There are no other television networks with the same global reach as the American networks. American television channels create and broadcast shows that are seen all over the world. Even today, when internet streaming services are gaining more subscribers and gradually replacing television, the largest American TV networks easily generate viewership in the millions every day. The American TV market has also become much more competitive in recent years, owing to the fact that TV channels must compete for a smaller overall audience.
Do you need assistance deciding on a television package? Are you debating whether or not to cut the cord? Here is the definitive list of the best television channels available through cable and satellite providers right now.
Regardless of their launch date, these channels almost always have one thing in common: buzz-worthy, marquee original shows that keep consumers tuned in.
TV ratings, which have long been used to determine whether a show is successful, are an important factor in determining the importance of a cable TV channel. It's safe to say that the more viewers there are, the better the channel. With that in mind, if your current package doesn't provide most or all of the channels on our list, it may be time to look into other satellite or cable options.
10. Bravo
The channel, which was once known for its extensive fine arts programming (ballet, operas, foreign films, etc.), long ago abandoned that strategy—which, predictably, drew small audiences—in favour of a menu of reality shows emphasising pop culture. Bravo has been relentless in its pursuit of high-profile programming since its first breakout hit, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
Famous programs:
- Million Dollar Listing
- Shahs of Sunset
- Southern Charm
- Top Chef
- Millionaire Matchmaker
- The Real Housewives franchise
9. HISTORY
Once nicknamed “The Hitler Channel” for its seeming endless reruns of World War II footage, HISTORY (which was The History Channel up until 2008) has broadened its base of programming, some of which arguably falls outside its namesake category.
Famous programs:
- Ax Men
- Ice Road Truckers
- Pawn Stars
- Top Gear
- American Pickers
- Vikings
8. Freeform
This channel, which was still known as ABC Family during the ratings sample period, has undergone several transformations over the years. Freeform, which has gained attention in recent years for its boundary-pushing series, has an interesting history dating back to 1977, when it was owned by Reverend Pat Robertson. In the late 1990s, the televangelist severed almost all ties with the channel, though his conservative-leaning weekday programme, The 700 Club, continues to air on Freeform (and all of its previous names) due to a contractual clause.
Famous Programs:
- The 700 Club
- Baby Daddy
- Pretty Little Liars
- The Secret Life of the American Teenager
- Shadowhunters
- The Fosters
7. FX
FX, one of FOX Broadcasting’s cable siblings, became one of the first channels to draw huge audiences with marquee original series, and it has never turned back. When it was still in its infancy in the early 2000s, FX began peppering its schedule with such notable shows as Nip/Tuck and The Shield.
Famous Programs:
- American Horror Story
- The League
- Sons of Anarchy
- Archer
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- The Americans
6. Adult Swim
Cartoon Network's evening and late-night counterpart has consistently carved out a niche for offbeat animated shows aimed at teens and young adults. With recent series such as Black Jesus, Mr. Pickles, and Rick and Morty, Adult Swim continues to draw strong audiences in a variety of metrics, including ages 18-24, 18-34, and 18-49, at a time when millennials seek alternatives to linear TV programming.
Famous Programs:
- The Venture Bros
- Metalocalypse
- Squidbillies
- Aqua Teen Hunger Force
- Sealab 2021
- Check It Out! With Dr. Steve Brule
5. Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel has aired a steady stream of reality-based programming since its inception in the mid 1980s (long before it became popular). While the channel's presentation has evolved from an eat-your-vegetables approach to a more polished presentation, many of the programmes still have an educational component. Gold Rush, Discovery Channel's highest-rated non-scripted series in the 18-49 demo in 2015, aired on the channel.
Famous Programs:
- Alaskan Bush People
- Naked and Afraid XL
- Deadliest Catch
- Shark Week
- MythBusters
- A Haunting
4. AMC
For a channel that used to rely heavily on black-and-white films (when AMC stood for American Movie Classics), this spot on the dial has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. The Walking Dead (which has long held the title of cable's top scripted series) and Breaking Bad deserve a lot of credit.
AMC, on the other hand, has produced other strong offerings and remains one of the top channels on television.
Famous Programs:
- Better Call Saul (a spinoff of Breaking Bad)
- Hell on Wheels
- Fear the Walking Dead (a spawn of the namesake series)
- Into the Badlands
- The Killing
- Turn
3. USA Network
The USA Network has been a ratings powerhouse since its inception in the early 1980s, thanks to its diverse programming and general-audience approach (long before the strategy was adopted by other channels). The USA Network's robust schedule includes originals like WWE Raw and scripted shows like Chrisley Knows Best, Mr. Robot, and Suits.
Famous Programs:
- Modern Family
- Law & Order: SVU
- Royal Pains
- NCIS
- CSI
- WWE Raw
2. TBS
TBS, founded by Ted Turner, began as a superstation of an Atlanta broadcast TV station that was beamed into homes across the United States. The channel has evolved over its nearly four decades of existence, but it has consistently topped cable TV ratings with a strong programming lineup and a focus on mass audiences. TBS has dived headfirst into original comedy and talk shows since severing ties with its broadcast sibling in 2007. It consistently draws a sizable audience for shows like American Dad (acquired from FOX), Conan, and Sullivan & Son, as well as a steady stream of modern sitcom reruns.
Famous Programs:
- The Big Bang Theory
- 2 Broke Girls
- Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
- America’s Greatest Makers
- The Detour
- Angie Tribeca
1. ESPN
ESPN has consistently held the top spot when it comes to sports and, as recent ratings show, the entire stable of cable programming, thanks to a rich mix of top-tier sports offerings. Live sports have been a lifesaver at a time when DVRs and on-demand services are eroding traditional channels' audiences. ESPN's lineup includes select MLB, NBA, and NFL games, and sports fans of all stripes are willing to pay top dollar to watch their favourite teams.
Famous Programs:
- SportsCenter
- Pardon the Interruption
- Monday Night Football
- SportsNation
- Around the Horn
- Baseball Tonight
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