Key Points
- Bravo is a popular channel in America with over 400,000 weekly viewers.
- Bravo was originally a commercial-free premium channel dedicated to film and the performing arts.
- Bravo is well-known for its reality TV shows, including Project Runway and The Real Housewives franchise.
- Bravo has sister stations such as CNBC, E!, Oxygen, USA Network, Syfy, MSNBC, and Universal Kids, offering a wide range of genres and programming.
With over 400,000 viewers tuning in each week, Bravo has easily become a staple amongst households in America. If you’re trying to find Bravo on DirecTV, we have the channel guide, as well as information about what type of programming you can expect.
Best for Families  | Best Overall  | Best Budget Option  |
From $4.99.mo. | From $64.99/mo. | $25/month |
Description: Pick your choice of ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney Plus. Plans start as low as $4.99/month for ESPN+ only. | Description: Free trial available. Watch 75+ channels, including local channels and special premium channel offers. | Description: Take a 7-day free trial and stream more than 70 channels live. Record your favorites with unlimited DVR. |
Pick your choice of ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney Plus. Plans start as low as $4.99/month for ESPN+ only.
Free trial available. Watch 75+ channels, including local channels and special premium channel offers.
Take a 7-day free trial and stream more than 70 channels live. Record your favorites with unlimited DVR.
Bravo Channel Guide
| Network Name | DirecTV Channel |
|---|---|
| Bravo | 237 |
The History of Bravo
When Bravo first launched in 1980, it was a commercial-free premium channel, and was claimed as “the first television service dedicated to film and the performing arts.” By the mid-1980s, Bravo became a basic cable channel, although it remained commercial-free until 1998.
Originally owned by Cablevision’s Rainbow Media division and Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer purchased a 20% stake in 1999. In 2002, NBC purchased the whole network for $1.25 billion. As of 2023, NBCUniversal is still the parent company and owner of Bravo and its sister channels.
Since the early 2010s, Bravo has been well-known for its reality TV shows, including Project Runway, The Real Housewives franchise, and Million Dollar Listing, just to name a few.
Bravo Programming
©NBCUniversal – License
Bravo broadcasts many different original shows, including reality TV, talk shows, and more. Here are just a few options you’ll have day to day.
Originals
The Bravo network is filled with original unscripted shows, including Project Runway, Top Chef, Married to Medicine, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta (and its sister shows). While many of these shows are reality TV, some, like Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, are late-night talk shows.
Movies
While most movies on Bravo are only shown on Friday and Saturday nights, they can be a nice reprieve from the day-to-day lifestyle programming. Some popular showings include Speed, Salt, and The Heat.
Bravo Sister Stations
Bravo has many sister stations, including CNBC, E!, Oxygen, USA Network, Syfy, MSNBC, and Universal Kids. These channels provide viewing across many different genres, including news, reality TV, drama, science-fiction, and children’s programming.
Bravo Sister Stations Guide
| Network Name | Channel |
|---|---|
| CNBC | 355 |
| MSNBC | 356 |
| E! | 236 |
| Oxygen | 251 |
| USA Network | 338 |
| Syfy | 239 |
| Universal Kids | 408 |
CNBC
Prefer to watch the news on a more regular basis? Bravo’s sister channel CNBC is the perfect choice. Shows like Squawk on the Street and Worldwide Exchange will discuss everything money and the stock market, and Power Lunch dives into politics and the latest media topics. CNBC also offers other shows, like Shark Tank and American Greed.
MSNBC
MSNBC is another news channel similar to CNBC. You’ll find many shows discussing political commentary like MSNBC Reports, Morning Joe, and The Beat with Ari Melber. On nights and weekends, you can watch airings of The Rachel Maddow Show, Alex Witt Reports, and PoliticsNation.
E!
E! is similar to Bravo, offering numerous options for reality TV. However, it also offers media coverage and shows discussing fashion, beauty, and more. Just a few programs include Botched, Necessary Realness, and Daily Pop. E! also interviews famous people during awards shows, discussing their wardrobes and their newest projects.
Oxygen
©NBCUniversal – License
Oxygen started as a channel showcasing reality TV and scripted drama shows, but in recent years it has moved towards the true crime genre. Shows that are currently airing include Snapped, Cold Justice, Buried in the Backyard, and 911 Crisis Center.
USA Network
If you prefer drama TV with a sprinkle of sports broadcasting, USA Network is a great channel. It offers quite a few popular shows, including 9-1-1, NCIS, and The Big D. Movies are shown at night, and include Chucky and John Wick. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also be able to watch sports, including WWE Monday Night Raw, MLB games, and NFL games.
Syfy
The Syfy channel has a great blend of movies and shows available, with most falling into the science-fiction, fantasy, horror, or drama genres. The Mummy, Ghostbusters, The Twilight Zone, and Paranormal Witness are just a few options. Some popular shows now airing include The Ark, Chucky, and Resident Alien.
Universal Kids
Universal Kids has a ton of show options that are aimed toward kids ages 6-12, but there are a few shows that fit a younger demographic too. A few of the toddler shows include Cocomelon and The Chica Show. Other shows available are American Ninja Warrior Junior, Polly Pocket, and The Big Fun Crafty Show.
Bravo on DirecTV Wrap-Up
The Bravo network and its sister channels offer just about everything you’d want to watch, from sports to true crime and everything in between. Whether you prefer shows, movies, or live TV, having Bravo on DirecTV is a fun time for almost every viewer!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©monitcello/Shutterstock.com.
