Expansion Plans and Channel Lineup
Freely, a U.K.-based live TV streaming platform, has announced the addition of no less than 16 new channels from three of the U.K.’s biggest terrestrial broadcasters. This expansion marks a significant boost to the platform, which was initially launched in April 2024 with the backing of the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. With the new channels, Freely is set to increase its channel count to more than 55, solidifying its position as a leading alternative to traditional cable television. The new additions will include a mix of popular quiz shows, reality TV, lifestyle programming, and more, catering to a diverse range of interests and preferences.
- ITV will launch a channel dedicated to the popular quiz show The Chase, as well as a channel featuring a mix of quiz, game, and talent shots, titled Saturday Night Every Night.
- Channel 4 will introduce three new channels: 4Reality, 4Homes, and 4Life, focusing on reality TV, home renovation, and lifestyle programming, respectively.
- Channel 5 will add 11 new channels, with five exclusive to Freely, including “GPs Behind Closed Doors”, “The Yorkshire Vet”, “History”, “Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly”, and a channel dedicated to Milkshake!.
- The remaining six channels will be from other broadcasters, including Police Interceptors’, Cops, Bargain Loving Brits, Trucking Hell, Crime, and A&E.
Additional Channel Expansions
While the new ITV, Channel 5, and Channel 4 channels are set to launch in 2025, owners of certain Freely-capable TV brands will also receive an additional 80-plus channels through the VIDAA smart platform’s Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) service. This service will be integrated into the Freely TV guide on compatible TVs from channel number 1001, offering users access to channels such as Sony ONE, CNN, Sky, and Banijay.
| TV Brand | Number of Channels |
|---|---|
| Hisense and Toshiba | 80-plus |
| Bush, Panasonic, Sharp, TCL, Amazon, and METZ | Available |
Existing Content and User Experience
Freely already offers more than 70,000 hours of on-demand content, which can be accessed alongside live channels. The platform’s interface enables seamless navigation between live and on-demand content, making it easy for users to discover new shows and catch up on their favorite programs. The new channels and additional services will enhance the overall user experience, providing users with more options and flexibility to choose their viewing preferences.
Related Content and Partnerships
Freely has signed deals with content partners such as UKTV, AMC Networks International, and PBS America, expanding its reach and offerings. Users can find a full list of available channels on Freely by visiting this link. In related news, Sky has launched its new Gen 2 Sky Glass TVs, with a cheaper Sky Glass Air Series set to follow. Freely’s expansion is an exciting development in the live streaming space, offering users a new and exciting way to access their favorite TV shows and programs.
Upcoming Launches and Integration
While the exact launch date for the new ITV, Channel 5, and Channel 4 channels is not specified, Freely confirms that they will be available in 2025. The VIDAA FAST channels, on the other hand, will be integrated into the Freely TV guide on Hisense and Toshiba TVs in the coming month. These new additions will undoubtedly boost the popularity of Freely, cementing its position as a leading alternative to traditional cable television and further enhancing the user experience for its subscribers.
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