Trying to keep the whole family happy with one TV plan can feel like juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope. You’ve got kids who love cartoons, teens into sports and reality shows, and parents who just want to binge-watch their favorite crime dramas or rom-coms. That’s where a good family-friendly TV plan steps in—and DIRECTV has a few options worth talking about.
The term “DIRECTV Family Plan” isn’t an official name for a bundled product from DIRECTV. Instead, it refers to how you can build a package that fits your family’s needs using DIRECTV’s available plans, parental controls, streaming features, and device flexibility. In this guide, we’ll break it all down in simple terms: what plans are best for families, how to use parental controls, what kind of content you can expect, and whether it’s worth the cost.
Let’s dive in!
Best DIRECTV Plans for Families
Here’s a breakdown of DIRECTV’s main satellite and streaming plans and how they stack up for family viewing:
| Plan Name | Price (Monthly) | Channels | Family-Friendly Channels | Streaming Access | Parental Controls |
| ENTERTAINMENT | $69.99 | 75+ | Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, HGTV | Yes (via DIRECTV app) | Yes |
| CHOICE™ | $84.99 | 105+ | Adds Cartoon Network, Animal Planet, Discovery Family | Yes | Yes |
| ULTIMATE | $114.99 | 140+ | Includes Hallmark, Boomerang, Universal Kids | Yes | Yes |
| PREMIER™ | $159.99 | 150+ | Adds HBO, Starz, and Showtime for grown-up TV time | Yes | Yes |
📝 Note: Prices may vary by region and do not include taxes or equipment fees.
What’s best for your family?
- Smaller families or younger children: ENTERTAINMENT or CHOICE™ should be enough.
- Larger families or teens: ULTIMATE or PREMIER™ offers broader options.
- Streamers or on-the-go families: All plans include access to the DIRECTV app for mobile viewing.
Features That Make DIRECTV Family-Friendly
If you’re wondering what makes DIRECTV a good choice for households with multiple viewers and age groups, here are some standout features that make managing screen time (and content choices) easier:
Parental Controls
DIRECTV lets you control what your kids watch. You can block channels, set age-appropriate content ratings, and even restrict pay-per-view purchases.
Multiple Streams
With the DIRECTV app or a DIRECTV STREAM package, different family members can watch different things at the same time—on the TV, tablet, or phone.
On-Demand Library
Access thousands of family-friendly shows and movies, including animated favorites and educational programming, on-demand.
Kids’ Networks
Plans include big-name kids’ channels like Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and PBS Kids. ULTIMATE and PREMIER™ even add more niche favorites like Boomerang and Discovery Family.
No Equipment Hassles (Streaming Option)
If you go with DIRECTV STREAM, there’s no satellite dish or installation—just stream on smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, or even a laptop.
Cloud DVR
Record shows ahead of time so kids can watch their favorites whenever they want—without interrupting your own prime-time schedule.
Customizable Packages
DIRECTV lets you add premium channels or sports packs, so your plan grows with your family’s interests.
FAQs
Does DIRECTV have a “Family” package specifically for parents and kids?
Not exactly. There isn’t a package officially called “Family Plan,” but the ENTERTAINMENT and CHOICE™ tiers offer a solid lineup of family-friendly channels. You can also customize with add-ons.
Can I block inappropriate content on DIRECTV?
Yes! DIRECTV offers robust parental control settings. You can block shows by rating (like PG or TV-MA), restrict specific channels, and even limit viewing hours.
How many devices can stream DIRECTV at once?
With DIRECTV STREAM, you can stream on up to 20 devices at once in your home network and 3 devices outside your home. That’s plenty for most families.
Is there educational programming for kids?
Yes, channels like PBS Kids, Discovery Family, and National Geographic offer both fun and educational shows, perfect for learning while watching.
How does DIRECTV compare to other family TV services?
DIRECTV stacks up well in terms of channel variety, parental controls, and reliability. It may be more expensive than some streaming-only services, but it also offers a broader traditional TV experience, especially for households that still love live TV.
Conclusion
So, is DIRECTV a good fit for your family? If you’re looking for a customizable TV experience with robust parental controls, a rich mix of kid-friendly and adult programming, and streaming flexibility, then yes—it can be an excellent choice.
Whether you go with the ENTERTAINMENT tier to keep things simple, or go all out with the PREMIER™ plan for every premium channel under the sun, DIRECTV has something to offer every family setup. And with features like cloud DVR and mobile streaming, your household can watch what they want, when they want—without the bickering over the remote.
In the end, the best plan is one that keeps everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—entertained, informed, and maybe even a little more connected.