A&E, more commonly known as the Arts & Entertainment Network, was founded in 1984 and used to broadcast documentaries, fine arts, and even dramas. They also imported series from the UK. In 1995, the network was rebranded, taking its current A&E form. This was an attempt to distract from the arts programming which had proven controversial and was becoming a strong talking point among critics.

In 2002, A&E shifted its focus from arts to reality series to appeal to the younger generation. By 2017, the channel focused almost entirely on reality shows. Its main competitors are TLC and Bravo.

In July 2015, A&E was already available to nearly 95,968,000 households, or approximately 82.4% of US households with access to television. While the US version is also available for Canadians, an international version was launched for Latin America, Australia, and Europe.

A&E has an almost exclusive offering of non-fiction programming, including true crime, docusoaps, and documentary miniseries. They mostly broadcast nonfiction programs, and some of the most notable series from recent times include Duck Dynasty, The First 48, Intervention, Storage Wars, Live PD, and Wahlburgers.

In 2017, the channel removed scripted series and now focuses on non-fiction programming. Some examples are 60 Days In, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath (documentary), plus other documentary miniseries.

The network also often shows BBC network productions from the UK. For instance, they frequently broadcast Freud, a British documentary.

FuboTV

• Standard plan priced at $54.99 per month
• More than 100 channels available, including A&E
• Supported by most streaming devices, including Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire TV devices, Roku devices, and more
• Compatible with Android and iOS devices
• Includes a wide variety of sports channels
• Standard package provides 30 hours of DVR instant storage
• Family package provides 500 hours of DVR instant storage
• Two streams at a time with the standard package
• Three streams at a time with the family package
• Startover feature
• Does not have Disney or ABC channels
• Ultra package comes with Showtime and two add-ons: Extra Channel and Sports Plus channel

Sling TV

• Available anywhere in the US
• More affordable than other streaming services, with pricing plans starting at $30
• Does not have local channels, such as Fox, ABC, CBS, or NBC
• 10 hours of DVR storage for the basic plan
• Requires an internet connection with a minimum of 5 megabits per second
• Available for devices on the go, such as mobile phones and tablets
• No contract involved, so the service can be canceled or resumed without extra charges
• The Sling Orange package allows for one stream only, while Sling Blue allows three streams simultaneously

Hulu Live TV

• Can be canceled anytime thanks to no contract – ideal for cord cutters
• Does not require equipment rentals or an installation appointment
• One week free trial with $54.99 payable per month afterwards
• Includes more than 65 live and on-demand TV channels
• Unlimited access to one of the most extensive streaming libraries in the market
• Enjoy hours of entertainment with exclusive Hulu Originals
• Can be watched on 2 screens at the same time
• 50 hours of DVR storage
• Compatible with a large variety of devices
• Add-ons are available, including HBO Max, Enhanced Cloud DVR, an entertainment add-on, Showtime, unlimited screens, and more

Philo

• Comes with a no-contract option at $20 per month for 68 on-demand and live TV channels and shows
• Can support up to three devices at the same time with a maximum of 10 users per account
• One week trial that can be accessed with just a phone number
• Unlimited DVR for 30 days
• Ability to pause live channels and start any program from the beginning
• Function available to watch any program that has aired in the past 3 days for free
• Share favorite shows from the platform with friends