Key Highlights:
- Live TV on PS5 is rolling out in the United States with more than 100 free, ad-supported live channels and a growing on-demand library.
- The service requires no separate download or paid subscription, but users must connect their PlayStation account to Sony Pictures CORE.
- Sony is already looking to expand Live TV on PS5 into Canada, although no UK or wider international rollout has been announced.
Sony has launched Live TV on PS5, bringing more than 100 free, ad-supported television channels and on-demand entertainment directly to PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States.
PlayStation has released a short official trailer showing how the new television hub appears inside the PS5 Media interface and how viewers can move between live channels and entertainment categories.
The new Sony Pictures Television service begins rolling out on August 31 through the console’s Media tab. It does not require PlayStation Plus, another paid subscription or even a separate app download, although viewers must connect their PlayStation account to create or link a Sony Pictures CORE account.
The move continues a broader shift in how gaming platforms are being used in the living room, with Microsoft previously expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming to Amazon Fire TV devices without requiring an Xbox console.
Movies, television, anime, sports, news and creator-led programming are all included at launch. Featured providers include Amazon MGM Studios, Crunchyroll, FOX, NBCUniversal, NFL Channel and UFC, alongside channels carrying series and films from other entertainment companies.
The launch line-up includes dedicated channels and programming for Community, The Walking Dead, The Shield, Hell’s Kitchen, Unsolved Mysteries, Naruto, Death Note, Hunter x Hunter and Sailor Moon.
Movie channels include MovieSphere by Lionsgate, FilmRise Free Movies, Sony One Horror Hits and Cinevault, while sports coverage spans MMA, football, hockey, motorsport, golf, boxing and soccer through services including FOX Sports, NASCAR, NBC Sports Now and UFC.
News and weather are represented by channels including NBC News Now, Fox Weather and LiveNOW from FOX. PlayStation is also offering creator and specialist programming through Hot Ones, Spotify’s The Ringer and other channels covering gaming, esports, documentaries and podcasts.
Some channels are exclusive to the PS5 service at launch. Crunchyroll is providing dedicated Black Clover and Box Sets channels, while gaming and esports channel eCLUTCH is also listed as an exclusive.
I think the lack of a separate app is one of the smartest parts of the launch because it makes Live TV feel more like another built-in PS5 media function than a streaming service players need to deliberately install and manage.
Access is handled directly from the PS5 home screen. Players open Media, select the Live TV on PS5 icon and sign in using their PlayStation account.
Sony’s Live TV on PS5 page adds several practical details not included prominently in the announcement. Both the DualSense controller and PS5 Media Remote can operate the service, closed captions are supported, and viewing is currently limited to adult accounts in eligible territories.
Programming differs depending on local television markets and can change over time, meaning the complete selection of channels may not be identical for every US viewer.
The United States is also only the beginning of Sony’s current expansion plans. Sony says it is looking to bring Live TV on PS5 to Canada and will continue exploring additional regions, although it has not announced dates for Canada or confirmed whether the UK and Europe will follow.
Sony says the service will continue receiving refreshed programming, additional channels and more content after launch.
