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The Ultimate Guide: What Channel Is Adult Swim On DirecTV And How To Watch The Hottest Shows

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Finding the Adult Swim channel on DirecTV is one of the most common questions for new and long-time subscribers, and as of December 2025, the channel number remains consistent. The key to locating your favorite late-night, adult-oriented programming is understanding that Adult Swim is not a standalone 24/7 channel. Instead, it operates as a distinct programming block that completely takes over the Cartoon Network channel during the evening and overnight hours. This unique setup means you only need to know one channel number to access a massive library of animated and live-action comedy.

For all DirecTV customers, the Adult Swim programming block is broadcast on the same channel that airs Cartoon Network during the day. This article provides the definitive channel number, the exact time the block begins, and all the ways you can stream shows like *Rick and Morty* and *Smiling Friends* on demand, ensuring you never miss the latest episodes.

Definitive DirecTV Channel Numbers for Adult Swim (2025)

To access the full range of Adult Swim content, you must tune into the Cartoon Network channel on your DirecTV receiver. The channel number is consistent across most of the United States, but you should be aware of the difference between the East and West Coast feeds.

Here is the essential channel information for DirecTV subscribers:

  • DirecTV Channel for Adult Swim (East Coast Feed): Channel 296
  • DirecTV Channel for Adult Swim (West Coast Feed): Channel 297

If you live on the East Coast, Channel 296 is your primary destination. If you live on the West Coast, you may find Channel 297 is the more relevant feed, as it broadcasts programming three hours later, aligning with Pacific Time. Both channels carry the exact same Adult Swim content, just scheduled for different time zones.

The Crucial Start Time: When Does Adult Swim Begin?

The most important detail for any fan is the exact transition time from Cartoon Network’s family-friendly content to the Adult Swim block. While the start time has shifted slightly over the years, the current schedule is aggressive, allowing fans to tune in earlier than ever.

  • Current Adult Swim Start Time (ET/PT): 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
  • End Time (ET/PT): 6:00 AM ET / 3:00 AM PT

This means that as of late 2025, the Adult Swim block runs for a massive 13-hour period every single night. The block begins at 5:00 PM Eastern Time and runs through the early morning, offering a full night of programming. This expanded schedule ensures that even those with early bedtimes can catch some of the network's most popular offerings.

DirecTV Packages That Include Cartoon Network/Adult Swim

The good news for DirecTV subscribers is that Cartoon Network, and by extension the Adult Swim block, is included in almost all of the provider's major satellite TV packages. You do not typically need a premium add-on to access the channel.

The channel is generally available in the following DirecTV packages:

  • ENTERTAINMENT Package
  • CHOICE™ Package
  • ULTIMATE Package
  • PREMIER™ Package

If you have one of the base-level packages, you should already have access to Channel 296/297. If you are a new subscriber or are considering upgrading, always double-check the latest channel lineup for your specific region and package to confirm inclusion.

How to Stream Adult Swim On Demand with DirecTV

For viewers who prefer to watch on their own schedule, DirecTV offers several convenient ways to stream Adult Swim content. This is the best option for catching up on shows you missed or binge-watching entire seasons of classic series.

1. DirecTV On Demand Service

Your DirecTV subscription includes an extensive On Demand library. You can access this via your receiver or the DirecTV website/app. Simply search for "Adult Swim" or the title of a specific show. Most current episodes of popular shows are available to stream shortly after they air live. You can find both new and classic series here, including *American Dad*, *Family Guy*, and *Aqua Teen Hunger Force*.

2. The DirecTV App

The DirecTV App (available on iOS, Android, and various streaming devices) allows you to watch live TV, including Channel 296/297, from anywhere. If you are away from home, you can tune into the live broadcast of the Adult Swim block right on your mobile device or tablet. The app also provides access to the On Demand library, giving you maximum flexibility.

3. Max (Formerly HBO Max)

Since Adult Swim is part of the Warner Bros. Discovery family, a significant portion of its content library is available on the Max streaming service. If your DirecTV package includes Max (like the PREMIER™ package), or if you subscribe separately, you can stream thousands of hours of Adult Swim shows, often in high-definition and without commercials. This includes flagship series like *Rick and Morty*, the latest seasons of *Primal*, and new originals like *Common Side Effects* (coming in 2025).

Top 15 Essential Adult Swim Shows to Watch on DirecTV (2025 Lineup)

Adult Swim is famous for its eclectic, boundary-pushing, and often surreal comedy. The 2025 lineup features a mix of long-running hits and critically acclaimed new series. Tuning into DirecTV Channel 296/297 will give you access to all of these entities.

Here are 15 must-watch shows you can expect to find on the Adult Swim block:

  1. Rick and Morty: The flagship animated sci-fi comedy, known for its complex plots and dark humor.
  2. Family Guy: The long-running Seth MacFarlane hit, which has found a second home on the block.
  3. American Dad!: Another MacFarlane favorite, offering a satirical look at a dysfunctional CIA agent's family.
  4. Smiling Friends: A breakout hit known for its bizarre, mixed-media animation and optimistic premise.
  5. Primal: Genndy Tartakovsky's stunning, dialogue-free animated series about a caveman and a dinosaur.
  6. The Eric André Show: A chaotic, surrealist, and often unscripted live-action talk show parody.
  7. Aqua Teen Hunger Force: A classic, absurdist comedy featuring three fast-food items as roommates.
  8. Joe Pera Talks with You: A gentle, wholesome, and unique comedy series that stands out from the rest of the lineup.
  9. Tuca & Bertie: An acclaimed animated series focusing on the friendship between two bird-women.
  10. Metalocalypse: A heavy metal animated series about the world's most popular (and dangerous) band.
  11. Robot Chicken: A long-running stop-motion sketch comedy show.
  12. YOLO: An Australian animated series about two partying friends.
  13. Three Busy Debras: A bizarre, dark, and highly stylized live-action comedy.
  14. My Adventures with Superman: A newer animated series that has found a home on the block.
  15. Common Side Effects: A highly anticipated new animated series slated to debut in 2025.

Understanding the East vs. West Feed (296 vs. 297)

For DirecTV users, the distinction between Channel 296 (East) and Channel 297 (West) is a key part of the viewing experience. This is not just a duplicate channel; it's a time-shifted feed.

The East Coast feed (Channel 296) broadcasts on Eastern Time (ET). The West Coast feed (Channel 297) broadcasts the exact same schedule on Pacific Time (PT). This means the show that airs at 8:00 PM ET on Channel 296 will air at 8:00 PM PT on Channel 297, which is three hours later in real-time. This is particularly useful for viewers in the Mountain and Pacific time zones who want to watch shows in prime time without waiting until midnight.

By saving both Channel 296 and Channel 297 to your DirecTV favorites, you give yourself two different options for catching the live broadcast of shows like *The Venture Bros.* and *Moral Orel*, depending on your schedule.

The Ultimate Guide: What Channel is Adult Swim on DirecTV and How to Watch the Hottest Shows
what channel is adult swim on directv
what channel is adult swim on directv

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