Key Points
- TBS, originally known as Watch This Channel Grow (WTCG), was founded by media mogul Ted Turner in 1969 and quickly became a major network.
- TBS was the first channel to offer basic cable television without requiring users to pay extra.
- TBS has multiple sister channels on DirecTV, including TNT and truTV.
- TBS offers a wide range of programming, including original sitcoms, syndicated shows, children’s shows, movies, and sports.
- TBS is currently the 19th most popular cable network.
What’s better than catching up on your favorite show with a snack and your drink of choice? For many Americans, this is a great end to the day. In fact, in 2022, 875,000 people chose to watch TBS to wind down. With different genres of shows to watch, including cartoons, you may be wondering how you can access it. Keep reading to find out what channel TBS is on DirecTV.
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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.
TBS Channel Guide
| Channel | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| TBS | 247 |
| TNT | 245 |
| Cartoon Network | 296 |
| CNN | 202 |
| truTV | 246 |
The History of TBS
Turner Broadcasting System, also known as TBS, originally started as Watch This Channel Grow (WTCG). The TV station was founded and owned by media mogul Ted Turner. The channel would broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia, and was started in 1969.
Almost instantly, the channel went from a small TV station to a major network. By 1976, the network was airing TBS all over the United States. In fact, the channel set a precedent for what is known as today’s basic cable television. It was the first channel that did not require users to pay extra to watch it.
In 1990, the network’s studios were moved and the channel was rebranded as TBS. After that, the network moved its show focus to sitcoms, the comedy genre, and even started using the slogan “Very Funny.” This was mainly due to the fact that its sister network TNT focused on drama programs. As of 2022, TBS has been owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
Since it launched nationally in 1976, TBS has consistently been a fan-favorite channel. It is currently the 19th most popular cable network.
TBS Sister Channels on DirecTV
TBS has multiple sister channels on DirecTV that are under the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella. Some of the most popular include TNT, Cartoon Network, CNN, and truTV. TNT is a drama and thriller-focused channel, Cartoon Network aired animated shows aimed at children and adolescents, CNN is a 24-hour news channel, and truTV focuses on comedy docusoaps, lifestyle, and reality competitions.
TBS Programming
As one of the oldest basic cable networks, TBS has offered countless shows and movies throughout its 50 years on the air. Here’s what you can expect to watch on TBS.
Originals
TBS has quite a few original sitcoms and late-night talk shows, including Are We There Yet?, Cougar Town, and Conan. They have also released many different reality shows and game shows, like The Misery Index, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and Trust Me, I’m a Game Show Host.
Syndicated
Where TBS really shines is the syndicated shows, which they acquire from other production companies and networks. Currently, one of their most popular is American Dad.
While TBS took over the show as an original in 2014, it was a popular show on FOX for nine years before that. TBS now creates new episodes each season. The company also purchased the rights from FOX for the other 10 seasons to be shown as reruns. Other popular syndicated shows include Family Matters, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and 2 Broke Girls.
Children’s Shows
Along with its sister station Cartoon Network, TBS airs children’s shows. However, for TBS, this is usually on weekday and weekend mornings, whereas Cartoon Network airs them throughout the day. A few shows that TBS offers are Dexter’s Laboratory, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, and Tom and Jerry.
Movies
While TBS does have a few original movies, they mostly air syndicated films, like Crazy Rich Asians, Doctor Strange, Detective Pikachu, and 50 First Dates. The network also showcases newer movies, usually when they’re released from theaters to other networks like HBO. However, TBS adds commercials to the movies and also censors them if they are rated PG-13 or higher.
Sports
If you love watching sports but don’t want to pay extra for ESPN, TBS may be a good alternative for you. The network offers multiple sports programs, including wrestling and baseball. In 2023, TBS aired 26 MLB games throughout the baseball season.
TNT Programming
If you prefer drama TV shows or love watching documentary shows, TBS’s sister channel TNT may be a great option for you. The channel has many different shows, including Charmed, Supernatural, Lucifer, and Cold Case — just to name a few.
Cartoon Network Programming
Kids can enjoy Cartoon Network each day, and adults can watch “Adult Swim” episodes after 10 p.m. EST once the children go to bed. Some kids’ shows currently airing include Steven Universe, The Powerpuff Girls, and Baby Looney Tunes. If you prefer to watch adult animation, you can catch Rick and Morty, Archer, and Robot Chicken at night.
CNN Programming
CNN is a popular news network, offering live talk shows, stories from across the world, and more. While this channel doesn’t offer traditional show schedules, it does offer options like CNN This Morning, CNN News Central, and The Situation Room.
truTV Programming
Originally known as Court TV, truTV was relaunched in 2008. Today, the channel airs comedy-reality, competition, and lifestyle programs such as Impractical Jokers, Adam Ruins Everything, and The Carbonaro Effect.
TBS on DirecTV Wrap-Up
Now, you can find TBS on DirecTV and its sister channels easily. No matter what you prefer to watch, TBS offers almost every type of genre, including original and syndicated shows, cartoons, and movies.
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