Mediacom Essential TV Channel Lineup: A Costly Cable Package with Only 125+ Channels

✦ Edited and fact-checked by Managing Editor Mike Strayer, our editorial lead with over ten years of experience covering TV and entertainment.

The Mediacom Essential TV channel lineup is kinda “meh”

The Mediacom Essential TV package features a middle-of-the-road channel lineup (125+ channels) at a premium price ($139.35/mo.). “Essentially,” it builds upon the base Local TV package by adding a decent selection of the popular cable channels you love.

Essential TV gives you a mix of entertainment, news, and kids programming, often available in HD. You’ll find favorites like A&E HD, CNN HD, Disney Channel HD, and Food Network HD in your lineup. Basically, it’s the classic cable lineup that everyone in your household can enjoy, and it’s a big step up from Mediacom’s local-only package.

To see all 125+ channels available in the Essential TV package, check out the full channel lineup table below, or visit our comprehensive Mediacom Xtream TV Channel Lineup Guide to see every Xtream TV channel available in your area.

Mediacom Essential TV complete channel lineup

Mediacom Essential TV is overpriced for the channel count

The Essential TV package is priced at $139.35/mo., but keep in mind that Mediacom TV plans require you to bundle them with a high-speed internet plan. The upside? Bundling keeps all your services neatly consolidated under one bill and comes with a slight monthly discount.

If you’re looking to manage your monthly budget, Mediacom Xtream TV is worth considering, but again, it’s important to understand the full cost of bundling. For pricing and monthly savings details and to see if one of the Mediacom high-speed internet plans fits your needs, check out our Mediacom Internet Plans page.

Get more channels with Xtream TV premium add-ons

Mediacom allows you to fully customize your Essential TV experience with a comprehensive suite of premium networks and digital channel packs.

• HBO Max: For $18.95/mo., you get seven live HBO channels (six in HD) plus access to the HBO Max streaming service.
• Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: Priced at $10.99/mo., this bundle provides eight live SHOWTIME channels (six in HD), including The Movie Channel and FLiX, plus Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
• STARZ: For $10.99/mo., you get 13 live STARZ and STARZ ENCORE channels (10 in HD).
• Cinemax: Get eight live Cinemax channels (two in HD) for $12.95/mo.

Mediacom also offers a variety of Digital PAKs, such as the Kids & Variety PAK, which typically cost $9.95/mo. and add around 20 channels each.

How Mediacom Xtream TV ranks in customer satisfaction

To start with, our editorial rating for Mediacom currently sits at 3.10 out of 5.00 stars, which is pretty low.

In our broader customer satisfaction analysis, detailed in the 2025 TV Customer Satisfaction Awards, Mediacom (listed as Xtream powered by Mediacom) performed well in a couple of categories.

For example, in terms of “everything else” a provider offers, Xtream tied for third place with Xfinity, with 68% of customers either completely or very satisfied. This rating suggests that while Xtream’s base services have some room for improvement, a decent amount of customers are pleased with some of its secondary features.

Mediacom Essential TV channel lineup FAQ

What’s the price for Mediacom Essential TV?

The Mediacom Essential TV package is priced at $139.35/mo. But keep in mind that Mediacom TV plans must also be bundled with an internet package.

How many channels are on Essential TV?

Mediacom Essential TV comes with 125+ channels, including all the channels from its Local TV package plus loads of popular cable entertainment networks.

Can I get Max or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME with Xtream Essential TV?

Yes, you can add premium movie and TV streaming bundles like HBO Max for $18.95/mo. or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME for $10.99/mo. to your Essential TV plan.

What is the total cost for Xtream TV service?

The total cost for any Xtream TV powered by Mediacom service will depend on your bundle, generally ranging from $119.35/mo. to $214.35/mo. when packaged with a high-speed internet plan.