As streaming services continue to innovate to meet the needs of cord-cutters, there are so many different platforms and packages to choose from that it’s honestly overwhelming trying to figure out which one actually has the channels you care about, or how to avoid paying way more than you are comfortable with to watch a few specific ones. DIRECTV has tried to take some of that decision paralysis out of the equation with its Genre Packs, including the MyEntertainment package, which gives you a smaller, cheaper bundle focused on channels you’re actually likely to watch, without the filler that usually pads out big traditional packages.

As a first-time DIRECTV user, I’ve already had a chance to test-drive the Gemini Air and its very cable-like approach to streaming — channel guides, live TV, and menus that feel familiar and are much more similar to traditional cable boxes. Now I’m checking out the MyEntertainment Genre Pack specifically to see whether there is really value in smaller packages, and how it feels to use day-to-day when as your main streaming setup.

Everything you need to know about DIRECTV’s MyEntertainment Genre Pack:

What MyEntertainment includes

MyEntertainment is aimed squarely at people who want, well… entertainment. Not sports, not endless local channels, not the entire universe of cable — just the stuff you’d flip through on a lazy Sunday or binge at night without thinking too hard about it. The lineup includes popular channels like Bravo, CMT, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, Fox News, FX, Great American Family, HGTV, MTV, and TLC. Depending on your market, you’re looking at over 50 channels total.

And on top of the linear channels, DIRECTV also bundles in Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max (with ads) at no extra cost. That alone is kind of wild, because those three services on their own can easily cost more than the entire $30 monthly price of this package.

So when you break it down, even if you’re only watching a fraction of the live channels, the value proposition is still strong. For around $30, you get a curated channel lineup, plus access to three major streaming services. Compared to the $70–$100+ range for full cable-style packages, MyEntertainment feels like someone finally realized that not everyone wants to pay a ton just to watch cooking shows or reality TV.

MyEntertainment included channels

What it’s like to use day-to-day

On the Gemini Air, MyEntertainment feels incredibly plug-and-play, as it does through my Roku as well. The guide loads quickly, the channels are grouped in a way that makes sense, and flipping between them scratches that nostalgic cable itch of channel surfing.

Because the package is intentionally limited, it’s actually easier to navigate. There’s none of the clutter you get in giant channel bundles, where half the guide is stuff you’ve never heard of or will ever watch. Instead, you hop through familiar names: HGTV for background comfort, CNN for quick news checks, TLC for chaos, Food Network for vibe TV while cooking, FX for prestige dramas. Not a sports fan? Not to worry — there are no local channels or sports networks to bog you down either.

And since the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max apps are included, it’s seamless to jump from live channels into on-demand shows and movies. You never get the frustration of needing another subscription since everything you need is already baked in.

Who is MyEntertainment for?

MyEntertainment is perfect for casual TV watchers who don’t care about sports, don’t need the full spectrum of local networks, and aren’t trying to recreate a 200-channel cable subscription. It’s a comfort, background noise, bundle for TV lovers.

If your household goes heavy on reality TV, food shows, travel, and home improvement content, MyEntertainment hits the sweet spot. There’s always something on, and you never feel like you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel, but you also aren’t paying for extra channels you’ll never watch.

I recall thinking years ago that streaming services would eventually adopt à la carte channel selection, allowing subscribers to build their own lineup. It never really happened that way, but DIRECTV’s Genre Packs feel like a step in that direction. Not fully customizable, but definitely more intentional — and way closer to “pay for what you actually watch” than most services dare to offer.

Entertain me!

MyEntertainment isn’t trying to be a massive, all-in-one bundle. It’s deliberately smaller, cheaper, and focused. And that’s exactly why it works. It trims out the overwhelming clutter of giant channel lineups while keeping the most watchable, most comforting, most commonly used entertainment channels right at your fingertips — plus three major streaming services for good measure.

If you’re the kind of viewer who loves flipping through comfort cable channels without the guilt of a massive monthly bill, DIRECTV’s MyEntertainment pack is shockingly easy to recommend. It feels like the kind of package we’ve been asking streamers to offer for years — something sized for real viewing habits rather than bloated contracts and legacy bundles.

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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.

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