Prime Video channels: What’s Included and How to Use Them

When you sign up for Prime Video, Amazon’s streaming service that comes with Prime membership. Also known as Amazon Video, it gives you access to thousands of movies and originals — but it doesn’t stop there. Prime Video channels let you add premium networks like HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Paramount+ directly through your Amazon account. You don’t need a separate app or login. Just pay the extra monthly fee, and the content shows up in your library. It’s like buying a cable channel, but without the contract.

These add-ons aren’t random. They’re built around what people actually watch. If you’re into award-winning dramas, you might grab HBO, the network behind Succession, The Last of Us, and Game of Thrones. If you prefer horror or cult classics, Shudder, a horror-focused channel with deep cuts and indie films. is a smarter pick than paying for a bigger bundle. And if you’re watching sports, NFL Sunday Ticket, the exclusive package for out-of-market games. lets you skip cable entirely. You can cancel any channel anytime — no penalties. That’s the big advantage: control. You’re not locked in. You pay only for what you use.

But here’s the catch: not all channels are created equal. Some, like MGM+, are packed with old movies and niche titles. Others, like Discovery+, are better for documentaries and reality TV. The key is knowing what you already watch. If you’re already subscribed to Hulu or Netflix, adding another channel might just mean more clutter. Check your watch history. Look at what you’ve binge-watched in the last month. That’s your real guide. You don’t need every channel. You need the ones that match your habits.

Managing these add-ons is easier than you think. Go to your Prime Video settings, scroll to "Channels," and you’ll see what you’re paying for. You can preview free trials, compare prices, and even turn off auto-renewal. Many people forget they’re paying for something they stopped watching six months ago. That’s money leaking out of your wallet. A quick audit every few months saves you cash — and keeps your home screen clean.

What you’ll find below are real reviews and guides from people who’ve tried these channels. Some swear by Showtime for its original series. Others ditched Starz after one month. There are tips on how to use kids profiles to keep adult content out of sight, how to downgrade if you’re paying too much, and how to spot hidden fees. You’ll also see how streaming habits changed after the pandemic — how people now pick and choose channels like snacks at a convenience store, not like a full grocery haul. This isn’t about having everything. It’s about having what matters to you. Let’s get you set up right.