Animal Planet has long been the premier destination for viewers who want to connect with the natural world. From heartwarming rescue stories to thrilling wildlife documentaries, the network offers a diverse range of programming that appeals to animal lovers of all ages. If you are looking for ways to watch your favorite shows without a traditional cable subscription, you have several reliable options available today.
The Best Ways to Watch Animal Planet
In the modern streaming landscape, accessing Animal Planet content is easier than ever. You no longer need a long-term satellite or cable contract to enjoy series like Crikey! It’s the Irwins or Pit Bulls & Parolees. Depending on whether you want to watch live broadcasts or on-demand episodes, you can choose from dedicated streaming platforms or live TV streaming services.
Most viewers now prefer streaming because it offers the flexibility to watch on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Below, we break down the most effective methods to get your nature fix.
Streaming on Discovery+
Discovery+ is the primary streaming home for the entire Discovery family of networks, which includes Animal Planet. This service is often the most cost-effective choice for fans who exclusively want on-demand access to a massive library of nature and wildlife content.
What you get with Discovery+:
- Access to thousands of episodes from the Animal Planet archives.
- Exclusive original series that aren’t available on the linear TV channel.
- A choice between an ad-supported tier and an ad-free experience.
- The ability to stream on up to four devices simultaneously.
Discovery+ is available on almost every major streaming device, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android devices. It is an excellent choice for those who prefer binge-watching older seasons or catching up on new episodes shortly after they air.
Watching Animal Planet on Max
Following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, much of the Animal Planet catalog has moved to the Max streaming service. If you already subscribe to Max for movies or HBO series, you likely already have access to a significant portion of Animal Planet’s library.
While Max includes many popular Animal Planet titles, it may not always feature every single episode found on Discovery+. However, for the casual viewer, it provides a high-quality streaming experience with the added benefit of a massive library of other entertainment genres. Max is particularly useful for families who want a mix of nature documentaries and blockbuster films in one subscription.
Live TV Streaming Services
If you prefer the experience of channel surfing or want to watch Animal Planet live as it broadcasts, a live TV streaming service is your best bet. These services function like cable but operate over your internet connection without the need for specialized hardware installations.
Philo
Philo is often cited as the most budget-friendly way to watch Animal Planet live. It focuses on lifestyle and entertainment channels, intentionally omitting expensive sports and local news networks to keep the price low. Philo includes an unlimited DVR feature, allowing you to record Animal Planet shows and save them for up to a year.