Discovery+ is now integrating 11 live linear channels into the Fire TV’s channel guide and Live tab, but there’s a catch. You can currently only get this integration if you subscribe to the service through the Discovery+ Prime Video Channel. Also, these live channels aren’t what you think they are, which is probably a live feed of their traditional cable channels. Instead, they are channels playing nothing but an individual show, or two, all day 24/7.
If you subscribe to Discovery+ through Prime Video Channels, in addition to the slew of on-demand content, you will get 11 live channels, where each one is dedicated to playing nothing but one of the following shows:
- Fixer Upper
- 90 Day Fiance
- House Hunters
- House Hunters International
- Deadly Women
- Street Outlaws
- Homicide Hunter
- Say Yes to the Dress
- Property Brothers
- Property Brothers: Buying and selling
- Chopped + Flipp or Flop
These channels integrate into the Fire TV’s program guide grid, as well as the Fire TV’s Live tab, just like numerous other subscriptions and apps. The subscription through Prime Video Channels costs $6.99 per month, the same as Discovery+’s ad-free subscription, because the less expensive $4.99 per month ad-supported subscription is not yet available through Prime Video Channels. The less expensive subscription is said to be coming to Prime Video Channels later this year.
Unfortunately, if you subscribe to Discovery+ directly you will not see these live channels integrated into the Fire TV the same way. The channels are available within the Discovery+ app if you search for each individual show, but the Discovery+ app does not yet integrate the streams into the Fire TV’s live experience, nor does it provide an easy way to see all the channels. Many other apps that offer live channels have integrated into the Fire TV’s experience without offering Prime Video Channels, so, hopefully, Discovery+ will update their app in the near future to provide all subscribers the same Fire TV live channel integration.
This is another example of why, for Fire TV owners or Prime subscribers, it is often more beneficial to subscribe to a service through Prime Video Channels instead of directly with the service provider. In most, if not all, cases, a subscription through Prime Video Channels will give you all the same access to apps and content as subscribing directly, but in some cases, like with the Discovery+ Prime Video Channel, it also gives you access to channels, content, or features that are only available through Amazon’s channels.
Thanks Steven M. for the heads up!
@AFTVnews
AFTVnews
Cool feature and nice exclusive perk via Prime Video Channels, but the same content is available on-demand…just not seeing any added value, yet
I think not having one more standalone app necessary on a memory starved FTV4K Stick and on other devices (Phone, Tablet, Roku, etc.) is a value. Another added value is having the content integrated into the Fire TV UI for any content you are watching. You also get MATCH FRAME RATE support for content viewed from a Prime Video Channel subscription that requires it.
Bummer. I get Discovery+ free with my internet service.
The 24×7 channels are fantastic on the other live channels on the fire tv. Wish the Discovry+ channels were integrated too.
Is this the Rik Emmett from Triumph?
I’m only interested in the linear channels I had back with cable tv so I’m happy with Philo for $20
I’m with you I love Philo, I had discovery + for 3 months commercial free but I let it go to me it wasn’t worth it but I did enjoy classic HGTV shows there was not enough of them and episodes
Discovery Network signed an exclusive streaming rights deal with HULU back in 2018. There are a number of shows/series that you won’t find on Discovery+ at the moment, but I bet when those exclusive streaming rights run out they will be a part of the Discovery+ service.
I pay a lot already (comcast) n as usual they take away the sites from our accounts n force us if we want to see those channels n makes us pay for them extra but they don’t give you a refund on these…
“In most, if not all, cases, a subscription through Prime Video Channels will give you all the same access to apps and content as subscribing directly, but in some cases, like with the Discovery+ Prime Video Channel, it also gives you access to channels, content, or features that are only available through Amazon’s channels.”
They also don’t allow access to the app if you sign up through Prime. Most other Prime channels (like Paramount+) let you link accounts to get access to both the app and Prime channel, Discovery+ doesn’t which is dumb. Why would I ever sub through Amazon if it only works through Fire TV because the service is dumb not allowing linking for cross-platform access
How do disconnect
The Discovery+ Firestick app simply needs to update to the “what’s on” tab, like their Android phone app. That would be good enough for me. Since that’s missing there is no way of knowing what you’re actually watching on the live channels unless you check the Android app or another programme guide.
Prime Video Channel subscriptions don’t ‘JUST WORK’ on Fire TV devices. They also are available with the standalone PRIME VIDEO app, which is available on all major streaming hardware platforms (Roku, Apple TV, Google Chrome TV, etc.) and on Android and iOS mobile devices. Everyone will have their preference, but it is nice having the option of one Prime Video app installed on a platform and no need for separate standalone apps cluttering up a streaming device or mobile device.
FYI. New streaming carriage deal between Discovery and HULU Live TV will see most Discovery content that was exclusively streaming on the HULU on-demand service move over to Discovery+ streaming.
“As part of the pact, Discovery will pull back many of its popular shows from Hulu’s separate on-demand service and make them exclusive to Discovery+, its new streaming platform, said the person, who asked not to be identified as the news isn’t yet public. Those titles include “90 Day Fiance” and “Fixer Upper.”
Switched from standalone Discovery+ app to subscription via Prime Video Channels. Immediately noticed that two series (A Perfect Planet and Dynasties) are UNAVAILABLE in the Prime Video Channel of Discovery+, but remain available in the standalone app. Hope it is a temporary glitch, but sure would be nice to know ahead of subscribing via Prime Video Channel if the content available will be limited in comparison to the standalone app.