We all need a guilty pleasure now and again. For some, it’s a relaxing bubble bath accompanied by a glass of something bubbly. For others, it could be the latest chart-topping pop jingle, celebrity gossip, or corny romance novel. However, for a lot of us, there’s something oddly therapeutic about watching the wacky and wonderful lives of real people unfold on our TV screens. When you tune into the TLC network, you know you’re going to get a heady dose of heartfelt moments, unexpected twists, and, of course, lots and lots of drama. But when you’re trying to get your latest reality fix from your DirecTV service, where do you turn? Not to worry, as we’re going to tell you how to tune into TLC on DirecTV, so you can kick back and be entertained.
You can see our guides for finding PBS, ABC, the MLB Network, and Nickelodeon too, so you’re never stuck for something to watch.
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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.
What Is TLC?
You may not know that “TLC” originally stood for “The Learning Channel”. As per the name, the original show lineup in the early 70s mostly revolved around educational and instructional programs and documentaries. But as time passed, programming gradually evolved to include shows centered on lifestyle, reality, and transformation themes. Once we hit the new millennium, TLC was making a reputation for itself based on these genres. The roster included Trading Spaces, 90 Day Fiance, What Not to Wear, and Say Yes to the Dress. While the network has pivoted significantly from its original focus over the years, it has opened up viewership to a wider demographic and has become much-loved by fans of reality TV.
How Do I Get TLC on DirecTV?
Luckily for DirecTV subscribers, you can view the TLC channel on any DirecTV plan. This means that no matter if you’re paying for the Entertainment plan or even the Premier package, you have unlimited access to TLC through your satellite TV service. However, depending on your overall viewing preferences, you may want to opt for one of the more extensive packages. For a quick rundown of DirecTV pricing, you can refer to the table below.
| Plan | Price/month | Number of channels | Number of movies | DIRECTV Sports Pack included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $64.99 | 75+ | 60,000+ | For 3 months |
| Choice | $84.99 | 105+ | 70,000+ | For 3 months |
| Ultimate | $109.99 | 140+ | 80,000+ | For 3 months |
| Premier | $154.99 | +150 | 90,000+ | Every channel included |
Where Is the TLC Channel on DirecTV?
There’s only one place to find the TLC channel on DirecTV. There are no separate channels for the West and East time zones. The channel number for TLC is 280 wherever your location is. This may be inconvenient for those who want to watch the channel live, but there is another option for those who want to catch up at their leisure. If you add the prefix “1” to the channel number, you can access DirecTV’s video-on-demand service. Here, you can watch selected shows using their on-demand service at any time you wish.
Top TLC Shows to Watch
If you’re familiar with the channel, chances are you may already know many of TLC’s most popular shows. But it’s always good to get a refresher. Below are some of the most entertaining, outrageous, and timeless shows from the TLC network.
Trading Spaces
Premiering at the turn of the century, Trading Spaces was an early adopter of the “home makeover” format. The general premise is fairly simple – neighbors go into each other’s houses and revamp a room with the help of designers. This happens on a small budget and with no input from the homeowners themselves. As you can imagine, this usually leads to some pretty wholesome outcomes or some pretty surprising twists. If home renovation shows are your thing, Trading Spaces is a great example that led the way for many that followed.
90 Day Fiancé
This show revolves around romantic relationships, but probably not as you know them. The intricacies of the K-1 visa and these international couples’ lives take center stage. Themes such as family dynamics, differences in background and culture, and the logistics of wedding planning are explored. You’ll be engaged and educated by the trials and tribulations these partners face. Tackling love and the immigration system, 90 Day Fiancé is a good watch.
Say Yes to the Dress
Weddings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but the drama that often accompanies them can make for thrilling viewing. Say Yes to the Dress isn’t all about outrage, though. We get a close-up and intimate look into these brides-to-be’s experiences with finding the dress of their dreams. Heartfelt emotions and family relationships are what this show is all about.
Sister Wives
You really get a look into alternative lifestyles with the Sister Wives. Technically, the show isn’t too scandalous (since Kody Brown is legally married to only one of his wives). However, this setup is anything but traditional. Along with Robyn, you’ll meet his “spiritual wives,” Meri, Janelle, and Christine, along with their 18 children. Sister Wives premiered during a time when polygamy was a particularly hot topic in the U.S. But this show has stood the test of time, making for interesting and engaging reality TV.
Toddlers & Tiaras
©Warner Brothers – License
Arguably one of the most iconic programs to hit the network, Toddlers & Tiaras shone a new light on the child beauty pageant scene. The focus here was mostly on the children themselves and their families, and, as you may expect, there was rarely a dull moment. Aside from the controversies courting the child pageantry world, you can expect a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation process, emotional moments, and explosive outbursts. And these aren’t always from the children! Equal parts fascinating and nuanced, Toddlers & Tiaras isn’t an easy show to forget.
Wrapping Up
Finding TLC on DirecTV is as easy as going to channel 280 or 1280 for on-demand viewing. Whether you’re in the mood for wholesome moments or adrenaline-fueled family drama, you’ll find the excitement you’re craving on the TLC channel. No matter which DirecTV package you’re subscribed to, you’ll be able to tune into the explosive entertainment on TLC whenever you wish.
