When Comcast’s Xfinity removed Turner Classic Movies from its regular lineup this week, viewers were none too pleased.

Now, if customers want to access the trove of classic movies the channel has to offer, they’ll have to sign up for a sports entertainment package.

Comcast explained the decision to move the channel in an FAQ on its Xfinity website.

“Viewership of TCM is low, as over 90% of our customers watch less than two movies per month,” the cable provider said. “Given this and contractual limitations on offering TCM a la carte, we decided to move TCM to the Sports Entertainment Package, which will help us manage programming costs that are passed on to our customers while continuing to make the channel available to those who want to watch it.”

Just learned that #Comcast took #TCM off my package. One of the reasons I have cable & now I can't view it. Why? Because it was moved to a SPORTS package. Which means upgrading and paying more money. I pay $200/mo already! This. Is. Extortion. 😡🤬💰 — KɛƖƖყ 🐱 (@SabenProt) October 10, 2019

TCM debuted in 1994, showing classic movies from MGM, RKO Pictures and Warner Bros.

The channels in the Comcast sports entertainment package include the NFL Network, NHL Network, NBA TV and MLB Network.

I can't believe Comcast just removed TCM from their ultra-premium package, for which I'm paying $208 a month. These evil people are the most greedy bastards in America! — SteveHeimoff (@SteveHeimoff) October 12, 2019

“While our Sports Entertainment Package includes some popular sports channels, like NFL Red Zone and some college sports networks, in most areas, it also offers several non-sports channels, like Military History, Crime & Investigation and CMT,” Comcast said on its website.

@Xfinity has moved @tcm to the sports package that requires more $$$. They claim it is due to low viewership and contractual obligations. Sounds more like a new way for Comcast to nickel & dime the seniors community. — Creature Dee (@CreatureKoolAid) October 10, 2019

This did not pacify customers who were suddenly without one of their staple channels unless they wanted to start paying more — $10 more per month.

Some viewers pointed out that they would have no interest in the sports channels. Others said they couldn’t even get TCM on their premium package, for which they were promised TCM, while some accused the cable provider of doing a disservice to seniors.

Don't understand how I can be held to a 2-year contract and yet Xfinity can remove channels at will. TCM is one of my favorites

Whoever made that decision to move TCM and charge $9.99 does not know the auidence that watches TCM. In NO world should TCM be with a sport packge!!! — Everett Brown (@NJEverett) October 14, 2019

And since other cable providers do carry TCM in their regular lineups, viewers pledged to take their business elsewhere. Some opted for streaming.

TCM tweeted a list of other ways to see the channel, including: Hulu’s live TV package, FuboTV, PlayStation Vue, Sling, YouTube TV, TVision, Fios, DirecTV, Dish, AT&T U-verse and AT&T TV Now.

Jokes on you, Comcast. I know plenty of people who have TCM with different cable providers. You can keep your sports. pic.twitter.com/d5MZnOn2dj — Sara🧹 (@hollywooddogmom) October 12, 2019

Missing my Sunday movie on tcm since comcast blocked me... found a great classic movie on amazon prime to get my fix! pic.twitter.com/swSRAv3Bp9 — Jamie (@deependgirl) October 13, 2019

Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.

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