Tired of price hikes and channel cuts in the TV world? However, media companies have noticed your complaints and are introducing “skinny” TV packages as affordable alternatives. Everyone from DirecTV to Fubo to A sling you get into the game, but you either didn’t notice or didn’t care to explore further.
We at CNET like to remind you about free streaming services and you Quick optionsbut for some of you, smaller packages may be the best answer. This is especially true for sports fans who feel the need to download a Westeros-like map just to find out where to watch a game. The pain is real, but budget crunches don’t have to be. For those who want to continue to avoid cable or satellite services at all costs, or for cable holders who want to try something else, this shows what skinny is all about.
What is a short TV package or bundle?
The term “skinny” has come to be used to describe a number of slimmed-down channels on live TV streaming services. The package usually gives you less than 100 channels, compared to the amount seen in full packages that usually include local stations like ABC or NBC and a large collection of cable favorites.
“Full” streaming service subscriptions are offered from YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Fubo and Sling TVwith platforms like Phil or Frnly hanging on the edge of being considered skinny (you get what you get). But some of these companies have also released reduced versions of their packages that cater to brands or temporary viewings, and you can cancel whenever you want.
There is a purpose behind soft streaming packages, where providers like DirecTV and YouTube create unique options that offer a few channels at a low price, separate from their main streaming plans. For example, DirecTV has introduced Genre Packs As of early 2025, premium packages range from $20 to $70 per month with optional extras if you don’t mind paying for a few more channels.
To make it even more attractive to you, most DTV packages come bundled with a subscription to an on-demand streaming service like HBO Max, ESPN Unlimited or Disney Plus — at no extra cost. We’ll skip over its satellite TV plans, but their basic streaming packages start at $85 a month and go up from there.
Today, there is a limited number of small packages or bundles on the menu, but we will try to make it easier to compare what TV providers offer what.
DirecTV brand packages
Starting at $20 per month, DirecTV’s Genre Packs are designed for viewers who don’t know what kind of content they want to see. Unlimited DVR — which lets you pause, rewind, fast forward and record — comes with every pack, and in some cases, you can even offer these tests for a free trial.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just one package — you can mix and match, signing up for multiple packages at a time. There are five main programs to choose from, and Small Packs can be added as side dishes to choose from. And like I said, there are free streaming bonuses like Disney Plus or HBO Max included in some of these packages.
DirecTV style packs
| Package Name | Monthly price | Channel count | Channel examples | Profit distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Fun | $35 | 60+ | AMC, Bravo, BBC, Lifetime, FX, VH1, Adult Swimming | HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hulu w. 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 | Vix Premium |
| MyNews | $40 | 10+ | ABC, CBS, Fox, CNBC, CNN, MS Now, NBC, Bloomberg | — |
The MySports Extra mini plan gives you eight extra channels, like NFL RedZone and MotorTrend, for an extra $13 a month. It can only be added to the MySports package, however, while the $10-a-month MyCinema mini is available as an add-on to the basic DTV programs MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews and MyKids. For baseball fans, MyHome Team mini costs $20 a month, and you get local sports networks (in states where they’re available) if you want to add MySports.
YouTube TV has new, budget-friendly packages
YouTube TV it is the least expensive premium live TV streaming platform for $83 a month, but in February, it upped the ante by introducing a reduced slate, low cost packages. The cheapest has a monthly price of $55, but you can only choose one plan. Like the basic YouTube TV plan, these smaller packages allow you to have up to six accounts in one subscription, and unlimited DVR is standard. If you want bundled streaming services like HBO Max or Hulu without paying extra, sorry — these plans don’t offer that.
It’s a little tricky to find the subscription section of this subscription, but sign in to YouTube TV with your Google account and navigate to the membership page under the app’s settings. You should be able to browse each program.
Soft YouTube TV programs
| Package Name | Monthly price | Channel count | 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 Jr. |
Fubo Sports
In August, Fubo was released Fubo Sports and threw in access to ESPN Unlimited for good measure. The company is still embroiled in a cart dispute with NBCUniversal, so those channels aren’t part of any of Fubo’s plans, but if you’re a sports fan who’s fine with ABC, Fox, Big 10, ESPN and a few others, then this $56-a-month package might work.
Fubo Sports
| Package Name | Monthly price | Channel count | Channel examples | Profit distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fubo Sports | $56 (after first month) | 26 | CBS, ABC, Fox, FS1, FS2, ESPN, Tennis Channel | ESPN Unlimited |
Other thoughtful streaming programs exist
While many smaller packages are designed for live TV (or cable) platforms, a number of popular broadcasters offer clipped programming, too. Also wallet-friendly, Sling TV wireless offers Sling Orange day passes for $5. You can broadcast for a short period of 24 hours, three days or seven days. There is also Sling Selectminimum offering for more than 10 channels for $20 per month. It is limited to networks such as FS1, FX and LMN, but some customers have access to local channels.
Vice versa, Peacock Select launched in 2025 for $8 a month, featuring new and old episodes from NBC and Bravo, as well as a selection of library titles. You’ll need to upgrade to the Peacock Premium tier to view the original and its full catalog, however.
Not to be left out of the naming game, ESPN Select replaced ESPN Plus as an option when ESPN’s newly launched streaming platform arrived on the scene. It costs $13 for a standalone subscription, but you don’t get NFL or NBA access. Instead, this package gives you NHL, professional football games, college basketball, other college football games, 30 of 30 content and ESPN originals. Want more? ESPN Unlimited includes everything from ESPN Select.
What is the benefit of a small TV program?
On the other hand, you save money by making a small package the main character in your TV life. Cut the cord, tune out channels you don’t watch and reduce your streaming bill. Many of these services include local stations such as ABC or NBC, so you can find prime time shows, news and live sporting events in addition to a selection of cable networks.
Local channels are not always guaranteed, which may exclude you from one of these offers if they are not listed. But if it’s all about your favorite sports, a certain type of TV you like or you’re cutting your budget, keep the smaller packages on your radar.
