Predicting 2026 headlines: DIRECTV adds more streamers
Predicting 2026 headlines: DIRECTV adds more streamers
DIRECTV has taken a leader position in adding on-demand streaming access with its live channel packages. In 2026, more services will join.
Charter Communications broke the established order of things in 2023 by refusing to strike a carriage deal with Disney unless that company included free access to Disney+ for Spectrum TV subscribers. The demand led to a protracted blackout of Disney-owned channels on Spectrum TV, but in the end, Charter prevailed, and Disney consented to allow its services to be distributed at no cost to Spectrum viewers.
In 2026, several live TV streaming services have begun to follow Charter’s lead. Fubo, and most recently YouTube TV have added ESPN Unlimited to sports-only channel packages, but DIRECTV is the furthest ahead of all. This company offers Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and soon AMC+ with select plans, and I think it will continue to add streaming services to the lineup of platforms it adds in with its live channel plans in 2026.
DIRECTV first locked up Disney streaming services in its 2024 carriage agreement with the House of Mouse. Disney+ and Hulu are available with the DIRECTV MyEntertainment Genre Pack, and are also included free with all of the company’s Signature channel packages if viewers elect to receive their plan through a Gemini device from DIRECTV instead of through their own device.
HBO Max joined DIRECTV's MyEntertainment last year as well, and company officials confirmed to The Streamable that Peacock was on the way as well. That hasn’t happened yet, but a 2026 rollout for the streamer seems very likely. If it happens, DIRECTV customers will be able to watch Universal movies, Peacock originals, and much more on demand, as well as a wide selection of live sports.
Although DIRECTV officials haven’t indicated any such deal with Paramount+ is in the offing, I think there’s a very good chance that it, too, is added to DIRECTV channel packages in 2026. Paramount officials have said more than once that the company is looking for new bundle opportunities and other distribution avenues in recent months, and being packaged in alongside the MyEntertainment or MySports Genre Packs would make plenty of sense.
Apple TV would also be a fantastic candidate to join the MyEntertainment plan. Its cinematic entertainment would be a unique offering on DIRECTV, and with a new season of “Ted Lasso” coming to the streamer this year, it’s about to see a major uptick in traffic. Bundling it with DIRECTV channel plans would help both platforms grow, and DIRECTV would be the first live TV streamer to provide access to Apple TV for free.
Those are the most likely additions to DIRECTV plans in 2026, in my mind, but there could be other candidates. Regardless of which specific services join, however, I think it’s abundantly clear that DIRECTV wants to pack as many on-demand streamers into its Genre Packs as possible, to provide maximum value for customers. The company will succeed in those efforts in 2026, likely adding Paramount+, Peacock, or Apple TV, or maybe even all three.
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.