TBS has been entertaining viewers for over 50 years with an eclectic mix of movies, TV shows, sports, and original programming. While the network started locally as an Atlanta UHF station in the 1960s, it expanded into a nationally-available "superstation" carried by satellite and cable providers across the country. For DISH Network subscribers, TBS can be easily accessed as both a reliable source of syndicated content and the home to unique original series. This guide will provide an overview of TBS‘s history, programming, and channel positioning on DISH Network.
A Brief History of TBS
TBS originated from local Atlanta station WTCG-TV, which first hit the airwaves in 1967. Broadcasting mogul Ted Turner purchased the station in 1970 and wired it for satellite transmission in 1976 under the new name WTBS. This allowed WTCG to be distributed nationwide as a "superstation", making it one of the first cable networks to reach a national audience.
In the 1980s, WTBS became a prominent destination for old movies and TV shows while also airing Atlanta Braves baseball games across the country. As cable grew more competitive, Turner merged his media company into Time Warner in 1996. WTBS was rebranded as simply "TBS" in 2004 to reflect its status as a major network.
Today, TBS is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery after the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery in 2022. It continues to air a variety of acquired movies, classic sitcoms, and syndicated content while also investing more heavily in original programming.
TBS Programming on DISH Network
The programming on TBS consists of a multifaceted blend of sports, movies, sitcoms, and originals. This lineup provides something for every household and makes the network a channel worth adding to your DISH package.
Some highlights of TBS‘s current programming include:
- MLB on TBS – Regular season, playoff, and World Series MLB games air live on TBS throughout the baseball season.
- Comedy Reruns – Sitcom favorites like The Big Bang Theory, Family Guy, Friends and classic shows air in blocks.
- TBS Original Series – Quirky comedies like Miracle Workers starring Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi or the animated sci-fi sitcom Final Space.
- TBS Movies – Major theatrical films from Warner Bros., Disney, Sony and more major studios.
- Live Sports – NHL hockey games air on TBS along with coverage of major wrestling events.
TBS also incorporates paid programming, reality shows like Wipeout, and syndicated series to round out its diverse mix of content options updated daily.
Notable TBS Original Programming
While TBS doesn‘t have the original programming portfolio of say, HBO, they have managed to churn out some unique and interesting shows over the years. These TBS originals have attracted loyal niche audiences.
Some of the most popular TBS originals have included:
- Miracle Workers (2019-Present) – Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi star in this anthology comedy series that includes quirky stories about heaven and the Old West. One of TBS‘s most critically acclaimed shows.
- American Dad (2014-Present) – After being cancelled by FOX, Seth MacFarlane‘s animated series found new life on TBS and is headed into its 20th season.
- The Last O.G. (2018-Present) – Tracy Morgan stars as an ex-con adjusting to life after prison, with Tiffany Haddish as his foil.
- Chad (2021-2022) – Nasim Pedrad starred in this coming-of-age single-camera comedy about an awkward 14-year old boy navigating high school.
- The Cube (2022-Present) – Dwayne Wade hosts the American version of this intense UK game show. Contestants take on seemingly simple tasks inside a large transparent cube to win big money.
While not every TBS original has been a smash hit, they‘ve carved out a niche of offbeat, inventive comedies and formats to complement their more mainstream acquisitions.
Finding TBS on DISH Network
For DISH Network subscribers, accessing TBS is quick and easy. TBS is carried on DISH channel 139. This channel position is consistent whether you‘re on a legacy DISH package like America‘s Top 120/200/250 or a newer package like DISH America or DISH America Silver.
The actual DISH channel package required to receive TBS will vary based on your localization. But in most markets, TBS comes included even in the low-tier DISH America plan, giving you access to TBS live and on-demand movies for just $64.99/month.
DISH makes it effortless to find TBS in your on-screen guide for easy one-click tuning. Features like the DISH voice remote and integration with Google Assistant also allow you to launch the network with just your voice.
Making the Most of TBS on DISH
Once you‘ve added TBS through a qualifying DISH package, there are ways to maximize your TBS viewing experience:
- Watch in HD – With DISH receivers like the Hopper 3, you can watch TBS in 1080p high-definition for the best picture quality.
- Use the DVR – Record any TBS programs to the DISH DVR so you can skip commercials and watch on your schedule.
- Stream On Demand – The DISH app allows you to watch TBS on phones, tablets, computers when away from your TV.
- Autohop – DISH‘s AutoHop feature can automatically skip commercials for recorded primetime shows.
- Take it on the Go – Access and stream TBS on mobile devices when travelling using DISH Anywhere.
Combining DISH‘s industry-leading features and equipment with a channel like TBS opens up many possibilities for enhancing your overall viewing experience.
TBS Sister Networks with DISH
An additional perk of subscribing to DISH for access to TBS is that you also open the door to many other top-tier cable channels from Warner Bros. Discovery. As sister networks to TBS within the WBD cable portfolio, these channels often come bundled together in DISH packages.
Some of the biggest TBS sister networks you gain access to through DISH Network include:
- TNT
- truTV
- CNN
- Cartoon Network/Adult Swim
- TCM – Turner Classic Movies
- HLN
- Discovery Channel
- HGTV
- Food Network
- TLC
- and many more
For movie and TV fans, bundling TBS with TNT, TCM, and HLN through DISH is a great way to expand your programming options. The WBD family of networks creates a robust channel lineup perfect for households with diverse entertainment tastes.
Is DISH Network Worth It for TBS?
Given its mix of sports, movies, and originals, TBS is absolutely a channel worth having in any cable package. Fortunately, DISH Network makes it simple and budget-friendly to add TBS to your channel lineup. Access starts at just $64.99/month for 190+ channels in DISH America, including TBS in most markets.
Compared to alternatives like DirecTV, DISH offers more flexibility if your main goal is adding TBS. Packages like DISH America are perfect for cost-conscious consumers that still want essential cable channels, 50 hours of DVR, and modern features like voice control – all while saving over $50/month versus other satelllite providers.
Before committing, use DISH‘s channel lookup tool on their website to double check your localization includes TBS in your base package. But for most subscribers, DISH Network provides an affordable portal to TBS that outshines the majority of cable and streaming competitors.