Introduction to an Iconic Turner Broadcasting Station
TBS holds an important place in cable TV history. Rising to fame in the late 1970s as one of the first nationwide "superstations", TBS offered a visionary precursor to today‘s content streaming era.
So what exactly is TBS‘ background?
TBS stands for Turner Broadcasting System. The iconic brand traces its roots back to 1967, when an independent UHF station titled WTCG launched out of Atlanta, Georgia. Its driving force was Ted Turner – entrepreneur, media mogul and founder of the 24-hour Cable News Network (CNN) in 1980.
With Turner at the helm, WTCG would gain satellite footprint across all 50 states by 1976 and take on the TBS name and branding shortly after. By the 1990s, TBS amassed over 70 million subscribers nationally through smart content and distribution.
Fast forward to 1996 – the landmark merger deal between Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner. This brought TBS into the fold with networks like HBO, Cartoon Network, TNT and many more. Today, TBS sits under parent company Warner Bros. Discovery after the 2022 spin-off.
Now, even with ownership changes over 50+ years, TBS endures as a popular entertainment venue showcasing sports, comedy, movies and originals. For TV viewers and cable subscribers, catching shows or MLB games on the TBS channel remains a staple activity.
Tuning into TBS on DISH Packages
DISH customers can access TBS on channel 139 as part of their programming. TBS gets included with America‘s Top 120, America‘s Top 200, and America‘s Top 250 bundle packages.
According to DISH‘s website, here‘s a breakdown of the channel listings within those packages:
America‘s Top 120 – Over 190 channels
America‘s Top 200 – Over 240 channels
America‘s Top 250 – Over 290 channels
So TBS fits comfortably among the larger channel lineups. DISH also lists TBS under the "Lifestyle + Information" package category alongside networks like Food, HGTV and Discovery Channel.
For reference, here is a quick channel guide when searching where to find TBS on DISH:
| Channel Name | Channel Number |
|---|---|
| TBS | 139 |
Worth noting – TBS launched on DISH in 1996, coinciding with the Turner/Time Warner merger that year which brought Turner channels directly under the DISH provider umbrella. So TBS has been available for DISH subscribers from 1996 right through to today.
Accessing TBS Everywhere with App Streaming
An advantage to getting TBS through a provider like DISH is gaining full access to the TBS app. This allows taking the channel‘s programming anywhere by streaming to mobile devices and tablets.
The TBS app comes in both iOS and Android versions. After downloading to a phone or tablet, DISH viewers can sign in with their home subscription credentials. Upon authenticating through DISH, the TBS app unlocks allowing app streaming.
Features include:
- Stream live TBS shows and movies
- New episode alerts
- Save to watchlist function
- Chromecast support – beam videos to any Google Cast compatible TV
- Airplay mirroring – Apple users can project to Apple TVs
When streaming through the TBS app, generally the same channel restrictions apply whether watching via DISH set-top box or online. For example, certain live sporting events due to localized blackout rules or select shows limited to TV Everywhere rights.
But the app otherwise makes for a handy companion, reproducing the DISH linear channel feed in portable form across devices. Maintaining a persistent internet connection is highly recommended however when streaming for best results. Lapses in wifi connectivity can interrupt viewing.
Pro Tip: Verify TBS access on devices before any important programs. Temporarily disable VPN services too which may otherwise block streaming. Signing in while at home before venturing out is ideal for first-time TBS app setups with DISH online credentials.
Programming Lineup: Movies, Sports and Much More
Now, a big reason viewers flock to TBS is the diverse programming. Having this channel rounds out your DISH channel portfolio with more to watch across movies, sports, comedy, originals and syndicated reruns.
Some highlights of what you can catch by tuning into TBS on DISH Network:
- MLB on TBS – Live cut-ins and baseball game coverage on Sundays during the regular MLB season.
- Miracle Workers – Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi star in this fantasy comedy original premiering its fourth season in 2023.
- Young Sheldon – The hit Big Bang Theory spinoff with Iain Armitage airs in long form multi-hour blocks.
- American Dad – Animated series moved over from Fox renewed through its 20th season in 2023.
- AEW Dynamite – Professional wrestling‘s rising AEW promotion airs matches every Wednesday night.
- NCAA March Madness – TBS and sister network TNT jointly air coverage of college basketball tournaments.
- Family Guy – Seth MacFarlane‘s iconic adult cartoon replays episodes often.
- Friends – Warner keeps the sitcom smash hits coming with long blocks of the Central Perk gang‘s adventures.
And much more – from syndicated run movies like the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Hobbit franchises to Everybody Loves Raymond episodes to CNN docuseries re-airs to became shows like Wipeout. Lots for casual viewing!
Occasionally certain programs get restricted due to digital streaming rights, contract limitations or localized blackout rules. This applies mainly to live sports. For example, trying to watch an MLB or NBA game featuring a home team in-market may get blocked out.
But TBS otherwise stacks plenty of coveted entertainment alongside acclaimed originals and classics to satisfy just about any TV buff.
TBS and Sister Turner Stations on DISH
Now it‘s worth noting the strong ties TBS maintains to sister station TNT under Warner Bros. Discovery. Viewers can find TNT on channel 138 on Dish Network, right next to TBS.
Thanks to both networks originating from the old Turner Broadcasting, TBS and TNT have a close relationship even decades later. For example, they continue branding certain programming blocks like "Comedy on TBS" and "Drama on TNT".
Sports also get shared between the Turner siblings. TNT airs NBA regular seasons doubleheaders while TBS carries MLB. And both rotate March Madness NCAA college basketball tournament coverage.
But TBS skews edgier than TNT. Its shows embrace more mature themes and controversial elements compared to TNT‘s middle-ground, positive vibes approach. Think American Dad against Friday Night Lights.
Still, having both TNT and TBS available makes DISH Network really deliver as the home Turner base through Warner/Discovery. Fans reminiscing about the golden age of Ted Turner‘s superstation dominance can revisit that pioneering spirit via this classic channel duo.
Can You Get TBS Without Cable?
For viewers looking if they can access TBS by cutting the cord, options do exist beyond a traditional cable subscription. However, some limitations apply.
One popular option is Sling TV – the DISH-owned streaming service. Sling carries TBS on its Sling Blue package for $40/month. So ditching cable for Sling Blue represents the simplest way of directly streaming TBS online.
However, Sling Blue lacks other Turner channels like TNT or TruTV. And missing out on TBS programming regarding local pro or college teams thanks to blackout restrictions. So cable alternatives make some functionality sacrifices.
YouTube TV or DIRECTV STREAM list TBS in channel bundles closer to full cable lineups. But no free way exists currently to stream TBS without any paid subscription. Going through DISH provides the maximum experience even as streaming erodes cable‘s dominance.
In Summary
For DISH viewers, tuning into channel 139 means enjoying everything TBS has aired for over 50 years – comedy, drama, thrills, MLB baseball, wrestling and beyond.
TBS also streams bonus content through its mobile app plus sticks close to sister station TNT as iconic Turner brands under Warner Bros. Discovery. DISH Network makes accessing that timeless Turner programming both convenient and comprehensive.
So check your DISH package lineup for TBS access today! Questions or issues? DISH customer support troubleshoots set-top box, app and account queries quickly via 24/7 chat, email or phone.
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