Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Are you tired of high prices and interruption of channels in the world of television? Well, media companies have noticed your complaints and are offering “skinny” TV shows as less expensive alternatives. Everyone from DirecTV to Fubo to… sling It’s getting into the game, but you probably haven’t noticed or cared to explore further.
We at CNET would love to remind you of that Free streaming services And your Quick optionsbut for some of you, slim packs may be the best answer. This is especially true for sports fans who feel the need to draw a Westeros-like map just to know where to watch the game. The pain is real, but budget pain doesn’t have to be. For those who want to continue to stay away from cable or satellite services at all costs, or for those looking to try something else, this shows what slim means.
What is a slim TV bundle or package?
The term “skinny” has caught on to describe shortened channel packages on live TV services. A package typically gives you fewer than 100 channels, versus the amount you see in full packages that often include local stations like ABC or NBC and a wide selection of favorite cable channels.
“Full” streaming service subscriptions are offered from YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Fubo, and Sling TVwith platforms such as Filo or honestly Hanging out on the borderline of being considered thin (you get what you get). But some of these companies have also rolled out scaled-down versions of their packages that suit genres or short-term viewing, and you can cancel whenever you want.
There’s intent behind skinny streaming bundles, as providers like DirecTV and YouTube put out premium options that offer fewer channels at a lower price, separate from their main streaming plan lineups. For example, DirecTV launched genre packages In early 2025, a range of category-specific packages range from $20 to $70 per month with optional extras if you don’t mind paying for a few extra channels.
To make it more attractive to you, most DTV type packages come bundled with a subscription to an on-demand streaming service like HBO Max, ESPN Unlimited, or Disney Plus – at no additional cost. We’ll skip the satellite TV plans, but their basic streaming packages start at $85 per month and go up from there.
Today there are a limited number of bundles or skinny bundles on the list, but we will try to make it easy to compare which TV providers offer what they offer.
DirecTV genre packages
Starting at $20 per month, DirecTV’s genre packages are designed for viewers who know what type of content they want to watch. Unlimited DVR — allowing you to pause, rewind, fast forward, and record — comes with every package, and in some cases, you can try this package out with a free trial.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just one package – you can mix and match, and subscribe to multiple packages at once. There are five basic plans to choose from, and mini packs can be added as optional side dishes to select plans. As I mentioned, there are free streaming bonuses like Disney Plus or HBO Max included in a few of these packages.
DirecTV type packages
| Package name | Monthly price | Number of channels | Channel examples | Broadcast feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entertaining | $35 | 60+ | AMC, Bravo, BBC, Lifetime, FX, VH1, Adult Swim | HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu TV. advertisements |
| My Sports | $70 | 20+ | ABC, CBS, ESPN, FS1, TBS, USA, Fox, TNT, NFL Network | ESPN Unlimited |
| MyKids | $20 | 10+ | Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. | Disney Plus Basic |
| MiEspanol | $35 | 60+ | Telemundo, Univision, Estrella TV, UniMas, ESPN Deportes, TUDN | Fix Premium |
| news | $40 | 10+ | ABC, CBS, Fox, CNBC, CNN, MS Now, NBC, Bloomberg | — |
The MySports Extra mini plan gives you eight additional channels, like NFL RedZone and MotorTrend, for an extra $13 per month. However, they can only be added to the MySports package, while the $10 per month MyCinema mini is available as an add-on to DTV’s basic MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews and MyKids plans. For baseball fans, MyHome Team mini costs $20 per month, and you can get local sports networks (in areas where they’re available) if you want to supplement MySports.
YouTube TV has new budget-friendly packages
YouTube TV It is the least expensive beloved The live TV streaming platform is priced at $83 per month, but in February, it beefed up itself by launching a mini-slate, Lowest price packages. The cheapest one has a monthly price of $55, but you can only choose one plan. Like YouTube TV’s basic plan, these slimmer packages let you have up to six accounts in one subscription, and unlimited DVR is standard. If you’re looking for bundled streaming services like HBO Max or Hulu without paying extra, sorry, these plans don’t offer that.
It’s a bit difficult to find the subscription section for these subscriptions, but sign in to YouTube TV via your Google account and go to the membership page under the app settings. You should be able to browse each plan.
Skinny plans on YouTube TV
| Package name | Monthly price | Number of channels | Channel examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| entertainment | $55 | 65 | Bravo, FX, Hallmark Channel, BET, ABC, NBC, Fox |
| Sports | $65 | 57 | ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, TNT, TBS, |
| Sports + News | $72 | 77 | TBS, ABC, ESPN, CNN, TNT, FS1 |
| Sports + entertainment | $72 | 102 | ABC, NBC, Bravo, USA, TNT, FX, ESPN, ACC Network, HGTV, NFL Network |
| News + Entertainment | $63 | 84 | CNN, CNBC, Fox, ABC, NBC, FX, Food Network, TLC |
| Sports + family | $72 | 70 | Nickelodeon, USA, TBS, ESPN, Cartoon Network, ABC, NBC |
| News + Family | $63 | 52 | NBC, C-Span, MS Now, CNBC, Cartoon Network, Disney Junior. |
Fubo Sports
In August, Fubo was introduced Fubo Sports And throw in access to ESPN Unlimited for good measure. The company is still embroiled in a carriage dispute with NBCUniversal, so these channels aren’t part of any of Fubo’s plans, but if you’re a sports fan who’s good with ABC, Fox, Big 10, ESPN, and a few others, this $56-per-month package might work.
Fubo Sports
| Package name | Monthly price | Number of channels | Channel examples | Broadcast feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fubo Sports | $56 (after first month) | 26 | CBS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, ESPN, Tennis Channel | ESPN Unlimited |
Other abbreviated streaming plans exist
While most narrow packages are for live TV (or cable) platforms, a few on-demand streamers offer cut plans as well. And the wallet-friendly, wire-free Sling TV offers daily Sling Orange tickets for $5. You can broadcast in the short term for 24 hours, three days, or seven days. There too Fixing ropesa small offering with just over 10 channels for $20 per month. It’s limited to networks like FS1, FX and LMN, but some customers can access local stations as well.
In the same way, Choose a peacock Launched in 2025 at $8 per month, it features new and old episodes from NBC and Bravo, plus a selection of library titles. You’ll need to upgrade to the Peacock Premium tier to see the originals and their full catalog.
Not to be left out of the naming game, ESPN Select replaced ESPN Plus as an option once the newly launched ESPN streaming platform debuted. A standalone subscription costs $13, but you don’t get access to the NFL or NBA. Instead, this package gives you the NHL, pro football games, college basketball, some college football games, 30 for 30 content and ESPN originals. Want more? ESPN Unlimited includes everything on ESPN Select.
What is the benefit of the slim TV plan?
On the upside, you can save money by making the thin package the main character in your TV life. Cut the cord, cut out the channels you don’t watch, and lower your streaming bill. Many of these services include local channels like ABC or NBC, so you can get prime-time shows, news, and live sporting events in addition to select cable networks.
Local channels aren’t always guaranteed, which may turn you away from one of these shows if it’s not on the list. But if it’s all about your sports fan base, a specific TV genre you prefer or tight budget, keep the skinny shows on your radar.