YouTube TV May Lose Paramount, CBS & More—But Won’t Raise Prices Again (For Now)

YouTube TV is one of the best streaming TV platforms, offering a solid channel lineup, free DVR, and additional subscription options (for a fee). However, one major downside has been its steadily increasing price—once $35/month, it now sits at $83/month after recent hikes.

In the streaming world, platforms must negotiate with networks to keep their content available. In 2021, YouTube TV nearly lost NBC Universal networks due to failed negotiations, but a last-minute deal kept them on board. A similar situation happened with Disney that same year.

Now, YouTube TV has announced that Paramount and its associated networks could disappear after February 13, as they have yet to reach a "fair deal" that would keep channels on the platform without increasing costs for users.

Which Channels Are at Risk?

At least 24 major networks could be removed, including:

• CBS
• CBS Sports Network
• Paramount Network
• MTV, MTV2, MTV Classic
• BET, BET Her
• Comedy Central
• Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons
• VH1
• TV Land
• News Nation
• Smithsonian Channel
  …and more.

This situation is frustrating, considering that YouTube TV recently raised prices and now subscribers might lose 24 major channels.

Will a Deal Be Reached?

Based on past negotiations, it’s likely that an agreement will be made before the February 13 deadline. Networks like Paramount and CBS are too significant to disappear from a major streaming platform.

Bigger Concern: Future Price Hikes

While YouTube TV insists on not raising prices again for this deal, such disputes often foreshadow future increases. If you're paying $83/month now, it's worth wondering how long until it hits $100/month.