PlayStation 5 owners in the United States can now access a new free streaming service directly from their console's home screen. Live TV on PS5 launched today under Sony Pictures Television, offering more than 100 live channels and a rotating selection of on-demand entertainment without requiring a separate subscription or payment method. The service lives inside the PS5's Media tab, positioning the console as a more complete entertainment hub for players who already use it for gaming and media apps.
Quick Facts
| Publisher | Sony Pictures Television |
|---|---|
| Platform(s) | PS5 |
| Release Date | today |
| Price | free ad-supported |
For anyone who keeps a PS5 connected to their main television, this launch eliminates the need to switch inputs or fire up a separate streaming device just to watch live sports, news, or classic TV series. The ad-supported model means there is no monthly fee, though viewers will sit through commercial breaks — a familiar trade-off for anyone who has used free services like Pluto TV or Tubi. Sony says the channel lineup and on-demand library will refresh regularly, with plans to expand into Canada and other regions down the line.
What You Get at Launch
The channel roster at launch spans movies, television, anime, sports, news, and creator-led programming. Movie channels include MovieSphere by Lionsgate, 50 Cent Action, FilmRise Free Movies, Sony One Horror Hits, and Cinevault, covering action, horror, and science fiction. Television viewers will find series like Community, The Shield, Hell's Kitchen, The Walking Dead, Forensic Files, Unsolved Mysteries, Deal or No Deal USA, Fear Factor, and Ice Road Truckers from A+E's HISTORY channel.
Anime fans get dedicated channels from Crunchyroll, including Black Clover and Box Sets, alongside series such as Naruto, Sailor Moon, Hunter x Hunter, and Death Note. Sports coverage pulls from FOX Sports, NASCAR, NBC Sports Now, and UFC, spanning MMA, football, hockey, motorsports, golf, boxing, and soccer. News and weather options include NBC News Now, Fox Weather, and LiveNOW from FOX. Creator and specialty programming features Hot Ones, Spotify's The Ringer, Futcrunch, Idle Mode, and the exclusive eCLUTCH channel focused on gaming and esports.
How to Access Live TV on PS5
Getting started takes three steps from the PS5 home screen. Navigate to the Media tab, select the Live TV on PS5 icon, and choose "Sign In With My PlayStation Account" to link your PlayStation Network profile. Once signed in, the full channel guide and on-demand library become available immediately. No separate app download is required — the experience is built into the system software.
Sony Pictures Television has indicated that Live TV on PS5 will continue to evolve with new channels and refreshed programming over time. The company also confirmed it is exploring expansion to Canada and additional regions, though no timeline has been provided. For now, U.S. PS5 owners have a new reason to keep the console powered on even when they are not playing games.
Key Takeaways
- Live TV on PS5 launches today in the U.S. with 100+ free ad-supported channels
- Content partners include Amazon MGM Studios, Crunchyroll, FOX, NBCUniversal, NFL Channel, and UFC
- Accessible through the PS5 Media tab with PlayStation Network sign-in
- Expansion to Canada and other regions is planned but undated
With a native, free live‑TV component now in the PS5, the console cements its role as a central living‑room hub. It won’t bite the place of paid streaming apps that pull in the best dramas or offer ad‑free experiences, but it covers the voids that emerge during background watching, during a quick sports peek, or when fans crave reruns that tug at old memories—all without forcing anyone to exit the PlayStation environment. Sony’s plans to keep adding channels hint that this service may stick around, making it a go‑to staple for the console’s growing base.
