Sony has launched a new ad-supported Live TV service built directly into the PS5’s Media section.
The console’s interface will now integrate over 100 live channels and on-demand programming. This means that owners no longer need to download third-party applications.
The service, which was introduced on Aug. 31, will span a variety of genres and is not gaming-focused.
Owners will thereby get their hands on dedicated channels for popular series such as The Walking Dead (2010-2022), Community (2009-2015), Hell’s Kitchen (2005-Present), The Shield (2002-2008), Unsolved Mysteries (1987-Present), and Fear Factor (2001-2018).
Anime is also getting plenty of representation, with titles like Naruto (2002-2007), Sailor Moon (1992-1997), Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014), and Death Note (2006-2007) being the big names alongside Crunchyroll supplying exclusive Black Clover (2017-2021) and Box Sets channels.
What else comes with the free service
The lineup extends much beyond binge-worthy TV shows. For sports fans, there’s coverage of UFC, NASCAR, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports Now, spanning football, boxing, motorsports, and hockey.
Real-time news and weather updates are also available through NBC News Now, Fox Weather, and LiveNOW from FOX.
It isn’t going to be much of a Live TV and on-demand experience without movies, however, and Sony doesn’t disappoint in that respect. The service further includes a free movie library, sorted into horror, action, and sci-fi channels, alongside creator-focused content covering gaming, esports, and podcasts such as Hot Ones (2015-Present) and The Ringer (2016-Present).
The catch is commercials. As this is a FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) service, all programming will be interrupted by periodic ad breaks.
Accessing Live TV takes two steps. Head to the Media tab on your PS5 console and select the “Live TV on PS5” icon. To begin watching, you will first need to sign in to your PlayStation account, which will prompt you to either link an existing Sony Pictures CORE account or create a new one to access the feature.
The service is US-only for now, though Sony has indicated that Canada is under consideration, along with other regions, with more channels and special events planned in the near future.
Sources: PlayStation, Sony, Dexerto