
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, streaming services have become a cornerstone of how we consume content. Discovery Plus stands out as a premier platform for fans of reality TV, documentaries, true crime, home improvement, food, and nature programming. With over 2,500 shows from iconic networks like TLC, HGTV, Food Network, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Investigation Discovery (ID), OWN, Travel Channel, and Science Channel, Discovery Plus offers a diverse and engaging library. For DISH Network subscribers, accessing Discovery Plus is seamless, as it’s available as a premium add-on, integrating effortlessly with your satellite TV service. This comprehensive 2500-word guide, as of August 5, 2025, explores what to watch on Discovery Plus through DISH Network, how to access it, the benefits of this integration, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a reality TV enthusiast, a documentary buff, or a home renovation dreamer, this guide will help you navigate the best of Discovery Plus on DISH.
Accessing Discovery Plus on DISH Network
Discovery Plus is not a traditional TV channel but a streaming service available as a premium add-on for DISH Network subscribers. This integration allows you to enjoy Discovery Plus content alongside your regular DISH programming, making it a convenient addition to your entertainment setup. Here’s how to get started:
Subscription Process
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Visit the DISH Website: Go to my.dish.com/discoveryplus to subscribe to Discovery Plus through your DISH account. This ensures your subscription is linked to your DISH service for easy access.
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Contact DISH Support: If you prefer assistance, call DISH customer support at 1-800-333-DISH (3474) to add Discovery Plus to your account.
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Pricing: Discovery Plus typically offers two tiers: an ad-supported plan for $4.99/month and an ad-free plan for $6.99/month. DISH may offer promotional bundles or discounts, so check the website for current pricing.
Watching on DISH TV
Once subscribed, you can access Discovery Plus directly through your DISH TV:
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Press the “Menu” button on your DISH remote.
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Navigate to the “On Demand” section.
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Select “Browse by Channel.”
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Find “Discovery Plus” in the “On Demand Subscriptions” section and start streaming.
Streaming on Other Devices
DISH subscribers can also stream Discovery Plus on mobile devices, tablets, or computers using the DISH Anywhere app:
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Download the DISH Anywhere app from the App Store or Google Play.
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Log in with your DISH account credentials.
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Access Discovery Plus content within the app, allowing you to watch on the go.
Additional Notes
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DISH Anywhere: This app enhances flexibility, letting you stream Discovery Plus content anywhere with an internet connection.
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DVR Capabilities: With a DISH Hopper DVR, you can record Discovery Plus shows for later viewing, a feature not available with standalone Discovery Plus subscriptions.
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Internet Requirement: Streaming Discovery Plus requires a stable internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps for HD, 25 Mbps for multiple devices).
What to Watch on Discovery Plus
Discovery Plus offers a rich and diverse content library, catering to a wide range of interests. Below is a curated selection of must-watch shows and content categories available through DISH Network, organized by genre to help you find your next binge-worthy series.
1. True Crime and Mystery
True crime fans will find plenty to love on Discovery Plus, with gripping documentaries and series from Investigation Discovery (ID):
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On Patrol: Live: Experience real-time police patrols across the U.S., offering an unfiltered look at law enforcement in action.
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Murder Chose Me: Follow retired detective Rod Demery as he recounts his most haunting homicide cases, blending personal storytelling with suspense.
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A Time to Kill: Dive into compelling stories of justice and revenge, exploring the motives behind shocking crimes.
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The First 48: Follow detectives racing against the clock to solve homicides within the critical first 48 hours, a high-stakes documentary series.
2. Home and Lifestyle
For those passionate about home renovation, design, and lifestyle, Discovery Plus delivers top-tier content from HGTV and Magnolia Network:
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Fixer Upper: Chip and Joanna Gaines transform outdated homes into stunning spaces in Waco, Texas, with their signature modern-farmhouse style.
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Property Brothers: Drew and Jonathan Scott guide homebuyers through the process of finding and renovating their dream homes.
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House Hunters: Follow families and individuals as they search for the perfect home, from cozy cottages to urban lofts.
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Down Home Fab: Chelsea Houska and Cole DeBoer bring their unique design flair to home makeovers, blending rustic and modern aesthetics.
3. Food and Cooking
Food Network’s offerings on Discovery Plus are a treat for culinary enthusiasts:
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Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Join Guy Fieri as he explores America’s best roadside eateries, showcasing comfort food and local flavors.
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Chopped: Watch chefs compete in intense cooking challenges, using mystery basket ingredients to create innovative dishes.
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Beat Bobby Flay: Celebrity chefs face off against culinary icon Bobby Flay in high-stakes cook-offs.
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Cake Boss: Follow Buddy Valastro and his team at Carlo’s Bakery as they craft elaborate cakes for special occasions.
4. Nature and Wildlife
Animal Planet and Discovery Channel’s nature programming is a highlight of Discovery Plus:
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Planet Earth: Marvel at breathtaking visuals of Earth’s landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena.
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River Monsters: Jeremy Wade investigates mysterious aquatic creatures in rivers worldwide, blending adventure and science.
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Shark Week: A collection of thrilling documentaries and specials celebrating the ocean’s most iconic predators.
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Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet: Follow Dr. Michelle Oakley as she treats animals in the rugged Yukon wilderness.
5. Reality TV
Discovery Plus is a haven for reality TV fans, with addictive series from TLC and other networks:
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90 Day Fiancé: Follow international couples navigating love, visas, and cultural differences in this wildly popular franchise.
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Say Yes to the Dress: Join brides-to-be at Kleinfeld Bridal as they search for their dream wedding gown.
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Dr. Pimple Popper: Dr. Sandra Lee treats patients with extreme skin conditions, combining medical expertise with compelling stories.
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Ghost Adventures: Zak Bagans and his paranormal investigation team explore haunted locations across the U.S.
6. Science and Technology
For those curious about how things work, Discovery Plus offers engaging science and tech content:
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How It’s Made: Discover the fascinating manufacturing processes behind everyday products, from candy to cars.
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MythBusters: Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman test popular myths and urban legends with scientific rigor.
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Through the Wormhole: Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this series explores mind-bending questions about the universe.
7. Exclusive Originals
Discovery Plus features exclusive content not available on traditional TV channels:
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Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed: A revealing documentary series exploring controversies surrounding the Hillsong Church.
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90 Day Fiancé: Love in Paradise: A spin-off following couples finding love in exotic tropical locations.
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BattleBots: High-energy robot battles showcasing engineering and competition.
Content Overview Table
Genre |
Key Networks |
Popular Shows |
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True Crime |
Investigation Discovery |
On Patrol: Live, Murder Chose Me, A Time to Kill, The First 48 |
Home and Lifestyle |
HGTV, Magnolia Network |
Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, House Hunters, Down Home Fab |
Food and Cooking |
Food Network |
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, Cake Boss |
Nature and Wildlife |
Animal Planet, Discovery Channel |
Planet Earth, River Monsters, Shark Week, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet |
Reality TV |
TLC |
90 Day Fiancé, Say Yes to the Dress, Dr. Pimple Popper, Ghost Adventures |
Science and Technology |
Science Channel, Discovery Channel |
How It’s Made, MythBusters, Through the Wormhole |
Exclusive Originals |
Discovery Plus |
Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed, 90 Day Fiancé: Love in Paradise, BattleBots |
With over 2,500 shows and thousands of episodes, Discovery Plus ensures endless entertainment for DISH subscribers.
Benefits of Watching Discovery Plus on DISH Network
Integrating Discovery Plus with your DISH Network subscription offers several advantages that enhance your viewing experience:
Seamless Integration
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Access Discovery Plus directly through your DISH TV’s On Demand menu, eliminating the need for additional streaming devices or apps.
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The intuitive interface makes it easy to browse and select content without switching platforms.
DVR Capabilities
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With a DISH Hopper DVR, you can record Discovery Plus shows for later viewing, a feature not available with standalone Discovery Plus subscriptions.
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Schedule recordings for series like 90 Day Fiancé or Fixer Upper to watch at your convenience.
Bundle Deals
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DISH frequently offers promotional bundles that include Discovery Plus, potentially reducing costs compared to subscribing separately.
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Check my.dish.com for current promotions, such as gift cards or discounted rates for new subscribers.
Multi-Device Streaming
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Stream Discovery Plus on your DISH TV, smartphones, tablets, or computers via the DISH Anywhere app.
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This flexibility allows you to watch your favorite shows at home or on the go, provided you have an internet connection.
Enhanced Viewing Experience
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DISH’s advanced technology, including the Hopper 3 DVR and Wi-Fi 6 support, ensures smooth streaming and high-quality playback.
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Enjoy Discovery Plus content in HD, with minimal buffering when using a stable internet connection (recommended 25 Mbps for multiple devices).
Comparison with Standalone Subscription
Feature |
Discovery Plus via DISH |
Standalone Discovery Plus |
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Access Method |
DISH TV On Demand, DISH Anywhere app |
Discovery Plus app or website |
DVR Recording |
Available with Hopper DVR |
Not available |
Bundle Discounts |
Potential savings with DISH promotions |
Standard pricing ($4.99-$6.99/month) |
Device Compatibility |
DISH TV, mobile devices, computers |
Smart TVs, mobile devices, computers |
Live TV |
Limited to select events |
Primarily on-demand content |
Additional Considerations
Internet Requirements
Streaming Discovery Plus requires a reliable internet connection. DISH recommends:
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5 Mbps for standard definition streaming.
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25 Mbps for HD streaming or multiple devices. If you’re in a rural area, consider pairing DISH with a satellite internet provider like HughesNet or Starlink for optimal streaming performance.
Content Limitations
Discovery Plus primarily offers on-demand content, including past seasons of shows. For live TV from Discovery networks (e.g., Discovery Channel on channel 182, TLC on 183), you’ll need a DISH package like America’s Top 120 or higher. Some Discovery Plus originals, like BattleBots, may also be available on other platforms, but most are exclusive to the service.
Future Outlook
As of 2025, Discovery Plus remains a standalone streaming service, but its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, has plans to merge it with Max (formerly HBO Max) in the future. This could expand the content library for DISH subscribers, potentially including Max originals alongside Discovery Plus shows. Stay updated by checking discoveryplus.com or DISH’s official website.
Conclusion
Discovery Plus on DISH Network is a fantastic option for viewers seeking diverse, engaging content from some of the most beloved networks in television. From true crime thrillers like On Patrol: Live to home renovation classics like Fixer Upper and culinary adventures like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, there’s something for every taste. The seamless integration with DISH’s On Demand menu, combined with DVR capabilities and multi-device streaming via the DISH Anywhere app, makes it a convenient and versatile addition to your entertainment lineup. Whether you’re a DISH subscriber looking to expand your viewing options or a new customer exploring bundles, Discovery Plus delivers exceptional value. Visit my.dish.com/discoveryplus or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) to start streaming today and dive into a world of captivating content.
FAQs: Discovery Plus on DISH Network
1. How much does Discovery Plus cost on DISH Network?
Discovery Plus is a premium add-on, typically priced at $4.99/month (ad-supported) or $6.99/month (ad-free). DISH may offer bundle discounts, so check my.dish.com/discoveryplus for current pricing.
2. Can I watch Discovery Plus without a DISH subscription?
Yes, you can subscribe directly through discoveryplus.com or the Discovery Plus app. However, subscribing via DISH offers benefits like DVR recording and seamless TV integration.
3. What devices can I use to watch Discovery Plus on DISH?
You can watch on your DISH TV through the On Demand menu or stream via the DISH Anywhere app on smartphones, tablets, or computers.
4. Is Discovery Plus included in standard DISH packages?
No, Discovery Plus is a separate add-on and not included in packages like America’s Top 120. You must subscribe separately through DISH.
5. Can I watch live TV from Discovery networks on Discovery Plus?
Discovery Plus focuses on on-demand content. For live TV from networks like Discovery Channel (channel 182) or TLC (channel 183), you’ll need a DISH package that includes these channels.
6. Can I record Discovery Plus shows with my DISH DVR?
Yes, with a DISH Hopper DVR, you can record Discovery Plus content for later viewing, a unique advantage of subscribing through DISH.
7. Does Discovery Plus offer a free trial through DISH?
Free trials may be available periodically. Check my.dish.com/discoveryplus or contact DISH at 1-800-333-DISH (3474) to confirm current offers.
8. Is Discovery Plus available in 4K on DISH?
Currently, Discovery Plus does not offer 4K streaming. However, DISH supports 4K content on other channels, ensuring high-quality viewing for compatible programming.
9. How do I cancel my Discovery Plus subscription on DISH?
Manage your subscription through your DISH account at my.dish.com or contact customer support at 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for assistance.
10. What makes Discovery Plus different from other streaming services?
Discovery Plus specializes in reality TV, documentaries, and lifestyle content from Discovery-owned networks, offering a niche focus compared to broader platforms like Netflix or Hulu. Its affordability ($4.99-$6.99/month) and exclusive originals make it a unique addition.