TV package guide

What Channels Are in Optimum’s Basic Entertainment TV Package?

Updated · ~6 min read

Living room scene with a TV remote aimed at a television showing a colorful channel mosaic
Entry cable TV is about the channel mix in your ZIP — not a national one-size list.

Optimum’s entry cable television package is often branded Entertainment TV and marketed with roughly 80+ channels. Exact names, channel counts, and included networks shift by franchise area. Treat every sample list you see online — including the genre grid below — as illustrative, then confirm the lineup that Optimum returns for your address.

Higher video tiers are commonly discussed as Core, Select, and Premier (naming can vary). Many markets sell TV with an internet bundle; standalone video eligibility is something to verify before you assume à-la-carte cable is available.

Entertainment TV: the basic / entry package

Package card graphic for Entertainment TV with 80-plus channels and verify-as-advertised notes
Marketing often highlights Cloud DVR, a voice remote, and a free first set-top — confirm “as advertised” for your order.

On Entertainment TV you typically get a mix of locals, news, lifestyle, kids, and sports-oriented basics — enough for casual viewing without the fullest sports or premium stacks. Optimum’s current consumer materials describe features such as Free Cloud DVR, a voice remote, and a first set-top box free in qualifying offers. Those perks are marketing claims: read the current offer sheet for your ZIP so you know equipment fees, DVR hours, and any term requirements.

Sample channels by genre (examples only)

Illustrative names that often appear in basic cable discussions include news/weather nets, ESPN-class sports basics, general entertainment channels (USA, TNT, TBS, FX-style), kids/family brands, lifestyle networks (HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, TLC-style), and your local broadcast affiliates. Do not treat this as Optimum’s guaranteed national lineup. Blackouts, regional sports nets, and local affiliate carriage differ street by street.

Extra TV and Everything TV: stepping up

Four-column tier comparison for Entertainment TV, Extra TV and Everything TV
More channels and sports depth usually sit in higher tiers — still confirm names and fees locally.

If Entertainment TV feels thin on sports or entertainment depth, ask Optimum which mid and top video tiers are sold at your address and how they differ on channel count, premiums, and multi-room fees. We intentionally omit dollar prices here because promotional rates move quickly; compare the live quote against streaming-only households and rival cable/fiber TV where available.

Check TV and internet options for your ZIP on RSINC, or call 1-877-697-2926 with your address handy.

Check the current Optimum lineup

Optimum’s local TV pages describe Entertainment TV with 80+ channels, Extra TV with 125+, and Everything TV with 200+. Availability varies by address.

Open Optimum TV availability

FAQ

How many channels are on Optimum’s basic package?

Entertainment TV is commonly described as 80+ channels, but the precise count depends on your market and which locals or extras are carried.

Is Cloud DVR really free?

Optimum has advertised free Cloud DVR on qualifying video offers. Hours, device limits, and eligibility can change — verify on your order summary.

Do I need Optimum internet to get TV?

In many areas video is bundled with or prefers an internet path. Ask whether standalone TV is sold at your address before assuming.

Will my favorite regional sports network be included?

Not always on the entry tier. Sports RSNs and extras often sit higher or as add-ons — check the channel tool for your ZIP.

Channel lineups, package names, equipment offers, and prices vary by market and change over time. RSINC is an independent comparison site. Optimum and all network trademarks belong to their respective owners.

← More internet articles · Related: Optimum provider guide · Cable internet explained