Sony has unveiled a new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform on PS5 called “Live TV on PlayStation,” which is debuting today in the U.S. ahead of a planned Canadian rollout.
With this service, PS5 users will be able to stream a variety of movies and shows for free with ads, with FAST channels from the likes of Sony brands like Crunchyroll, as well as partners like Lionsgate, 50 Cent Action, Cinevault, and FilmRise Free Movies. In particular, this means that Live TV on PlayStation will stream such movies as The Hunger Games, The Other Guys, Elysium, and the Resident Evil series; TV series as The Walking Dead, Community, The Shield, Naruto, Sailor Moon and Death Note; sports programming from Fox, NASCAR, and UFC; specialty programs like Hot Ones, and more.
In a blog post, PlayStation confirmed that it’s “looking to expand the experience to Canada” as well as other regions, although a time frame wasn’t provided. Presumably, Sony is still figuring out licensing agreements for Canada, given that they’d in many cases differ from those in America. As a result, Live TV on PlayStation’s Canadian catalogue could very well look quite different from what was mentioned above should it ultimately make its way over here.
Still, it’s a smart offering from PlayStation. As everything, including streaming services, continues to get more expensive, FAST channels like Paramount’s Pluto TV and Fox’s Tubi have become increasingly popular. After all, putting up with a few ads in exchange for not having to pay any money is pretty enticing, especially in recent times.
It also helps Sony leverage its other entertainment brands on PlayStation. And given that the company is hell-bent on killing physical media, having another streaming offering certainly helps.
Image credit: PlayStation
Source: PlayStation
