama reruns, signature made-for-TV movies and sensational original reality shows. The key programming blocks you can expect are:

Addictive Reality TV

Today, Lifetime‘s bread and butter comes from addicting franchised reality shows like Married at First Sight specializing in over-the-top relationship drama. Other smash hits include:

  • 5 Guys a Week – Woman looks for love by inviting 5 men to live in her house
  • Making a Model – Aspiring models vie for contracts with top fashion agencies

Signature TV Movies

Nothing screams Lifetime like one of their original melodramatic thrillers featuring teacher-student affairs or dangerously obsessive lovers. Modern classics include:

  • The Wrong Cheerleader Coach
  • My Roommate‘s Secret
  • Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal

Fans flock to LMN as their home to rewatch these Lifetime movies 24/7.

And that‘s the gist of what‘s airing on Lifetime in 2023! I hope you now feel equipped to access the long-running women‘s network on channel 252 thanks to my deep dive into DirecTV lineups, channel packages and of course the story behind Lifetime itself.

Lifetime Offshoot Channels

While not offered by DirecTV, I‘d be remiss to not mention Lifetime Real Women – an offshoot network focused on reality documentaries like Cheerleader Generation shining light on estimated cheer world. LRW joins LM and the main Lifetime channel under the network’s umbrella focused on programming for women.

And cut! If you made it this far, I salute you. Let me know in the comments if this guide gave you the exact channel roadmap you need to start binging Lifetime original movies tonight on your DirecTV subscription. Happy viewing!