PlayStation has entered the free streaming-TV market with a new live television service for PS5 owners. The ad-supported option offers scheduled channels covering films, anime, sport, news, weather, creator content and familiar network shows such as Hell’s Kitchen.
At launch, Live TV on PS5 is limited to the United States. The service comes from Sony Pictures Television, appears in the console’s Media tab and requires users to sign in with a PlayStation account. Sony says the offering will expand over time; here’s what it will include.
What can PS5 owners watch?
- Movies: Free film channels spanning action, horror, science fiction and other genres, including MovieSphere by Lionsgate, 50 Cent Action, FilmRise Free Movies, Sony One Horror Hits and Cinevault.
- TV shows: Programming includes Community, The Shield, Hell’s Kitchen, The Walking Dead, Forensic Files, Unsolved Mysteries, Deal or No Deal USA, Fear Factor and Ice Road Truckers from A+E’s HISTORY.
- Anime: The line-up includes Naruto, Sailor Moon, Hunter x Hunter and Death Note, alongside Crunchyroll’s exclusive Black Clover and Box Sets channels.
- Sports: FOX Sports, NASCAR, NBC Sports Now, UFC and other services provide coverage of MMA, football, hockey, motorsports, golf, boxing and soccer.
- News and weather: National, local and international coverage includes NBC News Now, Fox Weather and LiveNOW from FOX.
- Creator and specialist programming: Channels feature Hot Ones, Spotify’s The Ringer, Futcrunch, Idle Mode, comedy, action sports, gaming, esports and other creator-led programmes.
- Additional programming: The service also includes documentaries, podcasts, gaming and esports content, creator entertainment and specialist channels such as the exclusive eCLUTCH.
Can free live TV compete with streaming subscriptions?
The service may appeal to viewers who have cancelled traditional cable but still want scheduled programming without adding another paid subscription. It arrives, however, as audiences increasingly shift towards on-demand platforms and endless short-form video, making the idea of sitting down for a scheduled episode of Naruto or a syndicated series feel increasingly old-fashioned.
There is still a practical argument for a free channel service. Combining separate subscriptions for live news, current television seasons and sport can become expensive and difficult to manage. For some viewers, a PS5 in the living room could become a convenient place to browse free programming between games.
For more coverage of gaming hardware and industry developments, visit the Arcade Blog and browse our arcade videos. Readers comparing entertainment setups can also explore arcade machines or use the Arcade Machine Buying Guide when planning a dedicated games room.
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