Have you ever flipped through the channels on your DirecTV lineup and wondered where you could find the Paramount Network? With hundreds of options to toggle through, it‘s easy to overlook certain stations even after years of being a subscriber.
Not to worry – this guide serves as your one-stop reference covering everything you need to know about accessing Paramount programming through your satellite TV or streaming subscriptions. We‘ll explore the channel‘s longstanding legacy, where you can tune in on DirecTV‘s offerings, and how its content compares to the premium Paramount+ platform.
A Legacy Over 100 Years in the Making
Before diving into the channel specifics, it helps to understand Paramount‘s rich background in the entertainment world. Rising from humble beginnings as a small New York City film studio in 1912, Paramount Pictures quickly gained renown as a pioneering force in Hollywood‘s Golden Age.
Its mountainous logo icon grew synonymous with movie magic. According to History.com, the images 24 surrounding stars represented Paramount‘s roster of contracted actors and actresses.
Over the following decades, the brand expanded into television production. This paved the way for the eventual launch of the Paramount Network.
The Origins of Paramount Network and Its Pivot to Streaming
What we now know as Paramount Network underwent several rebrands before adopting its current name. It originated in 1983 as The Nashville Network (or TNN), aiming to attract the lucrative Southern demographic. TNN then repositioned to widened its format beyond country music and racing content to capture a more mainstream viewership.
In another rebranding effort in 2018, the rebranded Paramount Network emerged, focusing on movies and action-oriented programs to echo parent company Viacom‘s film roots. The channel struck gold in 2018 with its neo-Western drama Yellowstone, now tv’s most watched cable series.
However, like many media titans, Paramount also set its sights on the streaming sphere. Its subscription platform Paramount+ joined an already crowded marketplace in 2014 to mixed success under previous brandings like CBS All Access.
But thanks to high-budget originals and a deep content vault, Paramount+ now enjoys remarkable growth. 2021 marked the service’s most successful year ever, adding 6.8 million subscribers to eclipse an overall global base of 56 million according to Paramount Global’s Q3 earnings report.
The Paramount Network‘s Offerings for DirecTV Users
With Paramount+ capturing streaming eyeballs, what value does the linear Paramount Network still hold for traditional pay-TV outlets? For providers like DirecTV, it represents a conduit to push companion content and potentially convert cable viewers into streaming subscribers.
Now let’s get into specifics on accessing the channel through DirecTV, America‘s largest satellite broadcaster with over 11 million subscribers as of late 2022 according to consumer data firm Statista:
What channel is Paramount Network on DirecTV?
The Paramount Network lives on channel 241 for all DirecTV subscribers. That means you can tune to 241 at any time to catch Paramount‘s current primetime lineup or daytime reruns.
With Yellowstone spearheading fresh scripted programming on the network, channel 241 provides the only place for cable viewers to catch new episodes from this smash hit.
Differences Based on Your DirecTV Package
Fortunately, every DirecTV plan includes the Paramount Network in its channel bundle – even entry-level packages like ENTERTAINMENT offer access.
But stepping up to pricier tiers does unlock more specialized offerings. For instance, Paramount once operated a spin-off channel called Paramount Network West that aired series three hours later than the East coast feed to better cater to West coast audiences.
While now defunct, the fact that channel 1241 houses time-shifted networks indicates providers value Paramount‘s programming enough to offer multiple airings.
Here‘s a breakdown of the major DirecTV channel packages:
| Package | Price/Month | Total Channels | Paramount Network + West Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | $69.99 | 65+ | Yes |
| CHOICE | $89.99 | 105+ | Yes |
| ULTIMATE | $104.99 | 140+ | Yes |
| PREMIER | $149.99 | 150+ | Yes |
Accessing On Demand Content
Can‘t catch Paramount Network‘s primetime debuts? Through channel 1241, DirecTV opens up access to Paramount‘s entire on-demand library whenever it suits your schedule.
From Yellowstone episodes to Bar Rescue marathons, channel 1241 makes it easy to watch your favorite Paramount Network series on your own time. You can even program recordings for upcoming premieres so you never miss the start of a new season.
But What About Paramount+?
With new originals like 1923 (the next Yellowstone origin story) and Tulsa King (starring Sylvester Stallone) driving subscriptions, Paramount wants to convert channel surfer to streaming buyers.
But Paramount+ does not come included with any DirecTV packages – an individual subscription runs $4.99/month following a free one-week trial. Cable providers once viewed streaming newcomers as threats. Now companies like DirecTV leverage partnerships by cross-promoting streaming libraries to customers.
If you want access to Paramount films, live sports, and originals, you’ll still need to pay the monthly Paramount+ fee. But that content becomes easily accessible across devices like smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, and computers.
Paramount Network vs. Paramount+ – Weighing the Differences
How exactly does Paramount Network compare to Paramount+ when weighing your viewing options? Consider the following distinctions:
Paramount Network
- Included free with all DirecTV packages
- Airs new episodes of Yellowstone
- Leans heavily on reruns like 2 Broke Girls
- Functions as a traditional cable channel with scheduled program blocks
Paramount+
- Requires $4.99+/month subscription
- Houses Yellowstone prequel exclusive 1883
- Massive on-demand library with 30,000+ episodes, 2,500+ movies
- Creates originals like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Expanding beyond the struggling linear cable space, Paramount funneling resources into Paramount+ seems prudent given ongoing changes in viewer habits – 11 million U.S. households cancelled cable in 2022 alone according to research firm MoffettNathanson.
But for cable subscribers, both the cable channel and streaming service offer appeal. Paramount Network provides familiar, comfortable programming you can casually flip on, while Paramount+ unlocks coveted exclusive content.
Top Shows to Watch on Both Paramount Destinations
Between new original premieres and enduring classics, what deserves a spot on your Paramount watchlist? Consider adding these acclaimed titles:
Paramount Network
Yellowstone – Kevin Costner shines in this critically adored neo-Western centering on the conflicts surrounding an influential ranching empire. Its contemporary themes around wealth, family legacy, and land development help explain its runaway mainstream popularity.
Bar Rescue – Long before Gordon Ramsay stormed onto the scene, host Jon Taffer terrorized failing bars and eateries into profitable shape through high-intensity interventions. Beloved for its drama and outlandish moments.
Ink Master – This riveting reality competition follows tattoo artists squaring off in various "ink"-redible design challenges until only one remains as the $100,000 grand prize winner.
Paramount+
1883 – Chart the early frontier adventures of the Dutton clan in this Yellowstone origin prequel drama that chronicles their journey to settlement out West. Sam Elliott and Tim McGraw lend star power.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The latest Star Trek incarnation delivers a winning combination of sci-fi excitement, thoughtful social commentary, and fan service moments to satisfy diehards and newcomers alike.
Criminal Minds – All 15 seasons revolving around the FBI‘s Behavioral Analysis Unit tracking notorious serial killers can be streamed exclusively on Paramount+, making it a true binge-worthy treat for crime procedural fans.
FAQs About Accessing Paramount on DirecTV
Before wrapping up this guide, let‘s review some common questions surrounding getting Paramount access through your DirecTV subscription:
What channel is Paramount Network?
It‘s channel 241. By punching in 241, you‘ll pull up Paramount Network‘s live airings.
What about on-demand content?
DirecTV makes Paramount programming like Yellowstone or Ink Master available any time through its on Demand platform on channel 1241.
Do I need to pay extra for Paramount Network access?
Nope – Paramount gets bundled in with all base DirecTV packages, meaning no upgrade is needed.
What if I also want Paramount+?
Then you‘ll need to subscribe separately to their streaming platform since it‘s not included as part of any DirecTV channel bundle. But a basic ad-supported plan only runs $4.99 monthly for access to thousands of movies, shows, and Paramount+ originals in an on-demand environment.
Can I watch Paramount+ on my TV if I don‘t have a smart model?
Yes! If your TV isn‘t an internet-enabled smart model, you can still cast Paramount+ from your phone or tablet using streaming devices like Roku or Amazon Firestick. That allows you to mirror mobile content onto the big screen.
The Last Word on Paramount Viewing with DirecTV
While its channel may get lost in DirecTV‘s sea of viewing options, Paramount Network offers quick comfort food-style programming through a mix of beloved rerun syndication and hot originals like Yellowstone setting ratings records.
And thanks to its carriage in all DirecTV bundles, the Paramount Network comes free with any satellite package – whether you opt for the 65+ channel ENTERTAINMENT plan or the 150+ channel PREMIER tier.
But for fans craving exclusive access and on-demand convenience, Paramount+ garners attention through sought-after series like the Yellowstone origin story 1883 and Star Trek‘s return in Strange New Worlds. Though requiring separate payment, the streaming platform grants unlimited access on subscriber devices.
So between finding Paramount Network on channel 241 and adding Paramount+ to your stacking of streaming apps, you now hold the keys to unlocking Paramount‘s vast entertainment trove on-demand or through DirecTV. Happy viewing!
