Have you ever found yourself flipping through channels wondering where to find the Paramount Network? Are you curious whether shows like Yellowstone or Ink Master are included with a standard DirecTV subscription? Or have you considered signing up for streaming service Paramount+ but don‘t know how to actually watch it on your TV?
As a long-time DirecTV user myself, I‘ve asked all those same questions in the past. And over years of trial-and-error channel surfing, I‘ve unlocked the answers on how to conveniently access Paramount content through DirecTV.
So if you want to know exactly what channel to tune into for live Paramount Network programming, how streaming Paramount+ differs, which packages you need, and what top shows to watch – I‘ll guide you through everything you need to know step-by-step in this comprehensive walkthrough.
A Quick History of Paramount
Before diving into channels and packages, it helps to understand what exactly Paramount is. While the name is practically synonymous with Hollywood at this point, the company has changed and evolved enormously over its 100+ year history.
Paramount Pictures began in the early 1900s as an ambitious new film studio among many rivals in an industry still in its infancy. Yet through hits like Wings (the first Best Picture Oscar winner) and game-changing stars from Mary Pickford to Mae West, Paramount rapidly grew into one of the dominant forces in American cinema over the first half of the 20th century.
The Paramount logo and mountain have been ubiquitous fixtures on the big screen for generations. But unlike contemporaries like MGM and RKO Pictures, Paramount maintains its status as a major Hollywood player to this day.
In 1994, Paramount Communications was purchased by media conglomerate Viacom. This triggered the next major step in expansion beyond film production into TV networks. As digital media transformed the entertainment landscape, Viacom brought Paramount deeper into areas like cable and streaming video.
In 2022, Viacom and CBS reconsolidated back into a reunified corporation rebranded as Paramount Global. Today, their unmatched portfolio of assets includes:
- Paramount Network – The cable TV network airing Yellowstone
- Paramount+ – The premium subscription streaming service
- Pluto TV – An ad-supported streaming TV platform
- CBS and CW Networks – Flagship over-the-air TV broadcasters
- Showtime, BET, Comedy Central & MTV Networks – Massive lineup of popular cable/satellite channels
- Simon & Schuster – The venerable book publisher
- And of course, Paramount Pictures – Iconic Hollywood film studio
That‘s an incredible span of entertainment properties and content pipelines united under one mammoth corporate umbrella!
Armed with context on Paramount‘s family tree, let‘s narrow our focus back to accessing their TV and streaming content through a DirecTV subscription.
Overview of Key Questions
Here‘s a quick roadmap of what details I‘ll cover on navigating Paramount viewing options as a DirecTV customer:
- What channel is the Paramount Network on DirecTV?
- How does channel placement vary for live vs. on-demand Paramount content?
- What DirecTV subscription package do I need for access?
- How is Paramount+ streaming different from the Paramount Network?
- Can I watch Paramount+ through DirecTV or only through internet/app?
- What are some of the best shows on Paramount Network and Paramount+?
Think of this article as your insider guide to unlocking the wide world of Paramount entertainment on DirecTV!
Live Paramount Network Channel Placement on DirecTV
Unlike trying to find obscure channels in the HD stratosphere, accessing the Paramount Network on DirecTV is refreshingly simple.
You can watch the live Paramount Network 24/7 on DirecTV channel 241.
So whenever you flip to channel 241, you‘ll pull up whatever Paramount Network show or movie happens to be playing at that moment.
And with Yellowstone consistently rating as one of cable‘s most watched dramas, the odds of catching a quality show airing live are high anytime you tune to 241.
Of course, determining a channel strictly by number can still be hit-or-miss. Fortunately, DirecTV‘s on-screen guides always display channel identifiers by name too. So if remembering the exact channel figures gets confusing, you can simply scroll through the guide to the Entertainment section where Paramount Network will be plainly listed.
Sample image of Paramount Network channel marked clearly on a DirecTV guide
Either way, by sticking to channel 241 or looking up Paramount Network in the guide, catching live programming is a breeze.
Accessing Paramount Network On-Demand Content
In addition to its live cable stream, the Paramount Network unlocked even more flexible viewing options by uploading select programming for on-demand streaming access.
While their linear channel stays parked on 241, you can find the Paramount Network on-demand content library exclusively on DirecTV channel 1241.
So if there‘s a specific episode or show you want to watch that isn‘t airing live at the moment on channel 241, you can queue it up instantly via video-on-demand on channel 1241.
This opens up possibilities like binging older Yellowstone seasons on your own schedule. From classic sitcom reruns like Frasier to reality shows like Ink Master and original dramas, the Paramount Network on-demand library enables customizable streaming access.
Tip: Keep channel 241 and 1241 straight by associating the first digits in 1241 with on-demand content, while the 241 channel sticks to live broadcasts.
Do All DirecTV Packages Include Paramount Network?
Now that you know how to find the Paramount Network through both live and on-demand streaming on channels 241 and 1241, you may be wondering:
What DirecTV channel package do I need for Paramount Network access?
Thankfully, this is another area where DirecTV makes enjoying Paramount‘s programming easy and inclusive for subscribers.
The Paramount Network is categorized by DirecTV under Entertainment channels. As long as you subscribe to any package that includes entertainment networks, you automatically get the Paramount Network at no extra charge.
Here‘s a breakdown of which Paramount Network availability across DirecTV‘s main package tiers:
| DirecTV Package | Price/Month | Paramount Network Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $64.99/month | YES |
| Choice | $84.99/month | YES |
| Ultimate | $109.99/month | YES |
| Premier | $154.99/month | YES |
With Paramount Network falling under the entertainment umbrella rather than premium channels, access starts at DirecTV‘s base $65/month Entertainment plan all the way up to the $155 Premier tier.
So you can enjoy live Paramount viewing on channel 241 and on-demand content on 1241 without paying any more on top of your standard DirecTV subscription fee.
How Paramount Plus Streaming Differs from Paramount Network
One common source of confusion around unlocking Paramount movies and series involves separating Paramount+ from Paramount Network.
While extremely similarly named, these two Paramount entertainment platforms are actually quite different in business model and content libraries:
| Paramount Network | Paramount+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Linear cable TV network airing variety of programs | Premium subscription streaming video-on-demand (SVOD) service |
| Content | Mix of Paramount reruns, reality & competition shows, some originals like Yellowstone | Massive catalog of Paramount/Viacom films, series classics, kids shows, and Paramount+ exclusives |
| Access | Included automatically with any DirecTV TV package containing entertainment channels (starts at $64.99 Entertainment tier) | Requires separate paid streaming membership not bundled with DirecTV (plans start at $4.99/month) |
So in summary:
- Paramount Network = Channel 241/1241 on your DirecTV lineup functioning like a standard live cable network
- Paramount+ = Separate on-demand streaming library of Paramount/Viacom content new and old requiring individual subscription
The key distinction boils down to the Paramount Network acting as a basic cable channel. While Paramount+ operates more like a standalone Netflix or Hulu focused exclusively on Paramount programming old and new.
It‘s an important difference since Paramount Network comes included with any Entertainment-level DirecTV package and above. But viewing the huge streaming catalog on Paramount+ requires taking out another standalone streaming membership.
I‘ll explain more about how to access Paramount+ below…
Can I Stream Paramount+ Through My DirecTV Subscription?
Unfortunately, a DirecTV TV package alone does not automatically unlock access to Paramount+. Unlike getting the Paramount Network included with base entertainment bundles, you have to subscribe and pay for Paramount+ as its own separate service.
However, the good news is that you can easily access the Paramount+ streaming library on your television through a smart TV or casting from another device like a phone. There are just a few simple steps to get Paramount+ beamed onto your TV for big-screen streaming.
Here are your options for watching Paramount+ through DirecTV equipment:
-
Smart TV App – If you own a smart television, you can simply download the Paramount+ app directly through your TV‘s app store interface just like adding apps on a phone. Then login using your Paramount+ account credentials to start streaming.
-
Mobile Casting – For non-smart TVs, you can cast or "mirror" the Paramount+ app from compatible mobile devices like phones or tablets connected to the same WiFi network as your TV. Android/iOS screens get wirelessly beamed onto your big screen for easy viewing.
So while Paramount+ carries an extra membership cost beyond your DirecTV access, getting the premium streaming service up and running on your TV is quick and painless via built-in smart capabilities or mobile casting workarounds.
No HDMI wires, streaming sticks or anything extra needed!
Top Paramount Network and Paramount+ Shows to Watch
Okay, now that I‘ve equipped you to access both Paramount‘s cable network and premium streaming through DirecTV subscriptions and equipment…what should you actually watch? 😄
Here‘s a quick watchlist spanning top Paramount Network series along with Paramount+ exclusives:
Must-See Paramount Network Shows
Yellowstone – Kevin Costner stars in this modern Western chronicling the Dutton ranching family‘s fights to preserve their territory and influence against threats old and new. Built-in audience from rural America but expands with equally compelling family drama.
Bar Rescue – Veteran nightlife consultant Jon Taffer enters failing bars desperate for help. Think Kitchen Nightmares but for the bar/hospitality industry instead. Constant conflicts and confrontation fuel the entertainment.
Ink Master – Compelling reality competition following tattoo artists facing challenges judged by some of the most acclaimed ink masters. Inside look at the creativity and pressure behind famous tattoo parlors.
I recommend at least sampling these three Paramount Network hits covering the drama, reality, and tattoo genres.
Hot Paramount+ Originals & More
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – For nostalgic Star Trek fans, this new prequel series focuses on the Enterprise under fan favorite Captain Pike with a style reminiscent of the iconic 1960s original. Modern effects but upbeat, philosophical tone.
Tulsa King – Mobster drama led by Sylvester Stallone unexpectedly tasked with building a new criminal branch in unfamiliar Oklahoma territory. Created by Yellowstone‘s Taylor Sheridan.
South Park – Controversial but still sharp adult animation satire that built Comedy Central enters exclusive streaming distribution on Paramount+. Hundreds of classic episodes plus new South Park straight from cable premieres.
From fresh series to legendary shows, Paramount+ boasts an eclectic on-demand catalog to match tons of tastes. Peruse their thousands of options after signing up.
Let‘s Review Paramount & DirecTV Options
As promised way back at the start, I wanted to make sure you left confident in your ability to access Paramount content through a DirecTV subscription.
So to recap everything we covered across Paramount channels, streaming, packages and more:
- The Paramount Network airs 24/7 on DirecTV channel 241 for live programming
- You can also stream Paramount Network on-demand content on DirecTV channel 1241
- All DirecTV packages including Entertainment ($64.99/month) have the Paramount Network
- Paramount Plus requires a separate streaming membership for their exclusive library
- But you can easily download the Paramount Plus app on smart TVs or cast mobile apps to non-smart screens
- Must-see Paramount shows span hot series like Yellowstone, to classic South Park episodes exclusive to Paramount Plus
Hopefully breaking down all the layers step-by-step cuts through any confusion around mixing up Paramount Network vs. Paramount Plus or accessing either through a DirecTV subscription.
You now have the blueprint on tapping into thousands of hours of Paramount entertainment on screen sizes big and small!
Let me know if any other DirecTV/Paramount questions pop up. Happy streaming!
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