Sony Launches Free Live TV Streaming Service for PS5 Owners in U.S.
The new ad-supported experience adds over 100 linear channels to the console's media hub.
Sony has introduced "Live TV on PS5," a free ad-supported streaming service that transforms the PlayStation 5 into a broader entertainment hub. The service is currently available to PS5 owners in the U.S. who possess a PlayStation account.
Accessed via the "Media" tab on the PS5 home screen, the service provides over 100 live channels featuring a mix of movies, television shows, sports, and news. To use the feature, users must link their PlayStation account to a Sony Pictures CORE account. The experience is designed as a Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) service, meaning it requires no paid subscription to access the content. Featured channels include Sony One Horror Hits and MovieSphere, a Lionsgate-backed offering.
The Shift Toward FAST
This launch follows a broader industry trend toward FAST services, where hardware manufacturers integrate linear, ad-funded television directly into their ecosystems. By leveraging the Sony Pictures CORE infrastructure—the same system used for movie rentals and purchases—Sony is positioning the PS5 to compete more directly with smart TV interfaces and dedicated streaming devices like Roku or Amazon Fire TV. This strategy allows Sony to monetize its hardware install base through advertising while providing a low-friction entry point for users to discover premium content.
A Growing Media Ecosystem
While the native Live TV app is a new addition, the PS5 has long supported third-party free streaming options. Users can currently download Pluto TV, owned by Paramount, and Tubi, which Fox acquired in 2020. Additionally, the console continues to support popular free platforms such as YouTube and Twitch, further cementing the device's role as a central living room media player rather than a dedicated gaming machine.
Expansion and Outlook
Sony has indicated that the U.S. launch is the first step, with plans to expand the Live TV service to Canada and other international markets. Industry observers will be watching to see if Sony adds more diverse content partnerships or integrates deeper personalization into the interface to increase user retention within the Media tab. For now, the service provides a zero-cost entertainment layer that increases the overall value proposition of the PS5 hardware.