Skinny Bundles: Cutting the Cord Without Losing Your Shows

Fed up with rising cable and streaming prices? You’re not alone. Media companies are responding with “skinny” TV packages – more affordable alternatives designed to grant you the channels you want without the hefty bill. From DirecTV to Fubo to Sling, the options are growing, but navigating them can be tricky. This guide breaks down what skinny bundles are all about, helping you decide if they’re the right fit for your TV-watching needs.

What’s a Skinny TV Package?

The term “skinny” refers to streamlined channel bundles offered by live TV streaming services. These packages typically include fewer than 100 channels, compared to the extensive lineups often found in traditional cable or satellite packages. They often exclude local stations like ABC or NBC, though some do include them.

While “full” streaming service subscriptions are available from providers like YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling TV, companies like Philo and Frndly are primarily focused on these smaller, more targeted offerings. Some companies, like DirecTV and YouTube TV, have even created distinct, lower-priced packages separate from their main lineups.

DirecTV Genre Packs

DirecTV launched its Genre Packs in early 2025, offering category-specific packages ranging from $20 to $70 per month, with optional add-ons. Many of these packs include a subscription to an on-demand streaming service like HBO Max, ESPN Unlimited, or Disney Plus at no extra cost. DirecTV’s primary streaming packages start at $85 per month.

DirecTV Genre Pack Details (March 2026)

• MyEntertainment: $35/month, 60+ channels (AMC, Bravo, BBC, Lifetime, FX, VH1, Adult Swim), includes HBO Max, Disney Plus, and Hulu (with ads).
• MySports: $70/month, 20+ channels (ABC, CBS, ESPN, FS1, TBS, USA, Fox, TNT, NFL Network), includes ESPN Unlimited.
• MyKids: $20/month, 10+ channels (Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr.), includes Disney Plus Basic.
• MiEspanol: $35/month, 60+ channels (Telemundo, Univision, Estrella TV, UniMas, ESPN Deportes, TUDN), includes Vix Premium.
• MyNews: $40/month, 10+ channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, Bloomberg).

Additional mini plans are available: MySports Extra ($13/month, adds channels like NFL RedZone and MotorTrend – available only with MySports), and MyCinema ($10/month, available with MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MyKids). MyHome Team ($20/month) offers local sports networks where available, supplementing MySports.

YouTube TV Budget-Friendly Packages

YouTube TV, already one of the least expensive premium live TV streaming platforms at $82.99 per month, introduced scaled-down packages in February 2026. These plans start at $55 per month, but you can only choose one. Like the base YouTube TV plan, these slimmer packages allow up to six accounts per subscription and include unlimited DVR storage. Bundled streaming services like HBO Max or Hulu are not included in these plans. CNET notes YouTube TV has more top channels than competitors at its price point.

These plans can be accessed by logging into YouTube TV via your Google account and navigating to the membership page under the app’s settings.

YouTube TV Skinny Plans (March 2026)

• Entertainment: $55/month, 65 channels (Bravo, FX, Hallmark Channel, BET, ABC, NBC, Fox)
• Sports: $65/month, 57 channels (ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, TNT, TBS, Sports)
• Sports + News: $72/month, 77 channels (TBS, ABC, ESPN, CNN, TNT, FS1)
• Sports + Entertainment: $72/month, 102 channels (ABC, NBC, Bravo, USA, TNT, FX, ESPN, ACC Network, HGTV, NFL Network)
• News + Entertainment: $63/month, 84 channels (CNN, CNBC, Fox, ABC, NBC, FX, Food Network, TLC)
• Sports + Family: $72/month, 70 channels (Nickelodeon, USA, TBS, ESPN, Cartoon Network, ABC, NBC)
• News + Family: $63/month, 52 channels (NBC, C-SPAN, MSNBC, CNBC, Cartoon Network, Disney Jr.)

Fubo Sports

In August 2025, Fubo launched Fubo Sports, including access to ESPN Unlimited. However, Fubo is currently in a carriage dispute with NBCUniversal, meaning NBC channels are not included in any of its plans. The Fubo Sports package costs $56 per month after the first month. Cord Cutters News reports this dispute impacts access to channels like NBC, potentially affecting viewing of events like the Olympics and Super Bowl.

Other Snipped-Down Streaming Plans

Sling TV offers day passes for Sling Orange ($5/day) and a smaller channel offering, Sling Select, for $20/month. Peacock Select launched in 2025 at $8/month, featuring content from NBC and Bravo. ESPN Select replaced ESPN Plus as a standalone option for $13/month, offering NHL, soccer, and college sports content.

Benefits of a Skinny TV Plan

Skinny bundles offer a cost-effective way to cut the cord and reduce your streaming bill. Many include local channels, providing access to primetime shows, news, and live sports. If you’re focused on specific sports, genres, or simply want to downsize your budget, skinny packages are worth considering.