If you’re a YouTube TV subscriber, you might soon lose access to some of your favorite channels, due to an ongoing contract dispute with Paramount.
Paramount Global is warning that CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, and more than 20 other networks could be dropped from the service due to an ongoing contract dispute.
Why Is This Happening?
YouTube TV and Paramount are struggling to reach an agreement. Paramount claims YouTube TV is making unfair demands, while YouTube TV argues it’s trying to keep costs down for subscribers. If no deal is reached, these channels could disappear by February 13.
What Channels Could Be Removed?
If YouTube TV and Paramount fail to reach an agreement, more than 20 popular channels could vanish from the platform. This means no live broadcasts, no DVR access, and a major shake-up for subscribers who rely on these networks for news, sports, and entertainment.
Here’s the full list of channels at risk:
- CBS – Home to live sports, primetime dramas, and hit reality shows.
- Comedy Central – The go-to for stand-up specials, late-night comedy, and shows like South Park and The Daily Show.
- MTV – Reality TV favorites like Jersey Shore Family Vacation and The Challenge, plus music specials.
- Nickelodeon – Classic and modern cartoons, including SpongeBob SquarePants and PAW Patrol.
- BET – A hub for Black culture, music, and original scripted series.
- Paramount Network – The home of Yellowstone and other high-profile dramas.
- VH1 – Reality shows, throwback music videos, and celebrity-driven content.
- TV Land – Classic sitcoms and nostalgia-heavy programming.
- Smithsonian Channel – Award-winning documentaries and nature explorations.
- CMT (Country Music Television) – Country music videos, concerts, and reality series.
- CBS Sports Network – College sports, exclusive football and basketball games, and in-depth sports analysis.
- Nick Jr. – Preschool-friendly programming like Blue’s Clues & You! and Peppa Pig.
- Nicktoons – A mix of classic Nickelodeon cartoons and newer animated hits.
- TeenNick – Aimed at teens and young adults, featuring shows like Drake & Josh and Zoey 101.
- Showtime (as an add-on service) – Critically acclaimed original series and blockbuster movies.
- BET Her – Focused on women-centric programming and culture.
- MTV2 – A mix of music, comedy, and alternative programming.
- MTV Classic – Throwback music videos from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s.
- MTV Live – Concerts, festival coverage, and live music events.
- MTVU – Targeted at college audiences with alternative music and pop culture content.
If these channels go dark, YouTube TV subscribers will lose access to live programming and DVR recordings tied to them. While YouTube TV has promised an $8 credit if the blackout occurs, many users are questioning whether that’s enough to compensate for the loss of major entertainment, sports, and news networks.
What Happens If There’s No Deal?
If an agreement isn’t reached, YouTube TV will remove the channels, and subscribers will lose access to live programming and DVR recordings. YouTube TV is offering an $8 credit if the blackout happens, while Paramount is pushing users to subscribe to Paramount+, starting at $7.99 per month.
Will They Work It Out?
YouTube TV has had similar disputes before, including with Disney in 2021, which led to a brief blackout before a last-minute deal was struck. While history suggests a resolution is possible, nothing is guaranteed.
What Can You Do?
To avoid losing access to your favorite shows, you can:
- Use an antenna to watch CBS for free.
- Sign up for Paramount+ for continued access.
- Consider alternative streaming services that carry these channels.
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