TL;DR
YouTube TV has finally ditched the "one-size-fits-all" $73/month model for a tiered system. The new $70 Family Plan is the sweet spot, bundling essential kids' networks with local sports and news, while the $50 Skinny Bundle is great if you’ve already moved your kids entirely over to Disney+ and Netflix.
Quick Links for the Family Plan:
- PBS Kids (Best for ages 3-7)
- Bluey (The undisputed GOAT of family TV)
- Wild Kratts (Science that doesn't feel like school)
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (Check the movie on YouTube TV, then read the book!)
- Common Sense Media Guide
If you’re like me, your "subscriptions" folder in your banking app is looking a little crowded. For years, YouTube TV was the simple choice—one price, every channel. But as of February 2026, they’ve pivoted to "Skinny Bundles" to compete with the rising costs of Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
Here is how the new tiers break down for families:
The "Base" Skinny Bundle ($49.99/mo)
This is the "I just want the local news and the weather" plan. It’s light on kids' content. You get your locals (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) and some basic cable like HGTV and Food Network. If your kids are strictly into YouTube Kids or Minecraft and don't care about "live" TV, this is a great way to save $250 a year.
The "Family Plus" Plan ($69.99/mo)
This is the one YouTube TV is betting on for us. It includes the Disney trio (Disney, Disney Junior, Disney XD), Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and—crucially—unlimited DVR for 6 separate household accounts. This is the "peace in the household" plan because your teenager can DVR The Last of Us while your 6-year-old keeps a library of Spidey and His Amazing Friends.
The "Ultimate" Plan ($94.99/mo)
Unless you are a die-hard sports fan who needs every out-of-market game or you’re obsessed with 4K resolution for your nature docs, skip this. It’s overkill for most families.
Ask our chatbot which plan fits your specific zip code
We talk a lot about "brain rot" at Screenwise—that mindless, infinite scroll of short-form content that leaves kids (and us) feeling like zombies. One of the weirdly "pro-wellness" things about YouTube TV's live interface is that it re-introduces the concept of episodic content.
When a kid watches Bluey on a loop on Disney+, the algorithm just feeds them more and more. On YouTube TV, the show ends, and something else comes on. It creates a natural "stopping point" that helps with those transition tantrums.
The "Profile" Hack
The best part of the $70 Family Plan isn't the channels; it's the Google Family Link integration. You can set up a specific profile for your child that only shows age-appropriate DVR recordings. If you’re worried about them accidentally clicking into a TV-MA show you recorded, the 2026 update has made switching profiles much more secure (finally!).
If you're paying $70 a month, you want to make sure your kids are watching stuff that actually adds value to their lives. Here are my top picks currently airing or available via the YouTube TV VOD library:
Ages 5-10 This is the gold standard for educational TV. It’s fast-paced enough to keep them off Roblox for thirty minutes, but they actually learn about biology and ecosystems.
Ages 8-12 If your kids are starting to get into that "edgy" humor phase but you aren't ready for them to watch South Park, Gumball is the perfect middle ground. It’s chaotic, visually brilliant, and actually funny for adults too.
Ages 6+ This is our favorite "family night" show. It encourages kids to get off the couch and into the kitchen. It’s one of the few reality shows that isn't toxic—it's actually quite sweet to see the kids support each other.
Ages 9+ If your kids haven't seen the original animated series, use the DVR to catch the reruns on Nicktoons. It deals with complex themes like war, forgiveness, and responsibility in a way that is profoundly respectful to a child's intelligence.
Check out our guide on the best educational shows for elementary kids
Even with the new pricing and better profiles, YouTube TV has one big flaw: The Ads.
In 2026, the targeted advertising on live TV has become scarily accurate. Because YouTube TV is owned by Google, they know your kid likes Lego Star Wars and Stardew Valley. The commercials will reflect that.
What to watch out for:
- Consumerism: Live TV is basically a 24/7 commercial for toys and junk food. If you find your kids "needing" every new gadget, try sticking to the DVR recordings where they can skip the ads.
- The "Home" Screen: The YouTube TV home screen often features "Trending" shows. Sometimes these are great, but sometimes they feature thumbnail images for horror movies or mature dramas.
- In-App Purchases: Be careful with the "Add-on" section. It is incredibly easy to accidentally subscribe to HBO Max or Showtime with two clicks of the remote. Make sure you have a "Purchase PIN" set up in your Google account.
Learn how to set up a Google Purchase PIN
When you switch to a skinny bundle or change your subscription, it’s a great "teachable moment" about household budgeting and digital intentionality.
- The "Trade-off" Conversation: "We're switching to this new plan because it saves us $20 a month. That $20 is going toward our summer camping trip (or a new Nintendo Switch game)."
- The "Why We Record" Conversation: "We use the DVR so we can skip the commercials. Commercials are designed to make us want things we don't need."
- The "Channel Selection" Conversation: If they're upset that a niche channel is gone, explain that we only pay for the things we actually use. It helps them see digital content as a service, not an infinite right.
YouTube TV’s 2026 pricing shift is actually a win for intentional parents. For $70, you get a controlled environment with high-quality kids' programming and the best DVR in the business.
If you find your family is mostly watching Netflix or playing Splatoon 3, don't be afraid to drop down to the $50 Skinny Bundle or cancel altogether for a few months. These services aren't marriages—you can walk away whenever the "brain rot" starts to outweigh the benefits.
Next Steps:
- Check your "Most Watched" list on your current YouTube TV account.
- If 80% of those channels are in the "Base" tier, downgrade today and save the $20.
- Set up individual profiles for your kids to keep your own recommendations clean.
Read our full guide on YouTube vs. YouTube TV for parents
Ask our chatbot about alternatives to YouTube TV