If you’re a fan of FYI Network’s unusual combination of survivalist home improvement content, we have good news: you don’t need cable to enjoy it. Read on to learn your options.
In a hurry? FYI isn’t as widely available as some channels but there are a number of choices. These are the best:
- DIRECTV STREAM: Makes it easy to switch from cable to streaming with their 75+ channel Entertainment plan and options for much more. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
- Sling TV: The top low-cost streaming service provides a great base channel lineup in both its plans. Save 50% your first month with Sling TV.
- Philo: This service gives you 70+ live TV channel for just $25/mo!
If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, try ExpressVPN to get access to the content you deserve.
Table Of Contents
Ostensibly offering “enthusiast lifestyle genres,” FYI is a hodge-podge of home improvement and design, cars, outdoor recreation, and survival content.
If you want to cut the cord on your cable company but still stay on top of what’s happening in HOME.MADE.NATION, read on.
What Is FYI
FYI started life in 1998 as The Biography Channel, a spin-off of A&E. It was a place to reliably catch documentaries, including old episodes of A&E’s award-winning, then-flagship series Biography. When A&E started shifting toward more reality programming, The Biography Channel took over Biography and other edutainment shows from its parent.
In 2007, the network was rebranded as simply “Bio,” and programming correspondingly shifted to “true stories about fascinating people” and away from traditional biographies. In 2014, under the leadership of Jana Bennett (the person behind TLC’s successful metamorphosis into a reality channel), the network was rebranded again as “FYI,” a lifestyle channel.
FYI currently features content for home fixer-upper fans, automotive enthusiasts, and reality junkies. The network is owned by A+E Networks, which is also the parent company of A&E, Lifetime, History, Crime + Investigation, and Vice, and is in turn owned by Hearst Communications and Disney.
Other channels with a home improvement focus are HGTV and Magnolia Network (formerly DIY). Channels that feature relationship-themed reality TV shows are TLC and WE tv, and other car-enthusiast channels are MotorTrend and Choppertown.
FYI Programming
Today, the FYI channel is a series of marathons of some of A&E’s top shows of the past. These include Duck Dynasty, Wife Swap, Storage Wars, and Ice Road Truckers. It does have at least a few original shows currently airing:
- Barrett-Jackson Revved Up: The auction company behind the #1 event for car lovers shares highlights from its annual auctions.
- Sell This House!: Tanya Memme helps problem homes get sold.
- Tiny House World: This continuation of Tiny House Hunting and Tiny House Nation follows would-be tiny house-owners from around the globe.
- Man vs Child: Chef Showdown: Professional adult master chefs compete against culinary prodigies.
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Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.
Stream FYI
FYI is available on most live TV streaming services, though notably not on FuboTV or YouTube TV. From the cheapest (Philo) to the most expensive (DIRECTV STREAM), let’s look at the details.
Philo
Smart TV shoppers will love Philo, which provides over 65 channels for $25/mo, plus streaming on up to 3 devices and unlimited DVR storage. What you might not love is that it’s missing a lot of major, popular channels, like Bravo, USA, Disney, local network stations, and pretty much any sports or news channels.
If that didn’t make you blink, then you should know you do get FYI, A&E, Crime + Investigation, HGTV, History, Lifetime, Magnolia Network, MotorTrend, TLC, and WE tv. (Philo review)
Sling TV
Sling TV makes you work a little harder at set-up, but it pays off in providing choice. Choose either the Orange or Blue package for $40.00/mo (or $55.00/mo for both). FYI Network comes with the Lifestyle Extra, a $6/mo add-on that includes FYI plus LMN, Magnolia Network, WE tv, all the Hallmark channels, and more.
Both base packages contain A&E, HGTV, History, Lifetime, and Vice, but you’ll have to choose between Sling Blue with TLC or Sling Orange with MotorTrend. Both plans come with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. (Sling TV review)
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) is everything you have come to expect from a telecom mega-company — except the long-term commitment. Get 75 to 140+ channels, depending on how much you want to pay. And you can switch plans (or cancel altogether) anytime you want.
Unlimited cloud DVR and devices on your home network plus all your local TV channels are included. To get FYI, you’ll have to get the Ultimate Package, which is $119.99/mo. It also has Magnolia Network, A&E, HGTV, MotorTrend, TLC, and WE tv. (DIRECTV STREAM review)
Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV builds on the long-time success of Hulu’s on-demand library by adding over 85 live channels of basic cable goodness. It starts on the pricey side — $76.99/mo — but Disney+ and ESPN+ are included in that subscription price.
It comes with unlimited cloud DVR with 9 months of storage, which can be upgraded. The good news — great news! — is that FYI is also included in the base package, along with A&E, HGTV, History, Lifetime, MotorTrend, and TLC. You should be aware that AMC Networks channels and services (AMC, Sundance TV, IFC, WEtv, Shudder) are not included. (Hulu + Live TV review)
Vidgo
Vidgo is for people who like the idea of Philo but really want their news and sports. For $69.99/mo, you can get over 110 channels, including FYI, A&E, HGTV, History, Lifetime, Magnolia Network, MotorTrend, and TLC. True motorheads can check out Choppertown on the Premium Plan to see if it’s worth the $84.99/mo. (Vidgo review)
Other Ways to Stream FYI
- FrndlyTV: A true skinny bundle, 30+ channels for $7.99/mo, and that includes all the A+E channels, including FYI. Other networks run to documentaries and information (like The Weather Channel), family programming, and outdoor recreation.
- PlutoTV: A free streaming service provided by Paramount Global through a website and app, Pluto has a lot of episodes of a lot of FYI shows, totally free.
FYI Alternatives
Other viewing options depend on your favorite parts of FYI.
- HGTV: More home renovation, design, and selling. Popular shows include Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Home Town, Celebrity IOU, and My Lottery Dream Home.
- Magnolia Network: Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper explore more home improvement, restoration, and food.
- TLC: If you like Married at First Sight, you’ll love 90 Day Fiance and its many spin-offs, Love After Lockup, and Unexpected.
- WE tv: Looking for relationship reality on the next level? Check out Marriage Boot Camp, Braxton Family Values, and the hot mess that is Mama June.
- Bravo: Home of Real Housewives, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and Below Deck, this is the destination for the ultimate in trash-TV guilty pleasures.
Superpower Your Live TV Streaming With a VPN
You can’t beat a VPN for privacy, security, and access. We have used them for years as an important part of our streaming toolkit and we recommend ExpressVPN. Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.
| i | See our VPN Buyer’s Guide for complete information on how to choose the best VPN for your needs. |
TVs and Mobile Devices to Live Stream FYI
All the most popular devices in use today are supported by the live TV streaming services we’ve highlighted:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android mobile devices
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- iOS devices (iPhone, iPad)
- Roku
- Samsung Smart TVs
- Web browsers
- Xbox.
There are some exceptions. DIRECTV STREAM does not support Apple TV and Xbox. It does, however, offer its own device that you can purchase directly. Philo and Vidgo do not support Samsung smart TVs and Xbox gaming systems.
See the streaming reviews we linked to above for complete lists. Some services support other devices. For example, Hulu supports the PlayStation.
Today’s FYI Network Schedule
Here is today’s schedule in Eastern Time:
| Storage Wars – Value of the Dolls Jarrod locates the party locker he has always wanted; Rene finds a new mobile business opportunity; Ivy's footwear makes a big impact. | |
| Storage Wars – L. Ron YUUUPer Ivy finagles some vintage outdoor accessories; Dave is subjected to an unexpected audit; Emily's departure spoils a buyer's day. | |
| Storage Wars – The Nutty Appraiser The Dotsons make their return in Adelanto, Calif.; Dave attempts to get his motors running; Darrell stumbles across a curious collection; Rene goes nuts. | |
| Storage Wars – Olé; GYN Mary's unit brings out her inner voice; Kenny attempts to clothe America; Brandi and Jarrod get a leg up on the competition. | |
| Storage Wars – Pop, Lock & Auction Ivy gambles on his own party locker; Brandi and Jarrod return to basics; Rene receives advice on his presentation. | |
| Storage Wars – Quoth the Kenny: Kumbaya! Darrell's pupil has a gothic graduation; Kenny uncovers a new career opportunity. | |
| Storage Wars – I Learned It From Watching You! Rene's daughter demonstrates her great eye; the Schulz-Passantes add to their outdoor options; the Gambler meets the predators. | |
| Storage Wars – You Win Some, You Luge Some Indio, Calif., proves to be extremely interesting for Dave; Brandi and Jarrod find the ultimate stash; Mary's locker misfires. | |
| Storage Wars – Talkin' in Cody It's all in the family in Moreno Valley, Calif., as Emily brings along her cowboy husband; Ivy is displeased at Mary's fraternization with the auctioneer; Kenny looks for anything in his locker that can wash off that storage scent. | |
| Storage Wars – Drawn & Quartered The Gambler returns to form in Huntington Beach, Calif.; Rene gets on everyone's bad side; Mary finds her likeness lucrative; Ivy faces cloudy prospects. | |
| Storage Wars – Hare Today, Gun Tomorrow Rene makes a shocking discovery; Darrell multiplies his investment on a locker; Ivy tests his radar on the best. | |
| Storage Wars – The Clamper Caper Brandi and Jarrod discover an illuminating stash; Dave does what he does best; Mary finally gets the help she needs. | |
| Storage Wars – Shave and a Haircut: Two Bids Mary attempts to impress a client; Rene finds protection from predators; Ivy heads to the barbershop. | |
| Storage Wars – Vamos a Placentia Rene laughs all the way to the bank; Darrell reels in a hoard of goodies. | |
| Storage Wars – Mutt-erial Girl Brandi rescues a loose pooch from oncoming traffic in Riverside, Calif.; Darrell's unit confirms his Magic Bullet Theory; Kenny's locker contains a shiny score. | |
| Storage Wars – Me, Myself and Ivy Darrell gives and takes when the buyers descend upon Arcadia, Calif.; Ivy's prospects soar; Rene and Casey uncover a his-and-hers locker. | |
| Storage Wars – 666: The Sign of the Profit Mary learns that not even the "cupped hands" of San Bernardino can save her fortune; Ivy manages to scrape together a bit of coin; Kenny finds all the magic. | |
| Storage Wars – Drawn & Quartered The Gambler returns to form in Huntington Beach, Calif.; Rene gets on everyone's bad side; Mary finds her likeness lucrative; Ivy faces cloudy prospects. | |
| Storage Wars – Hare Today, Gun Tomorrow Rene makes a shocking discovery; Darrell multiplies his investment on a locker; Ivy tests his radar on the best. | |
| Storage Wars – The Clamper Caper Brandi and Jarrod discover an illuminating stash; Dave does what he does best; Mary finally gets the help she needs. | |
| Storage Wars – Shave and a Haircut: Two Bids Mary attempts to impress a client; Rene finds protection from predators; Ivy heads to the barbershop. | |
| Storage Wars – Vamos a Placentia Rene laughs all the way to the bank; Darrell reels in a hoard of goodies. | |
| Storage Wars – Mutt-erial Girl Brandi rescues a loose pooch from oncoming traffic in Riverside, Calif.; Darrell's unit confirms his Magic Bullet Theory; Kenny's locker contains a shiny score. | |
| Storage Wars – Me, Myself and Ivy Darrell gives and takes when the buyers descend upon Arcadia, Calif.; Ivy's prospects soar; Rene and Casey uncover a his-and-hers locker. | |
| Storage Wars – 666: The Sign of the Profit Mary learns that not even the "cupped hands" of San Bernardino can save her fortune; Ivy manages to scrape together a bit of coin; Kenny finds all the magic. | |
| Storage Wars – High Scores in Arcadia The buyers visit the upper-class city of Arcadia, Calif., Darrell and Brandon are caught pulling shenanigans; Rene is joined by his father in the hunt for collectibles; Ivy gambles on something out of the ordinary. | |
| Storage Wars – The Lion of Lancaster Ivy looks for a home field advantage when the buyers arrive in Lancaster, Calif.; Mary cleans up after winning an impressive locker. | |
| Rare Silver Coin Set Add the Complete Set of 6 2023 Morgan and Peace Dollars in their prestigious original government packaging to your collection. All 6 issues have some of the lowest mintages of their respective series and are considered Absolute Rarities! | |
| Rare Silver Coin Set Add the Complete Set of 6 2023 Morgan and Peace Dollars in their prestigious original government packaging to your collection. All 6 issues have some of the lowest mintages of their respective series and are considered Absolute Rarities! | |
| Rare Silver Dollars Add the stunning set of 10 or 20 Silver Peace Dollars to your numismatic collection. Boasting a magnificent design by Anthony De Francisci, this Silver Dollar celebrated the restoration of peace after World War I had concluded. | |
| Rare Silver Dollars Add the stunning set of 10 or 20 Silver Peace Dollars to your numismatic collection. Boasting a magnificent design by Anthony De Francisci, this Silver Dollar celebrated the restoration of peace after World War I had concluded. | |
| Parking Wars Rodney and Sonjia boot a man who insists he's already paid all his tickets; Johnny Tickets meets angry opposition as he lives up to his nickname; Sonja is confronted by an angry mob at a Detroit bar while ticketing. | |
| Parking Wars Ponytail runs into furious Detroit citizens as he tries to catch early bird violators on his morning beat; Bonnie is confronted by argumentative repeat offenders; Rodney and Sonjia boot at a graduation ceremony. | |
| Parking Wars Lashelle tries to counsel sisters that are furious over a corner clearance violation; two men confront Johnny after they are ticketed for feeding the wrong meter, and Ponytail is all business while challenged by angry citizens. | |
| Parking Wars Lashelle faces off with angry parkers; Steve is confronted by an irate woman who refuses to believe the law; Darryl Lee tries, but fails, to keep his last day of parking enforcement peaceful. | |
| Parking Wars Mike and JoJo remove vehicles from a Staten Island apartment complex; angry Detroit citizens challenge Eric's authority; a man accuses Maria of writing bogus tickets. | |
| Parking Wars Eric tickets parking violators with machinelike precision; enraged car owners try to retrieve their vehicles from Hawk's tow lot; Sonja squares off with an incensed citizen who claims he was misled. | |
| Parking Wars Lashelle learns anger management in Detroit when citizens fly into a rage; New York attitude extends to Long Island where Rob tickets bad parkers and even worse drivers; angry shoppers threaten to call the cops on Hadrick. | |
| Parking Wars Steve takes abuse from a belligerent man; boxing legend Thomas Hearns gets ticketed by Lashelle; Judge Caprio listens to excuses as citizens fight their tickets. | |
| Parking Wars The length of Ponytail's hair and that of a city bus are challenged; an angry car owner attempts to re-claim his abandoned vehicle; taxi drivers skirt the law. | |
| Parking Wars Uncle JoJo threatens to tow a woman's vehicle unless she can produce a parking permit; broken parking meters cause trouble for Lashelle; Vinny's tickets upset Long Island scofflaws. | |
| Parking Wars Yolanda tries to help a young man get back his car; Garfield and Sherry experience divine intervention; Carmen faces off with angry construction workers. | |
| Parking Wars Yolanda faces a screaming couple at the impound lot; Lisa deals with sassy students on the college beat. | |
| Duck Dynasty – Driving Miss Sadie Willie, Jase and Si help Sadie prepare for her driver's test; Phil plays chaperone on John Luke's date. | |
| Duck Dynasty – Si-Yonara Si quits his job, and his replacement may cause Jase and the fellows to follow suit; Si attempts to repair a levee, with disastrous results. | |
| Duck Dynasty – The Grass & the Furious A high-school nemesis challenges the Duckmen to a high-octane lawn mower race; Phil is asked to build a playhouse for his granddaughters. | |
| Duck Dynasty – Fowl Play Willie becomes Big Brother after he installs a state-of-the-art surveillance system in the warehouse; Sadie is assigned house chores as a respite from her excessive text-messaging habit. | |
| Duck Dynasty – Sweatin' Bullets When a heat wave turns the warehouse into a sweatshop, the guys head to the lake and create their very own redneck water park; Willie hires the handy Mountain Man to fix the air conditioning. | |
| Duck Dynasty – Duck No We Won't Go The Duck Commander guys go on strike when Willie implements "motivational work tactics"; Miss Kay brings her home cooking to the streets of West Monroe. |
Wrapping Up
So whether you came for the matchmaker drama and stayed for the house flipping or vice versa, you don’t need your cable company to keep up with what’s going on with Rachel Ray’s Italian Dream Home.
Sign up for one of the streaming services listed above, and prepare to demolish that cable bill. A good choice is Philo for just $25/mo (Try Philo free for 7 days.).
FAQs
What happened to the Canadian FYI?
FYI in Canada was distributed by Corus Entertainment. In 2019, Canadian service providers started notifying customers that three specialty TV channels would be removed from service: IFC Canada, CosmoTV, and FYI. It is widely speculated that Corus was simply weeding out niche channels with lower viewership.
Why doesn’t YouTube TV have FYI?
Because you don’t want to pay $100+ a month for your TV, or you may as well just go back to cable, streaming services pick and choice what channels they offer. Media companies — NBCUniversal, Paramount Global, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, etc — charge TV providers to carry their channels. Typically, carriage fees are on a per-channel, per-subscriber basis. And more valuable channels command higher fees.
In order to keep subscription rates down, YouTube TV — and FuboTV as well — decided to pass on A+E channels. It’s the same reason why Hulu + Live TV doesn’t carry AMC, Fubo doesn’t carry Warner channels, and Philo doesn’t have anything more expensive than Discovery.
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