Live TV on PS5 is rolling out today, giving Sony’s console a completely different use outside gaming. PS5 owners in the United States can now watch more than 100 live channels along with movies, TV shows, anime, sports and news without paying for another subscription.
The new service appears directly inside the PS5 Media section. Players do not need to download another app or sign up for a paid plan, although the free service includes advertisements.
More Than 100 Free Channels Are Available
Sony says Live TV on PS5 launches with more than 100 channels covering several types of entertainment. The lineup includes movies from services such as MovieSphere by Lionsgate, FilmRise Free Movies, Sony One Horror Hits and Cinevault. TV programming includes shows such as Community, The Shield, Hell’s Kitchen, The Walking Dead, Unsolved Mysteries and Fear Factor.
Anime fans also get plenty to watch. Sony lists Naruto, Sailor Moon, Hunter x Hunter and Death Note, along with Crunchyroll channels including Black Clover and other anime programming.
Sports and news are part of the service too. FOX Sports, NASCAR, NBC Sports Now and UFC provide sports content, while NBC News Now, Fox Weather and LiveNOW from FOX cover news and weather. The exact lineup can change depending on location, and Sony says more programming will be added over time.
You Do Not Need Another Subscription
The biggest part of the announcement is the price. There is no monthly subscription for Live TV on PS5. Sony uses an ad-supported model, meaning viewers watch commercials in exchange for free access to the channels.
That makes it different from services such as Netflix or Disney+, where users need to pay every month. Access is also simple. Players can open the Media tab on their PS5, choose the Live TV option and sign in with their PlayStation account.
For people who already use their PS5 for YouTube, Netflix and other streaming apps, the new service gives them another reason to keep the console connected to their main television. Someone can finish playing a game and immediately switch over to a movie, anime channel, sports programming or live news without using another device.
There Is One Big Catch
For now, Live TV on PS5 is available only in the United States. Sony says it is looking at bringing the service to Canada next, while other regions could follow later. The company has not announced exact dates for those expansions. That means players in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world will need to wait.
Even with that limitation, this is a useful free addition for U.S. PS5 owners. Sony has effectively turned the console into a free television box whenever players are finished gaming.
More than 100 channels will not replace every streaming subscription, but getting movies, anime, sports, news and TV shows without another monthly bill makes the feature much more interesting.
Live TV on PS5 begins rolling out August 31 for PS5 players in the United States.
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