These subscriptions may feel necessary, but if you prefer a single genre -- such as sports -- CNET's senior streaming editor Kourtnee Jackson recommends a skinny package to cut back on live channels. While YouTube TV, Hulu and DirecTV have full live TV packages that are comparable to cable, there are ways to pay for fewer channels and still watch what you want. DirecTV offers genre-based packages starting at $20, with add-ons available for an extra charge.