Wondering where to find TBS and want to know more about the popular cable network? In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll overview the channel‘s location on DirecTV, delve into TBS‘ origins, rising popularity, sister stations, and diverse mix of shows, movies, and limited live sports that make it a top cable destination today.
Overview
As one of cable‘s most enduring networks, TBS can be found on DirecTV channel 247. First airing in the late 1960s under the name WTCG, Ted Turner built this small Atlanta station into a national phenomenon that would set the template for basic cable networks. Now owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, TBS carved out a lucrative niche as a comedy-centric channel while sister stationsCartoon Network, CNN and TNT offer programming aimed at kids, news junkies and drama fans.
Across a blend of originals, acquired sitcoms, Hollywood hits, cult classics and select live MLB action, TBS earns its "Very Funny" motto with something for everyone. Read on to learn more about locating TBS on DirecTV, its rise to cable prominence and what you can watch on TBS and its sister stations!
| Network | DirecTV Channel |
|---|---|
| TBS | 247 |
| TNT | 245 |
| Cartoon Network | 296 |
| CNN | 202 |
| truTV | 246 |
Brief History
TBS has charted an improbable course from local TV station to major cable name. The origins of TBS trace back to media mogul Ted Turner purchasing WJRJ, a small UHF station in Atlanta, in 1969. Renamed WTCG, Turner ran classic sitcoms and old movies on a limited budget. By 1976, Turner began distributing WTCG as a "superstation" via satellite to cable systems nationwide, allowing households across America to access the channel without paying extra fees.
This innovative move marked the first basic cable network and precursor to modern cable offerings. By reaching over 2 million homes by 1978 and over 50 million by 1988, TBS leveraged its national reach to edge out rivals and score rights to top syndicated series plus MLB games. After rebranding under the simple moniker TBS in the 1990s and officially moving operations from Atlanta to Los Angeles, the network now sits comfortably as a fixture in Warner Bros. Discovery‘s cable stable.
Sister Channels
In addition to housing TBS on channel 247, DirecTV viewers also gain access to TBS‘ sister stations sharing the same Warner Bros. Discovery parent company. These TBS siblings include:
TNT (Channel 245) – Offering recent blockbuster movies plus acclaimed original dramas like Snowpiercer and sci-fi favorite The Alienist.
Cartoon Network (Channel 296) – Home of children‘s animation until late nights when Adult Swim takes over with irreverent grown-up series like Rick & Morty.
CNN (Channel 202) – The classic 24-hour news network covering breaking stories and political headlines around the world.
truTV (Channel 246) – Formerly Court TV, truTV focuses on reality shows with a humorous twist like Impractical Jokers.
TBS Programming
So what can you watch on TBS itself? With an array of acquired sitcoms, high-profile originals, Hollywood features and occasional live sports, TBS offers something for everyone in the household.
Originals
TBS always made noise with original sitcoms like the George Lopez Show (drew over 3 million viewers per episode) but has recently scored hits in other areas too. Its new game show The Cube averages 1.2 million viewers while late night mainstay Conan has aired over 2,900 episodes to loyal viewers. Expect more buzzy original reality competitions and occult docuseries joining veteran sitcoms.
Acquired Sitcoms
Sitcom reruns always form the bread-and-butter of TBS offerings. Syndicated mega-hits like The Big Bang Theory, Friends and Family Matters join TBS staples like American Dad in drawing big numbers. Rights to American Dad cost TBS nearly $500,000 per episode but the long-running animated show reliably pulls over 1 million nightly viewers.
Movies
From recently released comedies like Life of the Party (2018) to enduring classics like Ferris Bueller‘s Day Off (1986), TBS incorporates hundreds of Hollywood hits into its programming. Just don‘t expect any R-rated fare or serious Oscar contenders on "Very Funny" TBS.
Children‘s Shows & Sports
TBS offers kid-friendly shows on weekday and weekend mornings while nighttime leans adult. And while TBS airs some wrestling and 26 live MLB games in 2023, sports offerings pale next to ESPN and sister station TNT.
The Takeaway
For comedy on cable with a side of movies and limited sports, you can always turn to TBS on DirecTV channel 247. And toggle from kid-centric Cartoon Network to news leader CNN without ever leaving TBS‘ sister stations!
