YouTube TV, Google’s attempt at a proper cord-cutting primetime TV service, is getting 7 new channels, bringing the total count up to 46, or 47 if you count the YouTube Red Originals content. This particular bump in the amount of available channels makes the service viable for those who have to have programming from AMC, like The Walking Dead, and BBC America, like Doctor Who. The five other channels being brought on board in this update are Spanish programming networks Telemundo and Universo from NBC, as well as Sundance TV, WeTV, and IFC. YouTube TV customers in California are reportedly already seeing the new channels on both the native app and the web interface, but Google has not announced exactly when the new programming should be expected to reach all customers.
The service has no other packages for now, so the $35 package will net you all they have. The addition of BBC America and AMC bring in the networks hosting two shows that boast fandoms among the biggest in television, among other hits, but there are still major content gaps that may irk those used to regular cable TV and its wealth of channels. Children’s programming networks Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, for example, are still missing, but are available on almost any basic cable package out there. The addition of YouTube Red original programming helps a bit, but it doesn’t have quite the pull of some of the missing networks.
YouTube TV went live back in April and it’s already getting a few new channels on board. The price is competitive with traditional landline cable offerings, albeit basic ones, but it offers a large number of more prominent networks. Unlike basic, non-digital cable, YouTube TV also features unlimited DVR, and can be watched on just about any device that can watch YouTube. This means that you can watch supported live networks on your phone, tablet, or computer, as well as on your TV. On the flip side, this means that the YouTube Red original content that’s bundled with YouTube TV can be watched on your TV without a YouTube Red subscription; the two are different products, so somebody who wants YouTube TV may not necessarily care for YouTube Red. If channel growth continues at this rate but the price stays the same, Google may have a real competitor to both cable TV and other cord cutter offerings on their hands.