Television remains one of the most popular mediums of entertainment even in the age of streaming services. While streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu produce some great original content, traditional TV channels continue to air shows that have mass appeal among broad audiences.
In this blog post, I’ll provide a comprehensive list of the most popular TV channels across genres like news, sports, movies, lifestyle, and more. Read on to discover channels that offer the best entertainment, information and enjoyment on traditional cable and satellite TV.
News Channels
CNN – CNN is arguably the biggest name in 24/7 cable news. Their non-stop coverage keeps viewers informed on the latest breaking news stories from politics, world events, business, tech, and more. Top shows include Anderson Cooper 360, CNN Tonight with Don Lemon among others.
Fox News – Fox News provides news with a conservative right-wing perspective. Their opinionated anchors and partisan viewpoint make it one of the top-rated news channels in the US. Top shows are Hannity, Tucker Carlson Tonight and The Five.
MSNBC – The biggest left-leaning news network in the US, MSNBC offers a liberal counterpoint to Fox News. Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O’Donnell and Nicolle Wallace are popular hosts driving viewership, especially among more progressive audiences.
BBC World News – BBC World News brings credible international news coverage from the renowned British broadcaster. Their in-depth global reporting is among the best in the business.
Sports Channels
ESPN – No list of channels is complete without the “worldwide leader in sports” ESPN. They offer live games, highlights, and analysis for pro and college sports including NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA football & basketball, NHL, soccer and more. SportsCenter is their long-running flagship program.
FS1 – Fox Sports 1 rivals ESPN with their own extensive sports programming. They boast rights to MLB, NASCAR, FIFA World Cup soccer, UEFA Champions League soccer, college sports and more. Top personalities like Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe drive opinionated discussions.
NFL Network – Football fans who can’t get enough of pro pigskin turn to NFL Network all year long. They air live games, NFL Combine coverage, Emmy award-winning NFL Films series, and in-depth commentary. It’s a must-have channel for hardcore NFL fans.
Movie Channels
TNT – If you love movies, TNT airs them 24/7 with limited commercial interruptions. Big premieres, classic films, cult favorites, and current box office hits are all part of their programming. Their original dramas like Snowpiercer and Animal Kingdom also have a cinematic feel.
TCM – Turner Classic Movies offer viewers a chance to indulge in cinema from Hollywood’s golden age. Iconic films, renowned stars and directors, independent movies and foreign cinema classics are all remastered and presented by TCM’s knowledgeable on-air hosts.
AMC – As American Movie Classics, AMC built a reputation as a go-to destination for classic movies. While they still air iconic hits, they also now premiere exclusive series like The Walking Dead, Better Call Saul, Interview with the Vampire and more.
Lifestyle Channels
HGTV – Home & Garden TV fuels viewers dreams of buying, designing and renovating homes. Their immensely popular shows feature house hunters, renovation reveals, interior design tips, landscaping ideas and more. Top titles include Love It or List It, Fixer Upper, Property Brothers and more.
Food Network – Food Network celebrates all things culinary, from baking competitions to chef showdowns to comforting recipes. Established names like Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, Ina Garten and newcomers constantly deliver foodie content spicing up the channel.
Bravo – Bravo pioneered reality TV as one of the first mainstream lifestyle channels. Today, it features outrageous personalities across formats covering fashion, beauty, design, pop culture and relationships. Top shows include the Real Housewives franchise, Million Dollar Listing, and Below Deck.
The list above covers twenty of the most popular channels across news, sports, movies and lifestyle programming. With this diverse mix, it’s easy to find exciting, entertaining content to watch on cable/satellite TV in 2023. So sit back, grab your remote and scroll through traditional television made for today’s savvy viewers.