What Channel Is Comedy Central on DirecTV? Your 2023 How-To Guide

Laughs, satire, stand up, sketch comedy, animation, talk shows – no cable channel showcases funnier programming than Comedy Central. If you‘re looking to access Comedy Central through DirecTV‘s satellite service, this definitive guide provides background details plus step-by-step instructions for tuning in.

Comedy Central Channel Number on DirecTV

Comedy Central: Channel 249

Below we cover everything about this iconic comedy brand – from Comedy Central‘s origins decades ago through its current roster of hits like South Park. Let‘s start scrolling for comedy on channel 249!

A Brief History of Comedy Central

Before diving into exactly how to watch Comedy Central shows, it helps to understand the network‘s backstory. Most channels have humble beginnings, so let‘s briefly explore the comedy brand‘s roots.

Comedy Central as viewers now know it resulted from a 1991 merger between Viacom-owned MTV Networks and Time Warner‘s comedy channel ‘The Comedy Channel‘. Executives hoped combining forces would accelerate growth better than launching competing comedy offerings.

This decision marked the end of The Comedy Channel, which HBO debuted short-lived channel just two years prior in 1989. Production infrastructure from HBO‘s previous comedy channel was integrated with MTV‘s strong cable distribution. And thus the Comedy Central name was born!

Leadership under Doug Herzog as President/CEO during the mid-90s was instrumental for developing Comedy Central‘s identity. Herzog focused heavily on original programming such as game changers The Daily Show and South Park. Three decades later both shows remain cultural institutions and network staples.

Today Comedy Central operates global branches reaching Europe, Asia Pacific, India, Latin America and elsewhere. Despite fierce streaming competition, Comedy Central continues drawing around 150,000 cable viewers weekly in America. Next let‘s spotlight Comedy Central‘s sister stations.

Comedy Central Sister Stations: MTV and CMT

Comedy Central joins MTV and CMT under the Viacom cable umbrella:

MTV and CMT round out Viacom‘s television trifecta. MTV led the cultural charge during the 1980s music video boom. But today‘s MTV slate leans heavily into unscripted reality shows like Teen Mom, Catfish, and Ridiculousness.

CMT (Country Music Television) offers rural-flavored entertainment like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders alongside country videos in early A.M. hours.

Now that we‘ve got the background covered, let‘s shift gears to finding Comedy Central on your television.

How To Watch Comedy Central on DirecTV

Thanks to Comedy Central‘s channel 249 placement, accessing the network through DirecTV takes just seconds.

Here are step-by-step instructions for tapping into Comedy Central‘s funny offerings via DirecTV:

Step 1: Turn On Your DirecTV Box

Grab your DirecTV remote and push the power button to ignite your satellite receiver.

Step 2: Access the On-Screen Channel Guide

Locate and select the ‘Guide‘ function on your remote. This displays an overlay listing all available DirecTV channels by number and name.

Step 3: Navigate to Channel 249

Scan through the on-screen menu until you highlight channel 249 Comedy Central.

Step 4: Select Channel 249

Choose channel 249 to instantly watch Comedy Central programming in progress. Enjoy!

Whenever you wish to return to Comedy Central, repeat the process above or manually enter channel 249.

Next let‘s explore why you‘d want to watch Comedy Central in the first place – the channel‘s entertaining programming mix.

Comedy Central Programming Guide

Ask ten television viewers what they want to watch and you may get ten different answers. Fortunately Comedy Central delivers a programming slate sure to tickle many funny bones. Have a glance at staple shows across categories:

Originals

Comedy Central original productions such as long-running hits and new projects commonly generate buzz. Check out current and recent Comedy Central originals:

• South Park – Shockingly hilarious adventures of four grade schoolers
• Alternatino – Sketch series starring Arturo Castro
• Awkwafina is Nora From Queens – Sitcom led by actress/rapper Awkwafina
• Crank Yankers – Prank call driven sketch show utilizing puppets
• Futurama – Animated sci-fi sitcom from Simpsons creator
• Inside Amy Schumer – Sketch comedy starring Amy Schumer
• Key & Peele – Sketch comedy with Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele
• Reno 911! – Improvised mockumentary about Nevada law enforcement

Acquired Sitcoms

In addition to owned programming, Comedy Central licenses many hit comedies from other studios:

• Beavis and Butt-head – Animated misadventures of two rock loving teens
• Chappelle‘s Show – Sketch comedy from legendary Dave Chappelle
• Community – Meta sitcom following students at community college
• The Office – Workplace mockumentary adapted from British original
• Parks and Recreation – Mockumentary sitcom set inside Indiana local government

Stand Up Comedy

Stand up specials from current comedians and up-and-comers regularly air during late nights:

• Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents – Spotlights rising talent
• This Week at the Comedy Cellar – Tapes inside iconic Comedy Cellar club
• The Godfrey Complex – Comic Godfrey‘s fresh take on stand up
• James Davis: Live from the Shed – James Davis delivers high-energy routine

Late Night Programming

No comedy network works without strong late night talk and commentary:

• The Daily Show with Trevor Noah – Nightly satirical look at news and politics
• Lights Out with David Spade – David Spade hilariously discusses hot topics
• The Jim Jefferies Show – Jim Jefferies‘ humorous take on culture and politics
• Tosh.0 – Daniel Tosh‘s twist on viral videos and internet culture

As evident above, Comedy Central doesn‘t skimp on variety. Everything from sitcoms to sketch to stand up to animation is represented across the dial.

Beyond sheer programming breadth, Comedy Central deserves attention for birthing multiple cultural touchstones. Shows like South Park, Chappelle‘s Show and The Daily Show inspire water cooler chat and permeate pop culture.

Now let‘s examine how Comedy Central fits into the larger DirecTV channel lineup.

Comedy Central‘s Place in DirecTV Channel Packages

With endless entertainment options today, television providers live and die by channel selection. DIRECTV streamlines finding your favorite networks using tailored channel packages. Review how Comedy Central fits among key DIRECTV plan groupings:

DIRECTV STREAM "Entertainment" Package

The DIRECTV STREAM Entertainment plan offers 75+ channels for $69.99/month. In addition to locals and regional sports, you’ll gain access to:

Comedy

• Comedy Central – Channel 249
• truTV – Channel 246

Entertainment

• A&E – Channel 265
• Discovery – Channel 278
• TLC – Channel 280

Lifestyle

• Food Network – Channel 231
• HGTV – Channel 229

Beyond the above highlights, you‘ll also gain 50+ more top channels spanning movies, news, and kids content.

DIRECTV STREAM "Choice” Package

For $89.99/month, the well-rounded Choice plan adds 30 extra channels like:

Comedy

• Hallmark Channel – Channel 312
• IFC – Channel 323

Entertainment

• History – Channel 269
• Paramount Network – Channel 241

Sports

• ESPN News – Channel 207
• NFL Network – Channel 212

Additional gains span MTV, VH1, FX, National Geographic, and more. Upgrade to Choice for a wider selection of comedy, entertainment and sports.

DIRECTV STREAM "Ultimate” Package

Go all-in with the aptly named Ultimate Bundle priced at $104.99/month. Ultimate overlays 20 extra channels like:

Comedy

• Aspire TV – Channel 327
• Logo – Channel 323

Entertainment

• American Heroes – Channel 327
• Destination America – Channel 285

Sports

• CBS Sports Network – Channel 221
• NBA TV – Channel 216

Ultimate also features regional sports networks like AT&T SportsNet, Fox Sports RSNs, NBC Sports RSNs, and more. It‘s ideal for sports fans needing expanded national/local coverage.

Above are three headline DIRECTV STREAM packages. Each plan builds upon its predecessor with added comedy, film, sports, music and general entertainment channels. Having Comedy Central, MTV and CMT together enables sampling Viacom‘s television triumvirate.

Now let‘s recap everything we‘ve covered so far.

Summary of Main Points

• Comedy Central began via a 1991 merger between Viacom and Time Warner
• The channel now entertains about 150,000 cable viewers weekly
• Sister stations MTV and CMT round out Viacom‘s cable network portfolio
• On DirecTV you can access Comedy Central on channel 249
• Flagship Comedy Central shows include South Park, Alternatino, The Daily Show plus others
• DirecTV STREAM packages group Comedy Central among 75+ to 125+ top channels

We‘ve armed you with lots of background for understanding Comedy Central‘s brand, programming and channel placement. Now let‘s switch gears to actually watching Comedy Central on DirecTV.

How To Start Watching Comedy Central on DirecTV

If you‘ve read this far, hopefully you have a solid grasp of Comedy Central‘s background and place within DirecTV‘s channel lineup. Now it‘s time for the fun part – actually tuning in!

Referring back to our step-by-step guide earlier, here‘s a quick refresher for accessing Comedy Central via your DirecTV satellite box:

Step 1: Turn on your DirecTV receiver using the power button on your remote

Step 2: Pull up the on-screen Channel Guide

Step 3: Scroll through the channel list to locate Comedy Central on channel 249

Step 4: Select channel 249 to instantly start watching Comedy Central!

Once you‘ve set your box to channel 249, sit back and enjoy the latest stand up special, episode of South Park, viral clip roundup or other Comedy Central programming.

Here‘s to laughs galore on channel 249 courtesy of top series like The Daily Show, South Park, Alternatino and more! Whether it‘s late night talk shows or offbeat animations you crave, Comedy Central has you covered on DirecTV.

Frequently Asked Questions

What channel is Comedy Central on DirecTV?
Comedy Central can be found on DirecTV channel 249.

What DirecTV channel is South Park on?
As a Comedy Central original, South Park airs on DirecTV channel 249.

What time and day does The Daily Show air?
New episodes of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah air Monday-Thursday at 11PM EST on Comedy Central, DirecTV channel 249.

Does DirecTV offer a free Comedy Central trial?
Yes! New DirecTV subscribers can receive a 5-day free trial granting full access to Comedy Central programming.

Can I access Comedy Central through DirecTV mobile apps?
Yes. DirecTV subscribers can stream Comedy Central on mobile devices via the DirecTV app using account credentials.