Best value streaming services for MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) April 2026
| Sling Select | $19.99/mo | |
 | DirecTV (MyEntertainment) | $34.99/mo |
 | DirecTV (MyNews) | $39.99/mo |
 | Sling Blue | $45.99/mo |
| Sling Blue + Orange | $60.99/mo | |
| YouTube TV (Sport + News) | $71.99/mo | |
| YouTube TV (Base Plan) | $82.99/mo | |
| DirecTV Entertainment | $89.99/mo |
Sling TV vs DirecTV vs YouTube TV: Channel Comparison April 2026
While YouTube TV's new modular plans in 2026 offer a middle ground for specialized viewers, DIRECTV remains the most comprehensive option for channel traditionalists, and Sling continues to hold the title for the most budget-friendly entry point.
| Channel | Sling (O+B) | DIRECTV (Ent.) | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC / CBS / FOX / NBC | ⚠️ (No CBS) | ✅ | ✅ |
| A&E | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| AMC | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bravo | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| CNN | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Comedy Central | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Discovery Channel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Disney Channel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ESPN / ESPN2 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Food Network | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fox News Channel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Freeform | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| FS1 (Fox Sports 1) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| FX | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| HGTV | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| History Channel | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Lifetime | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| MSNBC | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| NFL Network | ✅ | ❌ (Choice+) | ✅ |
| TBS / TNT / truTV | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| USA Network | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
What is coming up on MSNBC in April 2026?
In April 2026, MS NOW (the recently rebranded MSNBC) serves as the primary hub for progressive political analysis during a transformative period for both the network and the nation. The month's coverage is dominated by the 2026 Midterm Election cycle, with "Election 2026" dispatches airing throughout the day as key primaries begin to take shape. Flagship programs like Morning Joe—newly trimmed to a three-hour block—and Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace are providing wall-to-wall analysis of the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict and the Supreme Court’s high-profile deliberations on birthright citizenship. While a major lineup overhaul is slated for June, April remains a vital transition month where viewers can still catch Chris Jansing Reports and Ana Cabrera Reports before their departures, alongside the network’s heavy-hitters like The Beat with Ari Melber and The Rachel Maddow Show on Monday nights. Between the hard-news cycles, the network is heavily promoting its new "Versant" media identity, leaning into its reputation as the go-to destination for decoding the complex legal and geopolitical stories driving the 2026 spring news cycle.
What is MSNBC channel?
MSNBC is a US-based breaking news channel that reports on domestic and worldwide news stories, breaking news, political commentary and documentary content. Now owned by NBC Universal, it was created back in 1996 by Microsoft and General Electric's NBC unit.
Where can I watch it for free?
You can watch the MSNBC channel for free through DirecTV plans, as it has a free five-day trial for new customers.
You can watch it on Sling TV's Select, Blue or Orange & Blue plans, but not on Orange.
It's also available on YouTube TV.
If you are out of the country and would like to watch upcoming MSNBC content on your favoured streaming service, you can do so by bypassing geo-restrictions by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
READ MORE: The best VPNs for streaming soccer and sports in 2026