Sony Opens PlayStation 5 to 100-Plus FAST Channels—and New Ad Demand

Sony Pictures Television launched more than 100 free, ad-supported streaming television channels for U.S. PlayStation 5 users on September 1, creating a television destination native to the gaming console. Canada is scheduled to follow, while Sony plans to extend the offering to Bravia televisions later in 2026. (tvtechnology.com)

The new Live TV on PS5 destination combines linear FAST channels with a growing catalog of free on-demand programming. It draws from Sony’s entertainment portfolio and outside media suppliers including ABC News, A+E Global Media, AMC Global Media, Amazon MGM Studios, ESPN, Fox, Lionsgate, NASCAR, NBCUniversal, NFL Channel, Radial Entertainment and UFC.

Named channels include Disney’s ABC News Live and ESPN8: The Ocho; Fox Sports, Fox Weather and LiveNOW from Fox; A+E’s Ice Road Truckers channel from HISTORY; NBC News Now and NBC Sports Now; and NFL Channel. The NFL’s free, around-the-clock service carries live game-day coverage, replays and original programming.

Sony also assembled exclusive and custom-programmed services for the launch. Esports broadcaster eCLUTCH is making its North American debut, while the lineup includes Spotify’s The Ringer, channels dedicated to Community and The Shield, and Sony One’s Action Hits and Horror Hits. The horror channel incorporates Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s Terror Tuesdays and Weird Wednesday series. Crunchyroll supplied two anime channels created specifically for Live TV, including a dedicated Black Clover channel.

Programming available across the service includes Hot Ones, Wicked Tuna and The Walking Dead, plus films such as The Hunger Games, Elysium, Hancock, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter and Escape Room: Tournament of Champions. Anime franchises include My Hero Academia, Naruto, Hunter x Hunter and Sailor Moon.

Peter Wood, executive vice president of Consumer Platforms and Services at Sony Pictures Entertainment, said the addition of linear and on-demand programming expands PlayStation’s role as an entertainment platform while creating value for advertisers, content partners and consumers.

Publica and PubMatic are the launch’s core advertising-technology partners. Sony said the service gives brands their first advertising-supported entertainment destination integrated directly into PlayStation 5 consoles, with Bravia inventory expected later in 2026.

ConsumerEXP analysis: The launch matters because Sony is turning gaming hardware into another managed television-distribution and advertising surface. Content owners gain console-level access to PlayStation audiences, while advertisers receive inventory inside a Sony-controlled experience that can later extend across Bravia connected televisions.