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Live TV arrives on PS5 with 100-plus free ad-supported channels in US
Sony turns its console into a free streaming hub for sports, films, news and more
CALIFORNIA: Game on, TV on. Sony Interactive Entertainment has launched Live TV on PS5 in the US, giving players access to more than 100 free, ad-supported live channels and a growing library of on-demand entertainment directly through the console.
The service, offered by Sony Pictures Television, brings together programming across films, television, anime, sports, news and weather. It is available through the Media section of the PS5 and does not require players to pay a separate subscription to access the free ad-supported content.
At launch, the service includes programming from major entertainment and sports providers, including Amazon MGM Studios, Crunchyroll, FOX Sports, NBCUniversal, National Football League and UFC.
For film fans, the line-up includes channels such as MovieSphere by Lionsgate, 50 Cent Action, FilmRise Free Movies, Sony One Horror Hits and Cinevault, covering genres including action, horror and science fiction.
The television offering includes shows such as Community, The Shield, Hell’s Kitchen, The Walking Dead, Forensic Files, Unsolved Mysteries, Deal or No Deal USA and Fear Factor. Programming from A+E’s HISTORY also includes Ice Road Truckers.
Anime gets a sizeable spot on the platform, with titles including Naruto, Sailor Moon, Hunter x Hunter and Death Note. Crunchyroll is also contributing dedicated channels, including Black Clover and Box Sets.
Sports coverage spans football, hockey, motorsports, golf, boxing, soccer and mixed martial arts, with programming from FOX Sports, NASCAR, NBC Sports Now and UFC among the offerings.
News and weather channels include NBC News Now, Fox Weather and LiveNOW from FOX, giving PS5 users another way to access live information without leaving the console.
The service also goes beyond conventional television. Creator-led and specialist programming includes Hot Ones, Spotify’s The Ringer, Futcrunch and Idle Mode, alongside comedy, gaming, esports, action sports, documentaries and podcasts. Exclusive programming such as eCLUTCH will also feature.
Players can access Live TV on PS5 by opening the Media tab on their console, selecting the Live TV on PS5 icon and signing in with their PlayStation account.
Sony said the service will be regularly refreshed with new channels and programming. While the launch is currently limited to the US, the company is exploring an expansion to Canada and other regions.
The move gives Sony another way to turn the PS5 from a gaming machine into an entertainment destination, putting free live television alongside the console’s existing streaming and media capabilities.
