YouTube TV and NBC strike last-second deal — but these channels are still leaving

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NBC could still ultimately bid adieu to the live TV streaming service

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If you're a YouTube TV subscriber like me, then the threat of channels leaving the live TV streaming service is nothing new. TV providers like YouTube TV are constantly negotiating and renegotiating with networks how much to pay them to carry their channels. Sometimes, it leads to channels briefly — or permanently — going dark for customers, and NBCUniversal is now the latest company to threaten to pull its channels from YouTube TV.

Luckily for fans of NBC, Bravo and more, NBCU and YouTube TV have struck a last-minute deal to keep the network's channels on the air for YouTube TV subscribers. “We’ve reached a short-term extension to avoid disruption to our service while we work toward a new agreement with NBCUniversal,” a Google spokesperson told Variety. “We appreciate our subscribers’ patience while we negotiate on their behalf.”

Malcolm McMillan
Malcolm McMillan

Malcolm is Tom's Guide's resident expert on live TV streaming services, having tested every single one for himself.

Are NBCUniversal channels staying on YouTube TV for good?

It's important to note that this is a temporary deal. Or, more accurately, a short extension of the current deal. There are still ongoing negotiations, and the end result could still be NBCU pulling its channels, including those in the soon-to-be-spun-off Versant stable of brands, leaving YouTube TV for a short while, or even for good.

I wouldn't worry about NBCU channels leaving YouTube TV, though. Both companies are too valuable to ditch the other, and they've done this dance before. In 2021, NBCU’s carriage deal with YouTube TV briefly expired before the two companies agreed to the current deal, which is currently being renegotiated.

So, for now, breathe a sigh of relief and turn on that episode of "The Real Housewives." You deserve it.

Adios, Univision

While NBCU is sticking around, TelevisaUnivision is no longer on YouTube TV. The network of Spanish-language channels' carriage agreement with YouTube TV expired on Sept. 30, and based on a statement from YouTube, it seems like channels like Univision could be gone from the service for good.

“TelevisaUnivision has over 160 million subscribers and billions of views across YouTube, where they generate ad revenue from their content,” was the official line from a YouTube spokesperson in a statement (h/t Variety). “On our paid live TV subscription service, YouTube TV, however, TelevisaUnivision only represents a tiny fraction of overall consumption. Since we have not reached a new agreement with them, their content is no longer available on YouTube TV.”

If you've been affected by the removal of TelevisaUnivision networks, including Univision, UniMas, TUDN, Galavision, FOROtv, De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Telehit, Telehit Música or tlnovelas, then you are eligible for a $6 credit or refund of your YouTube TV subscription. YouTube TV should reach out to you regarding this credit directly.

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Malcolm McMillan
Malcolm McMillan
Streaming Editor

Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.

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