# Sony is adding free TV channels to PS5

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/sony-is-adding-free-tv-channels-to-ps5/
- Published: 2026-08-31T19:14:46+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-01T01:29:45+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2247806/sony-is-adding-free-tv-channels-to-ps5/
- Topics: Americas, Entertainment, Gaming, TV, World

## Key points

- Sony launches 100+ free ad-supported TV channels on US PS5 consoles
- Content spans films, TV, anime, sport, news and podcasts
- Canada and other regions planned; timing criticised amid other PlayStation controversies

## Summary

Sony has begun rolling out free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels to PlayStation 5 consoles in the US, letting owners watch live and on-demand content directly through the console's media tab. The move keeps viewers engaged within the PlayStation ecosystem rather than turning to rival services such as Pluto, Roku or Tubi, and gives Sony a new way to generate revenue from its existing PS5 user base at a time when the company appears more focused on monetising current owners than attracting new console buyers.

The service launched with more than 100 live channels from Sony Pictures Television, covering films, TV shows, anime, news, sport, documentaries, gaming, esports, podcasts and comedy, including titles such as Community, The Walking Dead and Naruto. Sony says the line-up will be refreshed with new programming over time and has confirmed plans to extend the service to Canada and other regions. Commentators noted the timing was awkward, arriving amid ongoing backlash over Sony scaling back physical game discs and after European customers were told they would lose access to previously purchased PlayStation Store films following an expired licensing deal, with some drawing comparisons to Microsoft's ill-fated Xbox One "entertainment hub" strategy.

## Coverage

- [Engadget: Sony is adding free TV channels to PS5](https://www.engadget.com/2247806/sony-is-adding-free-tv-channels-to-ps5/)
- [Polygon: PlayStation Officially Launches New Free TV App on PS5 with 100 Channels](https://www.polygon.com/ps5-live-tv-launch-free-anime-movies/)
- [IGN: Sony Reveals Live TV on PS5, Free With Ads Starting Today](https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-reveals-live-tv-on-ps5-free-with-ads-starting-today)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.