PS5 gets free Live TV, ad-supported and U.S.-only

Sony Pictures Television launched a free Live TV service for PlayStation 5 on Aug. 31, 2026. The offering provides more than 100 live channels and a growing on-demand library. The service is supported by advertising and is available only to users in the United States. PS5 owners can open the Media tab and select the Live TV on PS5 icon, then sign in with their PlayStation account to start watching.

Live TV on PS5 carries news, sports, movies, TV series and anime without requiring users to install separate streaming apps. Content partners named for the launch include Amazon MGM Studios, Crunchyroll, FOX, NBCUniversal, the NFL Channel and UFC. Sony said the library will expand on the platform over time.

Advertising will run during live broadcasts and on-demand programming. Sony is working with ad partners Publica and PubMatic to deliver and target ads across the Live TV on PS5 lineup. Both companies specialize in connected-TV advertising and will handle ad delivery on the console.

Executives described the service as a way to make it easier for viewers to find content on consoles. Peter Wood, executive vice president of consumer platforms and services at Sony Pictures Entertainment, commented, “Sony engages with tens of millions of customers around the world across our devices. I don’t think it’s rocket science to look at trying to remove the friction of content discovery across different media.” He also noted the company’s approach to advertising, “We are just being very thoughtful about ensuring the advertising presented is relevant.”

The service is limited to the United States at launch. Sony said it is exploring availability in Canada. The release highlights the continued use of game consoles as connected-TV devices and adds a native, free channel lineup to the PS5 media options.