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DIRECTV Price Hikes Lead This Week’s News; Stream ‘Disclaimer’ and WNBA This Weekend

DIRECTV Price Hikes Lead This Week’s News; Stream ‘Disclaimer’ and WNBA This Weekend

Covering everything from premieres to must-see TV, she brings a sharp eye and a love for storytelling to The Streamable. A cord-cutter since 2012, she streams with a Fire TV Stick and never misses a Yankees game.
The final games of the MLB Postseason ALDS and NLDS will air this weekend ahead of the League Championship Series.

From carriage fights to major mergers, DIRECTV can’t stay out of the headlines, and this week, the satellite and streaming company made good on its plan to increase streaming prices. We’re catching you up on the latest for DIRECTV STREAM subscription costs, as well as discounts and deals the streaming provider is offering to make up to catch new customers.

Plus, more October baseball magic, women’s basketball nail-biters, and a new psychological thriller from Oscar winner Alfonso Cuarón— here’s what you should be streaming this weekend!

This Week’s Biggest Streaming News:

As Promised, DIRECTV STREAM Raises Prices

DIRECTV continues its recent top spot in the headlines. Last month, the satellite and streaming company confirmed it would soon be raising the subscription price of its live TV streaming service DIRECTV STREAM for new customers. The changes officially went into effect this past Sunday, Oct. 6, with prices going up on all packages by at least $5 per month. Previously $80, the company’s lowest-priced Entertainment plan, will now cost $87 per month.

This is DIRECTV’s first price hike since November 2023, which also saw hike rates between $5 and $10. DIRECTV isn’t the only live streaming service provider raising prices at the moment: Disney will also increase subscription rates on nearly all of its streamers and bundles, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Hulu + Live TV, later this month, and Fubo also recently announced it will be raising some of its streaming package prices.

Good news for DIRECTV STREAM customers, though: the company is offering several discounts this month to sweeten the deal, especially as it continues to compete against other live streamers for eyes during the 2024 MLB Postseason and the 2024 WNBA Finals, among other major live events. Not only is the service offering free months on its Sports add-on channel pack and premium services like Max for select plans, subscribers can save up to $60 off a new DIRECTV STREAM subscription.

Catch up on our recent stories related to the DIRECTV STREAM price increase:

DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

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What to Stream This Weekend: WNBA Finals, MLB League Championship Series

The Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty face off in the WNBA Finals, which continues Sunday, Oct. 13.

Everyone watches women’s sports, or they should be! The WNBA Finals officially tipped off on Thursday night with the Minnesota Lynx battling the Brooklyn-based New York Liberty, and despite a dominant first three quarters by the Liberty, the road to victory is long and full of terrors (namely, Courtney Williams).

After the Lynx’s shocking and thrilling overtime 95–93 victory, the two teams head to Game 2 of the best-of-five series on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. The remaining three games (if all are needed) will air on ESPN through Sunday, Oct. 20.

To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action, we recommend Hulu + Live TV as our favorite way to watch the Finals. Plans start at $77 per month and carry both channels, plus Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. Check out the full WNBA Finals schedule to get your gametime plan ready!

The final games of the MLB Postseason ALDS and NLDS will air this weekend ahead of the League Championship Series.

October magic also continues this weekend as the MLB’s Division Series wraps up with the final two winner-take-all games.

Tonight at 8:08 p.m. ET, the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers battle it out as the best of the west as they fight for the final spot in next week’s National League Championship series. Whichever team wins tonight will head to Queens for Sunday’s first NL Championship Series game against the Amazin’ (and baffling) New York Mets. Both NL games, as well as the remaining NLCS matchups, will air on FOX and FS1.

Then, after a 5-4 victory by the Cleveland Guardians over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday night, the two teams will play their fifth and final game on early Saturday afternoon in Cleveland, 1:08 p.m. ET. The winner of that game is also New York-bound, taking on the ALDS Champion New York Yankees at home on Monday night, 7:37 p.m. ET. TBS is the home for all ALDS and ALCS games.

Just like the WNBA Finals, you can get all the channels you need for the rest of the ALDS, ALCS, and World Series through a Hulu + Live TV plan, making it easy to both budget and switch back and forth between the stressful series. Check out the full 2024 MLB Playoffs schedule, including match-ups, start times, and other streaming options!

Hulu Live TV

Hulu Live TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 70 channels for $89.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV base plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs). Subscribers get free access to Disney+ and ESPN Select at no extra charge.

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Where it really separates itself is value. Your subscription doesn’t just cover live TV — it also includes full access to Hulu’s on-demand library, plus bundled subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN Select content at no extra cost. That means you’re getting everything from next-day network TV episodes and Hulu Originals, to Marvel, Star Wars, and live sports content all in one place without juggling multiple bills.

For sports fans, Hulu + Live TV also includes regional sports networks (RSNs) in select areas, a feature many competing services have dropped. That can be a big deal if you’re trying to follow local MLB, NBA, or NHL teams.

The DVR experience is another strong point. Subscribers get unlimited cloud DVR storage and the ability to fast-forward through commercials on recorded content — a feature that used to cost extra but is now standard. It’s designed to feel closer to a traditional cable DVR, just without the box.

If you want to customize further, several add-ons are available. You can upgrade to premium channels like HBO, Showtime, or Starz, add an unlimited streams option for households with lots of viewers, or go ad-free on Hulu’s on-demand content (live TV will still include ads).

Overall, Hulu + Live TV is less about being the cheapest option and more about being the most comprehensive. It’s built for people who want live TV, on-demand shows, and bundled streaming services all under one roof — without having to piece everything together themselves.


New to Streaming: Apple TV+’s “Disclaimer,” Starring Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett leads the cast of the new Apple TV+ miniseries "Disclaimer" from Alfonso Cuarón.

It’s been a decade since Alfonso Cuarón made his first TV series, the heavily panned one-season NBC fantasy-drama “Believe,” but to his credit, he’s been a little busy since, winning a handful of Oscars for “Gravity” and “Roma.” The acclaimed filmmaker has more to say, though, with “Disclaimer,” his new Apple TV+ series, which arrives on the streamer today, Oct. 11.

Starring fellow Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, the psychological thriller miniseries follows Catherine Ravenscroft, a respected journalist and documentarian, long renowned for uncovering difficult truths. When an intriguing and mysterious novel appears at her bedside, she’s horrified to realize she’s a key character in the story, one that exposes her darkest, most hidden secret.

Watch the trailer for “Disclaimer” below:

If Cuarón and Blanchett weren’t enough to hook you on their own, the series also stars Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Lesley Manville, HoYeon Jung, Liv Hill, and Gemma Jones, among others.

The first two episodes of “Disclaimer” are available to watch now on Apple TV+, with a new episode available every Friday through Nov. 15.

Apple TV

Apple TV (formerly known as Apple TV+) is a subscription video streaming service for $14.99 per month, offering a growing slate of original series, films, documentaries, and specials. Unlike other platforms that combine licensed titles with originals, Apple TV is built entirely around exclusive programming, making it the home of critically acclaimed hits such as “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” and “Silo.” Its lineup continues to expand with award-winning dramas, comedies, family-friendly shows, and blockbuster original films like “CODA,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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In October 2025, Apple TV agreed to a deal with Formula 1 to exclusively broadcast all Formula 1 races starting with the 2026 season.

Apple TV also features coverage of all regular-season matches for Major League Soccer (MLS) at no additional cost.

On August 28th, 2026, the price of Apple TV was increased from $12.99 per month to $14.99 per month, the second increase in as many years.

The service is available worldwide through the Apple TV app, which is built into Apple devices and supported on most smart TVs, streaming players like Roku and Fire TV, game consoles, and web browsers. Subscribers can watch on demand, download episodes and movies for offline viewing, and stream in 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, where available. Apple TV also offers family sharing, allowing up to six people to use one subscription at no extra cost.

With a competitive monthly price and bundles available through Apple One — which combines Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and more — the service continues to grow as a key part of Apple’s ecosystem. Apple TV delivers one of the strongest collections of exclusive content in the streaming space for viewers seeking prestige originals, cinematic storytelling, and seamless access across devices.


Ashley Steves is a passionate writer for The Streamable, covering everything from streaming premieres to the latest movie releases and must-see TV shows. With a background in media and communications, Steves has honed her skills in content creation and editing, bringing a unique perspective to her coverage of the entertainment and streaming industries. A cord-cutter since 2012, Steves is an avid fan of the New York Yankees, FC Bayern Munich, and (for good measure) the Buffalo Sabres. She streams with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and her favorite titles include “Blazing Saddles,” “Six Feet Under,” and “Taskmaster.”

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