YouTube TV subscribers are at risk of losing access to over 20 channels, including CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and others, due to an ongoing contract dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount Global.
The dispute could result in these channels going dark as soon as Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, unless a deal is reached.
Channels potentially affected include CBS Sports Network, Paramount Network, CMT, Smithsonian Channel, TV Land, and VH1, among others.
Local CBS stations in cities like Atlanta, New York, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Francisco could also be removed from the service. If the blackout happens, YouTube TV subscribers would also lose their DVR recordings of Paramount content.
The dispute escalated after YouTube TV raised its subscription price by $10/month in January 2025, to $82.99/month.
Paramount Global has made multiple offers to maintain their channels on YouTube TV, claiming that it is a vital partner for the service, with hit franchises like Yellowstone on Paramount Network. YouTube TV, in turn, expressed its desire to avoid additional costs for subscribers while negotiating the terms.
In case of a prolonged blackout, YouTube TV has promised an $8 credit for affected subscribers and suggested they subscribe to Paramount+ to access the content.
YouTube TV has over 8 million subscribers and is the largest internet-delivered pay-TV service in the U.S. The service has previously faced similar disputes with other networks, including Disney and NBCUniversal.