PlayStation 5 Gets Free Live TV in the U.S., Canada Launch Planned

Sony is launching its own free ad-supported streaming television service for PlayStation 5 owners in the U.S. Dubbed “Live TV on PlayStation,” this service offers a variety of movies and shows to watch for free, with ads integrated.

The company has launched Live TV on PlayStation 5, bringing more than 100 live channels directly to the console’s Media tab. The service is launching in the U.S. first, with Sony confirming Canada as the next market. Live TV on PlayStation 5 is available at no additional cost and requires no separate subscription or extra hardware. Players can access it directly through the Media tab on their PlayStation 5, with programming spanning movies, television, anime, sports, news, weather and creator-focused content.

The launch lineup includes content from Amazon MGM Studios, Crunchyroll, FOX, NBCUniversal, the NFL Channel and UFC, among others. Sony says the selection will continue to evolve, with new programming and channels added over time. For anime fans, the service includes dedicated Crunchyroll channels, while sports programming includes offerings such as the NFL Channel, UFC and other sports coverage. The service also includes news and entertainment channels designed to make the PS5 function more like a traditional connected-TV platform.

The timing is interesting for Sony, which has increasingly positioned the PlayStation 5 as more than just a gaming console. The company has continued expanding its entertainment ecosystem around PlayStation, while services and digital content have become increasingly important to its business.

That comes as Sony continues to support the PlayStation 5 with major releases, including the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine and a growing PlayStation software lineup. It also recently raised the price of the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada, making additional entertainment features an interesting way to increase the hardware’s value.

The service is also expected to expand beyond the PlayStation 5, with Sony planning to bring Live TV to Bravia televisions later this year.

Sony has not announced exactly when Live TV on PlayStation 5 will arrive in Canada. For now, Canadian PS5 owners will have to wait, although the company has confirmed that the country is part of its planned expansion. The company also confirmed its plans to “continue to explore additional regions.”