NBC is one of the most-watched TV networks in the U.S., but finding it on DIRECTV can be confusing. Whether you’re trying to catch the latest episode of The Voice, Sunday Night Football, or breaking national news, tuning into NBC on DIRECTV isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. That’s because NBC operates through a network of local affiliate stations, meaning the channel number can vary depending on where you live.
Add in occasional carriage disputes, recent lineup updates, and regional programming variations, and it’s no surprise people are constantly searching, “What channel is NBC on DIRECTV?”
NBC is available on channel numbers ranging from 2 to 69, depending on your location—but read on to find the exact number for your area.
In this guide, we’ll also break down how to find NBC Sports, understand DIRECTV’s NBC channel offerings, and how you can install DIRECTV to get the NBC channel so you never miss your favorite content again.
What Is NBC? A Quick Overview
The National Broadcasting Company, better known as NBC, is one of the oldest and most influential television networks in the United States. Launched in 1926, NBC began as a radio network before transitioning to television in the 1940s. It quickly became a staple of American households, delivering everything from breaking news to late-night comedy and primetime drama.
NBC is known for producing some of the most iconic television shows in history. From Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show to modern hits like The Voice and This Is Us, the network has remained at the forefront of pop culture. Sports fans also tune in religiously for NFL Sunday Night Football, one of the most-watched weekly broadcasts in the country.
With such a wide variety of programming, NBC remains a crucial part of any TV lineup. For DIRECTV subscribers, having access to the NBC channel is essential for staying in the loop on must-see moments in entertainment, sports, and news.
When it comes to NBC and DIRECTV, the good news is that the network is widely available. However, since NBC is broadcast through local affiliates, the channel number on DIRECTV may vary depending on your region—which is exactly why so many people search for the NBC channel on DIRECTV.
What Channel Is NBCUniversal on DIRECTV?
Here’s the catch: there isn’t a single NBCUniversal channel on DIRECTV. That’s because NBCU owns several individual networks, each with its own unique programming and channel number.
If you’re looking for a specific NBCU network—like NBC Sports, CNBC, or Bravo—you’ll need to check the DIRECTV channel guide for that exact channel number in your region.
To clarify: NBC is part of NBCUniversal, but NBCU is not a single channel you can tune into. Instead, it’s a network of channels and services, all available through DIRECTV, depending on your subscription package.
So when people ask “what channel is NBCUniversal”, the answer depends on what part of NBCU they’re trying to watch.
What Channel Is NBC on DIRECTV? (2025 Update)
One of the most common questions DIRECTV users ask is: “What number is NBC on DIRECTV?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s because NBC broadcasts through local affiliate stations, meaning the channel number for NBC can vary depending on your location.
For example, the NBC DIRECTV channel might be channel 4 in New York, but channel 5 in Los Angeles, and something entirely different in Dallas. This is due to regional licensing agreements, which assign local stations their own spots in the DIRECTV lineup.
How to Find the NBC Channel in Your Area
To find the NBC channel on DIRECTV in your city:
1. Turn on your DIRECTV receiver.
2. Press the “Guide” button on your remote.
3. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the listings or press the yellow button to search by channel or program.
4. Type “NBC” in the search bar or look for your local NBC affiliate (like KNBC, WNBC, or KXAS).
5. Note the channel number for future reference—many areas also offer HD and SD versions (e.g., channel 4 in SD and 1004 in HD).
DIRECTV NBC Channel Numbers in Major Cities (2025)
Here’s a list of NBC channel numbers in some major U.S. cities:
| City | NBC Channel Number |
| New York, NY | 4 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 4 |
| Chicago, IL | 5 |
| Houston, TX | 2 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 12 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 10 |
| Dallas, TX | 5 |
| San Diego, CA | 17 |
| Atlanta, GA | 11 |
| Miami, FL | 6 |
To get the most accurate DIRECTV NBC channel number for your ZIP code, you can also visit the official DIRECTV website and enter your location details.
What Channel is NBC Sports Network on DIRECTV
NBC Sports DIRECTV Channel is available across multiple channel packages. Regardless of which DIRECTV plan you’re subscribed to, you can access NBCSN and enjoy a variety of live sports programming. The main NBCSN channel is typically found on channel number 220 on DIRECTV. This channel number remains consistent across all plans, from the basic Entertainment package to the top-tier Premier plan.
Location-Wise NBC Sports on DIRECTV Channel
NBC Sports on DIRECTV channel number varies on DIRECTV based on their area. Here are the NBC Sports channel numbers for a few key locations.
- NBC Sports Bay Area HD Channel 696
- NBC Sports California HD Channel 698
- NBC Sports Chicago HD Channel 665
If you’re searching for NBC Sports on DIRECTV, you’ll now find it split across USA Network and your local NBC DIRECTV channel, depending on the event. Always check the DIRECTV guide or NBC Sports schedule for real-time updates.
Does DIRECTV Still Have NBC and NBC Sports in 2025?
In recent years, DIRECTV has faced occasional carriage disputes with networks, including NBC. For example, the 2023 blackout temporarily prevented some DIRECTV customers from accessing NBC and NBC Sports programming. However, these disputes have been resolved, and NBC and NBC Sports are available on DIRECTV in 2025.
Does DIRECTV have NBC? Yes, NBC is still part of DIRECTV’s channel lineup, but its availability can depend on local affiliate agreements. Since NBC is broadcast through local stations, channel numbers can vary based on your region. This means NBC and DIRECTV customers in different cities might experience different channels for NBC and NBC Sports content.
NBC’s sports programming has now shifted across various platforms, including USA Network and Peacock, making it more accessible than ever, but it still remains a staple on DIRECTV for most packages.
How to Access NBC on DIRECTV (Step-by-Step)
Finding NBC on DIRECTV is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps:
1. Turn on your DIRECTV receiver and wait for the main screen to load.
2. Use your voice command feature (if your remote supports it) or press the “Guide” button on your remote to open the channel guide.
3. Search by channel number or type “NBC” into the search bar to find the NBC channel number on DIRECTV in your area. (Remember, the channel number varies by location, so be sure to check your local listings.)
Tip: Want quicker access? You can add NBC as a favorite. Simply select the channel and press the “Add to Favorites” button on your remote. This will save NBC on DIRECTV channel for faster future access.
Streaming NBC Through DIRECTV App or DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV offers two ways to stream NBC Universal content: the traditional satellite service and the newer DIRECTV Stream.
1. Satellite DIRECTV: If you have the traditional satellite service, you can still access NBC on DIRECTV by tuning in to your local NBC affiliate channel. However, if you prefer streaming, you can also use the DIRECTV App to watch live TV, including NBC, on your mobile device or smart TV.
2. DIRECTV Stream: This service allows you to stream live TV channels, including NBC, over the internet. You can access NBC’s programming through DIRECTV NBC on various devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.
App Availability & Device Compatibility: The DIRECTV app is available for iOS and Android devices, and DIRECTV Stream works on platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and more. Both services allow you to enjoy NBC Universal streaming anytime, anywhere.
For more details, check the official DIRECTV support page.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Find NBC on My DIRECTV?
If you’re wondering, “What channel is NBC on DIRECTV?” but can’t seem to find it, there could be several reasons behind the issue. Here’s how you can troubleshoot:
Possible Reasons:
1. Regional Blackout: Sometimes, certain events or sports broadcasts are subject to regional blackout restrictions, meaning you might not be able to access NBC channel on DIRECTV during those times.
2. Technical Issues: There could be a temporary issue with your receiver or satellite signal, affecting your ability to access NBC.
3. Account/Package Limitations: If your DIRECTV package doesn’t include local channels or if you’re using a non-standard subscription, you may not have access to NBC on DIRECTV channel.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting:
1. Check the Channel Guide: Use the Guide button to verify if NBC is available in your area and ensure you’re on the right channel.
2. Restart Your Receiver: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve signal issues.
3. Rescan for Channels: Press the “Menu” button, go to Settings, and select “Rescan for channels”.
4. Check for Service Outages: Visit the DIRECTV service status page for any known outages in your region.
How to Contact DIRECTV Support:
If none of the above steps work, contact DIRECTV support via phone, chat, or their website. They can assist with troubleshooting and resolving the issue.
Other NBCUniversal Channels and Their Numbers on DIRECTV
In addition to NBC, NBCUniversal owns and operates several other popular channels, each offering unique content. These channels are also available on DIRECTV, depending on your region and package.
Here’s a table listing typical NBC Universal on DIRECTV channel numbers for these channels (note that numbers may vary by region):
| Channel | Typical DIRECTV Channel Number |
| USA Network | 242 |
| Bravo | 237 |
| CNBC | 355 |
| MSNBC | 356 |
| Syfy | 244 |
| E! | 236 |
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve got all the details you needed regarding NBC on DIRECTV. Finding your local NBC channel number is easy with the DIRECTV channel guide or app. Whether you’re tuning in for the latest NBC shows or catching live sports on NBC Sports, this guide will help you stay up to date.
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