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DirecTV Rises From the Grave

DirecTV Rises From the Grave

DirecTV (Stream) Rises From the Grave

August 17, 2021

If you thought AT&T was done confusing everyone with name changes, well, you'd be wrong. We certainly didn't see that coming (and we're usually pretty good at predicting this stuff). AT&T recently announced that it's changing the name of its live TV streaming service to DirecTV Stream. Yes, indeed, the DirecTV Name lives again. This week, we'll explore what this means for users.

Streamer's Spotlight: AT&T Revives the DirecTV Name

Like a phoenix from the ashes (or maybe like a zombie?) the DirecTV name is set to re-emerge at AT&T, despite its many attempts to distance itself from the DirecTV brand. Following its

TPG Capital deal

that effectively gave TPG Capital control over AT&T's video arm. As its first move, this comes with a rebranding that brings the DirecTV brand name back to AT&T's cord-cutting efforts.

1. What DirecTV Stream?

For the time being, DirecTV Stream is simply a rebranding of the AT&T TV brand, which was introduced at the beginning of 2021. If you recall, prior to shifting all of its online TV streaming services over to the larger AT&T TV service, AT&T's cord-cutting was called AT&T TV Now. And prior to that rebranding (which itself happened in 2020), the company's service was called DirecTV Now.

So, in effect, everything has come full circle with AT&T's cord-cutting streaming service. After trying hard and failing to get someone to buy DirecTV, AT&T worked out what's effectively a profit and ownership sharing deal with TPG Capital, which is now managing the video arm of AT&T's business. That may or may not be a good thing, but given how much AT&T has struggled with video over the years, it may be a good move.

2. Does the Rebrand Affect Current Customers?

From what we can tell by publications and reports, AT&T/TPG Capital doesn't plan on changing anything drastic about the service in the short term. Existing customers should not see many changes to their service beyond branding changes. For now, the biggest change you'll see with the AT&T TV to DirecTV Stream change is a new app taking place of the old one (so be on the look out for the app update).

3. When Is the Change Happening?

The new DirecTV Stream brand change should be taking place on August 26. AT&T TV customers can expect everything to go down starting on that date at some point during the day, if not 12:00 AM EST.

4. Expect Some Package and Pricing Changes Eventually

Although AT&T so far says nothing is changing about the package and the service, don't expect that to remain true in the medium to long term. DirecTV Stream will be the most expensive service of its kind on the market the moment it launches, but TPG Capital may get craft and try to find a way to offer a more competitively-priced package to attract new customers.

Given AT&T TV, AT&T TV Now, and previously DirecTV Now were bleeding customers in the face of competition from the likes of Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, Sling TV, and Philo, among others, the company is going to have to get crafty if they want the service to survive.

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. CW's 'Supergirl' Returns for to Finish Season 6

Coming back from hiatus, the popular 'Supergirl' show is back this Tuesday, (Aug. 24) on the CW at 9 PM ESt. -

Watch The CW Live Without Cable

2. Netflix Crime Drama 'Clickbait' Premieres Aug. 25

"When family man Nick Brewer is abducted in a crime with a sinister online twist, those closest to him race to uncover who is behind it and why". Stream this Wednesday (Aug. 25). -

Watch on Netflix

3. 'Archer' Returns with Season 12

Among the most popular shows on FXX, 'Archer' is back with more antics. Stream on FXX this Wednesday (Aug. 25) at 10 PM EST. -

Watch FXX Without Cable

4. Apple TV+ Series 'See' Gets a Second Season

The Apple TV+ post-apocalyptic series starring Jason Momoa returns for a second season this Friday (Aug. 27). -

Watch on Apple TV+