[Updated] DirecTV Showtime and Epix Free Preview October 1 – 4, 2020
Update 2 – 10/1: Looks like DirecTV’s Showtime/Epix free preview still didn’t go off as planned. I got around to checking my own channels about 3:00 p.m. Showtime is available…as is The Movie Channel, surprisingly…but no Epix. Obviously DirecTV’s having some issues. Hopefully they’ll get it straightened out soon.
Thanks to everyone who commented. Especially those providing insights with regard to not being able to record free preview channels anymore (see updates below). Not a cool move, DirecTV! Oh well, it was good while it lasted.
Update to recording...I’m able to record a Showtime show and movie.
Update 2 recording: As reader Fred reported, and I confirmed, recorded shows are viewable.
And I was able to view the recorded free preview movie on Tuesday after the free preview period had ended. At least in my instance, recording and viewing of free preview programming for this offering still worked as in the past.
Feel free to give your own data points in the comment section.
Even though things have smoothed out, I still have to say, if DirecTV won’t play significantly with offering a low price this year, it just might be time for me to switch to YouTube TV, Fubo or one of the other streaming options.
Thanks for reading and commenting everyone. Keep in mind, we offer a variety of money-saving tips and strategies aside from DirecTV related info. Check our discussion board or search for topics if interested.
Update: The dates/free preview offerings were incorrect when initially published.
The new Showtime/Epix free preview dates should be October 1 – October 4, 2020. We’ll update if that information changes.
This weekend (through September 27th), DirecTV subscribers should have access to the Movies Extra Pack free preview. Not as exciting, but still access to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama, Smithsonian Channel, Sony Movie Channel, HDNET Movies, MGM HD, Crime + Investigation, MTV Live, and ShortsTV. Depending on your receiver, these channels may not show as available, but they are.
Sorry for the confusion everyone. Mark your calendars for next weekend’s Showtime/Epix free preview.
DirecTV is offering a free Showtime and Epix preview Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4, 2020.
All you need to do to take advantage of this free extended weekend of premium channels is tune to channels 545-552 for Showtime and 558-560 for Epix (may be different for some subscribers) and enjoy.
DVR for Later Viewing
There are questions as to whether DirecTV is still allowing recorded shows to be viewed after free previews have ended.
Recording still seems to work, as does viewing recordings after the free preview has ended. Hopefully, it stays this way going forward.
If you have a DVR, you can record as many free preview programs as you like to watch at a later date. Just because the free preview ends, doesn’t mean your recorded movies/shows go away. Once recorded, you have them saved until you delete them.
Wrap Up
Enjoy all Showtime and Epix have to offer during this 4-day period, absolutely free thanks to DirecTV’s free preview.
While this post is specific to DirecTV there are many other pay-TV providers who may be giving subscribers a free preview of these premium channels, too.
So if you know someone who isn’t a DirecTV subscriber, let them know they may be getting a free preview, as well.
And don’t forget to DVR free preview programs you want to see, but just don’t have the time to sit and watch, for your future viewing pleasure.
Reduce Your DirecTV Bill
A quick aside: If you’re a DirecTV subscriber and you feel your monthly bill is a little too high, be sure to read our piece “How to Lower Your DirecTV Bill,” to get specifics on how to pay less for your DirecTV service. Or check out our DirecTV topic on the Savings Beagle Message Board to read other readers’ experiences lowering their DirecTV bills. You just might be able to save a significant amount on your entertainment costs using our tips and the experiences of others.
We recorded Patriot Games today, October 3 on DirecTV channel 545 (SHOeHD) at 6:00 AM and watched the recording from about 10 to 12 noon same day.
Fred,
Thanks for the recording update! That’s good news. Looks like the recording of free preview channels is still an option.
Thanks again for the comment.
I just got off the phone with DirecTV and they said we can no longer record free previews. They encourage us to subscribe to the channels.
Hi everyone. Been offline until now. Wow, DirecTV can’t even get the start of the free previews right when they have a full week to prepare?!
Gracy and EA Thompson – Thanks for the comments about not being able to record free previews. I’ve added that to the original post. That’s unfortunate…but, I guess, not surprising considering other moves AT&T has made.
Thanks everyone for checking back in and commenting. Wish it was because we all had access to the free preview channels that were advertised and that recording them worked like in the past. Oh well. Not to be.
It’s not working. Is this still happening?
Please, Just Get Your Crap Together! It appears You are So concerned that You Get a Sign Up for Giving a Free Preview. That you set it up, that if you do the wrong push of a button you will Sign up for a Extra Premium Chanel. and Also Don’t think that Us Consumers Can’t See over half of the On Demand Shown are Being Eliminated. This Appears You are Now wanting to Remove Them To Make us Pay Extra, For a Service You Used to Get Us to Sing up To Your Service With
Today is 1OCT20 at 1:40 pm eastern time and no free Epix .
I am not able to get the free Showtime preview Oct. 1-4. I’ve tried watching the channel or going to the Guide to record a show. Nothing! Just options to subscribe. Am I doing something wrong????
It is now October 1st and still now free preview of Showtime and Epic. What happened? I am very disappointed in Directv and am thinking of changing to streaming.
Today is Oct 1st 11:30 and no free Epix at this time, I already have Showtime so not sure what time it’s going to be available, Directv has really gone to S*** since AT&T took over !
Why aren’t the free preview channels showing up on the guide which also won’t allow you to record, oh it’s at&t.
The free preview advertised for Oct 1-4 does not even work.
Just spoke with CS and was informed that this free preview is ONLY available via their app…wow. Nothing in their message that goes across my tv screen noting that little bit of info! I was offered Showtime for $6.99 for six months. Gotcha! Unreal and not wonder they keep losing customers!
As of 10:15 A.M. on Thursday, Oct. 1, the free preview of Showtime and Epic channels 545-560 will not work. I have received the message about the free preview under the “messages” dashboard on my tv screen. I have been checking since 7 this morning – and still nothing. Par for the course with Direct TV, customer service has steadily gone downhill, and our monthly bill has steadily gone up, it’s an obscene amount and we don’t receive any premium channels. Just pathetic…
On the phone an hour this morning w/at&t tech support because the free preview channels Shotime and Epix will not allow me to DVR anything…tech support said it was a software glitch a d the engineers were working on it…he set me up to get a text when the problem is solved…I’m not holding my breath
Well its Oct 1 and the preview is still not available. Great job AT&T. I know we DirecTV users are the bastard children but why did you take over the business and trash it? Was this just a ploy to get us to switch to your cell service? Count me as another totally dissatisfied customer.
I am not seeing the free preview channels lit up. I am unable to set a recording for a movie showing later today because I have not subscribed to Showtime…
Anyone else experiencing problems with the free preview Oct 1-4?
After speaking with Directv technical and loyalty department this morning, I was told that cannot record anything on a free preview. Beginning Oct. 1, channel guide still shows Showtime channels “grayed out”. I can still access the channel but cannot record.
So the free Showtime/EPIX preview was supposed to start today but the channels are still grayed out on my channel guide and if I go to one it just asks me to subscribe. Is anyone else having this issue?
No free preview yet.
So far no free preview. Some people are saying that the message was sent in error.
Why am I not getting the free showtime and epic?
Today is October 1. I did not get any of the free hallmark or movie channels.
The free preview is not happening for me as promised, Showtime/Epix, Oct. 1-4, still blocked, get it together Direct TV, you used to be the bomb before AT&T took over
Where’s the free preview????
What time today does this start? It is 9:40 am here and still no free Epix and Showtime. Do I need to reboot my equipment?
It’s October 1st and still no access to these channels. What time does the preview start?
oct. 1st and the free view for showtime and epix isnt on. Said the thursday thru sunday. They are not on yet. Still saying if u wanna pay. Must be friday morning they will come on.
I agree DirecTV is not what they used to be. Eventually I will phase them out when I’m comfortable with all the new streaming products available. Basically a couple weeks ago I was on a live chat with a DirecTV customer service rep and they promised me four or five premium channels for 90 days for free and all I had to do was call to cancel before the end of the 90 days of trial. I took screenshots of the conversation I had with the DirecTV customer service rep that promised me those four or five premium channels for three months for free. They did not appear on my TV that day so I called back the next day figuring it took time to process even though other times they have pressed the button while I was talking to them and the screen instantly turned on a premium channel. So when I got on the phone with DirecTV they said that conversation never happened and you are not getting anything for free. Talk with the supervisor and everything else including escalation and they don’t seem to care anymore I have been with them for 31 years since 1989. Anyone else have a similar experience? Would be interested to hear.
The free preview for showtime and Epix is Oct. 1-4 but don’t count on anything good coming on because that’s how AT & T works now. I agree with the previous comments, that company is trash but I don’t have any alternative except Comcast and I despise hem almost as much!
I understand it’s not for everyone, but we list a number of streaming options that can take the place of DirecTV in our Discussion Board Streaming TV section.
Actually, I tried to record HBO movies in the past and watch them later and was not able to because it was after the free preview time period.
Strange. Granted, I didn’t try the recording/watching after the free preview ended the last few times free previews were offered this past spring. Maybe a software update has changed that option.
Any other readers been unable to watch recorded shows after the free preview ended?
They aren’t showing or recording or letting you access them bc the the free preview for Showtime is NEXT weekend oct 1-4!! READ THE ARTICLE it is all in there !!
SADLY DIRECTV ONCE CARED A GREAT DEAL FOR GETTING NEW CUSTOMERS AND KEEPING LOYAL CUSTOMERS…but UNFORTUNATELY this is NO LONGER THE CASE ANY!!!! Not to mention when speaking with customer service reps they practically ask you do go elsewhere for service or stay and pay TRIPLE NOW!!! WHO ARE THEY KIDDING??? WHAT AN ABSOLUTE DEPLORABLE COMPANY IN EVERY WAY!!! Zero reasons to stay with DIRECTV!!!
I have always recorded this pack in the past but I cannot this time.
The Movies Extra Pact is on but it will not allow me to record.
Anne,
Thanks for your comment. That’s interesting. DirecTV must block certain free preview channels from being recorded…although I don’t know why that’d be. Most free previews of premium channels like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc. have always allowed recording. Maybe it’s some contractual restriction for the Movies Extra Pack channels? If other readers have thoughts/insight, please let us know.
How deceptive. I planned the shows I wanted to watch — Thurgood Marshall, Risky Business, Comey Rule… Are these going to be offered next week? They prepare us for a free weekend and then cancel at the last minute. They should offer it this weekend and next week to make up for it.
To nmflash, just click ‘ok’ and you should go back to your previous channel. Works for me if we’re talking about the same screen. I’ve been checking for the channels all day! This article was a tremendous help! Keep up the good work.
ATT has a real problem with software related to the free weekend. Every time I try to open one of the free channels the subscribe by remote screen comes up and there is no way to exit to live tv on another channel. Requires a full reboot of the receiver. I have confirmed this on both EPIX and Showtime and called customer service the first time it happened. Seems like ATT has done it again with software upgrades
Interesting. Thanks for the comment and information.
Just talked to them. Of course they talked in circles and basically said they screwed up on the published dates and blamed it on Showtime. Typical ever since AT&T took them over. I miss my old DirecTv!
I know the feeling. Thanks for the comment and update.
Directv always starts free views at 6AM. Other sites saying it’s oct 1
MORE LIES & BULLSHIT FROM AT & T!!!! IT’S NO WONDER THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO UNLOAD IT ON SOME UNSUSPECTING CABLE PROVIDER. NOTHING BUT THE UNTRUTHS FROM THIS DISREPUTABLE COMPANY JUST LIKE OUR PRESIDENT.
With regard to the free previews, misinformation, maybe…we’ve updated our post to reflect the current information. We’ll have to see if the Movies Extra Pack shows up later today.
Thanks for the comment and info. We’ve updated the post with DirecTV’s current information on the free previews. We’ll see if the Movies Extra Pack comes through.
Mine aren’t coming on either. False advertising.
I am not getting the free preview. This is the normal for Directv.
No free preview yet when is it coming on??????
my free preview channels still aren’t working
My Showtime and Epix channels aren’t available yet either. It might be that they don’t open up until later in the day. We’ll have to see. Thanks for your comment.