YouTube TV to offer live TV from four major networks this spring for $35 per month

Google on Tuesday announced YouTube TV, a live TV service launching this spring that will compete with other internet-only providers like Sling TV and PlayStation Vue.

The base package will cost $35 per month and offer channels from ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, among them affiliated ones like Bravo, Syfy, and ESPN, Recode reported. In all the package is expected to include about three dozen options.

People won't, however, have access to channels from companies that only operate on pay TV, some examples being AMC and Time Warner. Those companies could be included at later date, according to Recode, but Time Warner executives told the site that it won't be offering the likes of HBO until YouTube signs a deal for its Turner networks.

While initial content may be limited, Google says it will be offering cloud DVR functions with unlimited space, something so far reserved for PlayStation Vue. It will also include a recommendation system based on Google AI, and the company is promising "reliability and scalability," likely a jab at services like AT&T's DirecTV Now, which launched with serious glitches.

YouTube TV will be separate from YouTube Red and get its own app. Indeed Google is aiming for a "mobile first" strategy, though people will also be able to watch on computers and TVs, for instance using Google's Cast technology.

A live TV service From YouTube has been rumored for some time. It will likely go head-to-head this season with a Hulu alternative, which has been promised but not officially announced.

48 Comments

markiezyy 16 comments · 8 Years

About 7 years ago

Can't believe Apple is lagging on this.

igorsky 773 comments · 9 Years

markiezyy said:

Can't believe Apple is lagging on this.

Have you tried any of these services? I've used the trial period for pretty much every cord-cutting service out there, and I can tell you that they're all subpar. Apple is, as usual, smart not to get involved yet.

sog35 said:

Will this work on AppleTV?

I like Playstation Vue but the DVR is pretty awful. If I can get a reliable DVR plus ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, TNT for $35 I would switch

Again why is Apple so friken slow?

We should have Apple Live TV by now.

All this stuff sounds great on paper but is always disappointing in practice. I've used them all. Have you tried DirectTV Now? Garbage. Apple is smart not to get involved while these types of services are in their nascency.

ireland 17435 comments · 18 Years

Lol, few more networks and you guys will have cable all over again. Netflix is the future. People don't want channels, they want shows and films without the bullshit. Apple can give us Shark Tank 2.0. Meanwhile I'll stick with Netflix and €10 a month. Most US TV is utter junk anyway.

sandor 670 comments · 17 Years

so why am i supposed to pay $35 a month for OTA channels i get for free?

Plex has a DVR, Channels has a DVR...both are far cheaper than $35 a month, and get me all the 40 odd OTA channels & sub-channels within my broadcast area...