Optimum's channel lineup isn't one fixed list — it depends on which package tier you choose and which market you're in. As of July 2026, Optimum runs two different package structures depending on your area: an older tier structure (Basic, Core, Select, Premier TV) used in most legacy Cablevision markets, and a newer streaming-first structure (Entertainment TV, Extra TV, Everything TV) rolling out in other markets. Below is a channel-by-channel breakdown of the standard tier structure, organized by category, plus what to expect from the newer streaming packages — so you know exactly what you're getting before you sign up. For the exact lineup and channel numbers at your address, check with Telemedia Solutions directly, since Optimum's own channel guide varies by ZIP code. If you're weighing Optimum against another provider, see our Optimum TV vs. DirecTV comparison.

What Channels Are in Each Optimum TV Package?

Optimum's Two Channel Package Structures

Standard Tier Structure (Basic, Core, Select, Premier)

Standard published rates for this structure run roughly $53/mo (Basic) to $190/mo (Premier) before any promotional bundle discount, and vary by market and current promotions — see our Optimum TV Plans guide for current bundle pricing.

Newer Streaming-First Structure (Entertainment, Extra, Everything TV)

In markets where Optimum has rolled out its newer video model, you'll instead see these three packages, delivered through the Optimum Stream app rather than a traditional set-top box:

The Full Channel Comparison (Standard Tier Structure)

The table below breaks down individual channels across Core TV, Select TV, and Premier TV. A checkmark means the channel is included; "Add-on" means it's available for an extra monthly fee regardless of which base package you have; a dash means it isn't offered at that tier based on the lineup data we verified — exact carriage can still vary by local market, so treat this as a strong starting point rather than the final word for your specific address.

Sports Channels

Regional sports networks (RSNs) covering your local MLB, NBA, or NHL team are a separate carriage question entirely — these vary heavily by market and sometimes by ongoing carriage disputes between Optimum and the network owner. If a specific regional sports network is the reason you're choosing a TV package, confirm it's currently carried in your area before you commit.

News Channels

Core TV covers the big four cable news networks plus CNBC and The Weather Channel, which handles most people's daily news habit. Select and Premier add the business-news deep cuts (Bloomberg, Fox Business) and the C-SPAN networks for anyone who follows Congress directly.

Entertainment Channels

This is the category where the jump from Core to Select matters most. Core covers the "must-have" basics — TBS, TNT, USA, FX, AMC — but Select is where you pick up Comedy Central, E!, MTV, and truTV. If reality TV, late-night comedy, or true crime is a regular part of your watching, Select is very likely the tier you want.

Kids & Family

Families should read this table carefully before choosing Core TV: Nickelodeon and its sister channels (Nick Jr., Nicktoons) are not included at the base tier — only Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, and PBS Kids are. If your household is Nickelodeon-loyal, Select TV is effectively required, not optional.

Lifestyle Channels

Core TV actually covers the lifestyle heavyweights well — HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, History, and Lifetime are all included. What you're missing at Core is the Hallmark family of channels and Magnolia Network, both genuinely popular additions in Select.

Local, Broadcast & Spanish-Language Channels

All three packages include your local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW, and PBS affiliates, plus Telemundo, Univision, and UniMás — a genuine strength of Optimum's base package. What varies by location is which specific affiliate you get and its channel number, since Optimum publishes a separate channel lineup PDF for each local market.

Premium Movie Networks

This is Premier TV's actual value proposition. On Core or Select, HBO Max, SHOWTIME/Paramount+, STARZ, and Cinemax are all separate paid add-ons that can push your bill up by $40–50/month combined. Premier bundles all four in for the package price — if you'd otherwise be adding two or more of these services individually, Premier often works out to be the better deal rather than just the "premium" option. Premium channel add-on pricing shown here reflects rates found in current published sources and is subject to change — confirm exact current add-on pricing when ordering.

Core TV vs. Select TV vs. Premier TV: Which Should You Pick?

Choose Core TV if: you mainly watch local news, the major broadcast networks, and cable staples like HGTV, Food Network, or Discovery, and you're not watching much cable-only entertainment, sports beyond ESPN/FS1, or premium movie content.

Choose Select TV if: you want NFL Network, a much deeper bench of entertainment and lifestyle channels (Comedy Central, MTV, Hallmark, Animal Planet, Nickelodeon), or you're planning to add just one premium service like STARZENCORE, which comes bundled in at this tier.

Choose Premier TV if: you already know you want HBO Max, STARZ, and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, or you're a serious sports viewer who wants ESPNU, ESPNews, and conference-specific networks like the SEC Network, ACC Network, or Pac-12 Network.

Popular Channel Categories Across Optimum Tiers

Regardless of which structure serves your address, most Optimum TV packages sort their channels into a few recognizable categories once you get past the entry-level tier:

Sports Channels

National sports networks — ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and NFL Network among them — typically show up starting at Core TV or Extra TV. Regional sports networks (covering local NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL teams) are usually concentrated in Select TV, Premier TV, or Everything TV, so sports fans following a specific home team should double-check regional coverage before assuming it's included.

News and Information

Local news affiliates and major cable news networks (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC) are widely available starting at the lower-middle tiers. Financial and international news channels tend to appear higher up the lineup, closer to Premier or Everything TV.

Kids and Family Programming

Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, and Nickelodeon-style family programming generally enter the lineup at Core TV/Extra TV and expand at each tier above that, making the mid-tiers a common landing spot for households with kids.

Premium Movie and Entertainment Channels

HBO Max, STARZ, CINEMAX, and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME are bundled into the top tiers (Premier TV, Everything TV) but are also purchasable as standalone add-ons on lower tiers — useful if you want one premium channel without paying for the full top-tier bundle.

Why Your Local Channel Lineup May Look Different

Optimum publishes separate channel lineup listings for each of its local markets, and two customers in different zip codes on the same package can end up with different channel numbers — sometimes even different channel availability. A few things to know:

• Local broadcast stations differ by market — your ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX affiliate is tied to your specific media market, not a nationwide channel number.
• Regional sports networks vary — carriage of your local MLB, NBA, or NHL team's broadcast network depends on ongoing agreements between Optimum and that network, which can change without much notice.
• Some channels are only available in select areas, particularly niche or regional programming.
• Premium channels and add-ons may differ slightly depending on the specific package configuration in your area.

Related Optimum Guides

Channels are just one piece of the picture. See our Optimum Internet Plans guide for speed tiers and pricing, our Optimum TV Plans overview for how these packages fit into full TV service, our Optimum Bundle Deals guide for combined pricing, our Optimum Mobile Plans guide for bundle savings, our fees and contracts guide for installation and equipment costs, and our availability guide to confirm Optimum reaches your address.

How We Verified This

Channel lineups, package pricing, and add-on costs on this page were checked against Optimum's own published materials before publication, and are reviewed when lineups change. See how we research internet & TV providers, our editorial standards, and why consumers trust Telemedia Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Optimum package includes ESPN?

ESPN and FS1 are included in all three packages — Core TV, Select TV, and Premier TV. ESPN2 requires at least Select TV, and ESPNews and ESPNU require Premier TV.

Do all Optimum packages include local channels?

Yes, in the standard tier structure — Basic TV and everything above it includes local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW, and PBS affiliates. Entertainment TV, in the newer streaming structure, does not include local broadcast stations by default.

Which package is best for sports fans?

It depends on which sports you follow. Select TV covers ESPN2, NFL Network, and Big Ten Network. Premier TV adds ESPNU, ESPNews, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, ACC Network, and Pac-12 Network — worth it if you follow specific college conferences.

Does Optimum include regional sports networks?

Regional sports network carriage varies by market and is subject to ongoing negotiations between Optimum and network owners. Confirm current carriage for your specific team and region before ordering based on that channel alone.

Are premium movie channels included?

Only with Premier TV, which bundles HBO Max, SHOWTIME/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, STARZENCORE, and Cinemax at no extra cost. On Core TV and Select TV, these are also available as standalone add-ons in most markets rather than only bundled into Premier TV (Select TV does include the STARZENCORE bundle).

Can I customize my TV package?

Optimum's core packages (Core, Select, Premier) are fixed tiers, but premium channels and some sports networks can be added individually as add-ons regardless of your base package.

Does Optimum offer DVR service?

Optimum offers DVR and cloud DVR options as part of its equipment offerings; availability and pricing depend on your equipment package. Confirm current DVR options when you order.

Can I watch Optimum TV on mobile devices?

Optimum TV customers generally have access to a TV app for streaming live and on-demand content on mobile devices, subject to your specific package and app availability on your account.

Is there a contract?

Contract terms vary by current promotion. Ask about current contract requirements, price-lock terms, and early termination conditions when you order, since these change with Optimum's active promotions.

Do channel lineups change over time?

Yes — networks are occasionally added, dropped, or moved between tiers, so it's worth reconfirming your lineup periodically, especially after a plan change.

The Bottom Line

The channel count on paper matters less than which structure — legacy or streaming-first — actually serves your address, since that determines whether local broadcast channels, premium add-ons, and app-only access work the way you expect. Two neighbors on the same street can be quoted completely different lineups. Call Telemedia Solutions at (469) 960-3311 and we'll pull the exact channel guide for your ZIP code before you choose a tier. Bundling TV with internet? See our Optimum Internet Plans guide for pricing tiers.