Tag: FAST channels

Samsung TV Plus to Be Exclusive MotoAmerica Race FAST Channel Home for 2026-27

Samsung TV Plus will be the exclusive FAST channel home for live MotoAmerica races for the 2026-27 seasons, the streaming service announced.

Samsung TV Plus and V10 Entertainment have unveiled a partnership with MotoAmerica that will bring viewers every live race and coverage of the seasons.

The 84th running of the Daytona 200 kicks off March 6 on the Samsung TV Network (STN), followed by the debut of MotoAmericaTV, the exclusive Samsung FAST destination slated to launch later this spring. The 24/7 channel will present 200-plus hours of North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series and premium race content, as well as live event streams, full race replays, select practice sessions and qualifiers, and complete race coverage. For the first time ever, every class will be televised, including an all-women’s class and the MotoAmerica premier Superbike class, which is celebrating 2026 as the pinnacle of 50 years of production-based motorcycle racing. Viewers can also catch select live races on STN throughout the season.

“The most enduring sports racing segments are driven, literally and figuratively, by passionate fans. This launch, along with our partnership with MotoAmerica and V10, marks an exciting expansion into new sports franchises with millions of viewers,” Salek Brodsky, SVP and global head of Samsung TV Plus, said in a statement. “As Samsung TV Plus continues to broaden its live sports portfolio, this new content strengthens our lineup by providing an immersive, accessible, and dedicated destination for motorcycle racing.”

The new destination will also deliver a look at behind-the-scenes content and a library of archival videos, including highlight reels. MotoAmerica’s 2026 season will span 10 race weekends from March through September across seven premier classes and 10 states, with events held at legendary circuits, including Daytona International Speedway, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and the Circuit of The Americas.

“Having a company like Samsung get behind MotoAmerica is significant for our continued growth and provides a unique opportunity, beginning with the Daytona 200, to bring MotoAmerica to the Samsung TV Plus audience of more than 100 million monthly users,” Chuck Aksland, COO of MotoAmerica, said in a statement. “MotoAmerica premier live races will take center stage on the Samsung TV Network, marking an exciting new chapter for the sport. This is a defining moment for our series, for motorcycle racing, and for the next generation of riders and fans alike.”

Full MotoAmerica Race Schedule:

  • March 5-7: Daytona International Speedway*
  • April 17-19: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
  • May 15-17: Barber Motorsports Park
  • May 29-31: Road America
  • June 26-28: Ridge Motorsports Park
  • July 10-12: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
  • July 31-Aug 2: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
  • Aug 14-16: Virginia International Raceway
  • Sept 11-13: Circuit of The Americas
  • Sept 25-27: New Jersey Motorsports Park

 

*The Daytona 200 will be available to watch on STN with subsequent races also available on MotoAmericaTV.

In 2025, MotoAmerica closed out its most successful season to date, with a surge in linear-TV viewership, as well as more than 2.5 million digital video views and a social following of more than 4 million fans. Its live-event races brought in more than 400,000 enthusiasts across 12 events, including a record-setting crowd at Road America.  MotoAmerica brings to audiences more than 100 live races across seven premier classes, including Superbike, Supersport, King of the Baggers, Twins Cup, Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race., the Super Hooligan National Championship, and the newly launched Talent Cup.

MotoAmerica is the latest addition to Samsung TV Plus’s lineup of live events from sports leagues, including the NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL and FAST-exclusive MLV coverage. Samsung TV Plus, which recently surpassed 100 million monthly active users, offers more than 4,300 channels globally, subscription-free, and is available in 30 countries exclusively across Samsung TVs, Samsung Galaxy phones, XR headsets, Galaxy Tab, Smart Monitor and Family Hub lineups. This includes the new 2026 TV series announced earlier this year at CES, spanning Samsung Micro RGB TV, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame, The Frame Pro and more.

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TCLtv+ to Launch Channels Featuring Anime From Viz Media

TCLtv+, the flagship streaming service offered by consumer electronics company TCL, and American anime and manga distributor Viz Media have inked a new content partnership offering TCL audiences access to anime.

The content rollout includes four single IP channels — Naruto, Hunter x Hunter, Inuyasha, and Sailor Moon — as well as a dedicated TCL Anime channel populated by some of the properties from the Viz Media library.

The anime classic “Naruto” is available now with the other anime channels premiering in December. All the Viz content will be available on AVOD soon.

The titles join TCLtv+’s lineup of more than 400 FAST channels.

“By integrating VIZ Media’s unparalleled library of iconic anime and manga-inspired content, we are expanding our catalog and opening a gateway for TCL audiences to experience the rich storytelling and artistry of Japanese pop culture,”  Catherine Zhang, VP of content service and partnership for TCL, said in a statement. 

“At VIZ, our mission has always been to share the worlds and characters that inspire millions of fans,” J.P. Villanueva, senior director of sales and distribution at VIZ Media, said in a statement. “Anime isn’t just entertainment, it’s a global phenomenon, and our partnership with TCLtv+ celebrates that power. Together, we’re bringing timeless classics like ‘Naruto’ to audiences everywhere, making it easier than ever for viewers to experience the stories and artistry that define the genre.”

“Naruto” features an adolescent ninja’s coming-of-age journey. Since debuting as a manga in 1999, “Naruto,” created by Masashi Kishimoto, has expanded to multiple TV series, original movies and original video animations. 

The Naruto Channel on TCL features 11 movies (including Naruto Shippuden) from the popular franchise. In the stories, Naruto and friends get into sticky situations as they pursue Sasuke. First, Naruto and Sakura face the Orochimaru. Then the murderous Mizuki escapes from prison. Finally, the gang heads to the Land of the Birds to face the Cursed Warrior.

The Hunter x Hunter Channel follows young Gon as he sets out to become a legendary Hunter and find his father. Hunters are a special breed, dedicated to tracking down treasure, magical beasts, and even humans. But such pursuits require a license, and less than one in a hundred thousand can pass the grueling qualification exam. Gon might be a country boy, but he has high aspirations. Despite his aunt’s protest, Gon decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a legendary Hunter. The journey begins on the long, arduous road to the Exam Hall, where he meets Leorio and Kurapika, two applicants with the same determination. Gon and his two companions must now prove their worth and earn the right to call themselves Hunters.

TCL Anime, a new content category for the platform, includes a variety of series and movies, including “Death Note,” “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure” and “Captain Tsubasa.”

The Inuyasha Channel will include both “Inuyasha” and “Inuyasha: The Final Act,” as well as four movie titles. In the story, Kagome Higurashi is transported back in time where she meets the half-dog demon, half-human Inuyasha. Together, they set out on the ultimate quest to recover the shattered shards of the Shikon Jewel.

The Sailor Moon Channel will include both “Sailor Moon” and “Sailor Moon Crystal” as well as three movies. The stories feature epic adventure as Usagi and the Sailor Guardians fight for justice and protect the universe from evil.

In addition, TCL will program four Bleach titles from the popular franchise — Fade to Black, Hellverse, Memories of Nobody and The Diamond Dust Rebellion — all available on AVOD.

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Rakuten TV Expands Third-Party FAST Channel Distribution

European streaming platform Rakuten TV, through its B2B brand Rakuten TV Enterprise, Oct. 9 announced the pending launch of separate free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels with Ace Entertainment, Reframed Content Studios, and Shanghai Media Group.

The channels, set to roll out this year, will cover a range of genres, including lifestyle, Asian dramas and action films. They will initially be available on Rakuten TV and will soon expand to third-party FAST platforms across multiple European countries.

“We’re helping content partners build FAST channels and broaden their distribution coverage,” Marcos Milanez, chief content officer for Rakuten TV, said in a statement. “For audiences, this means access to even more high-quality, free content across genres, further cementing Rakuten TV’s position as a leading destination for entertainment.”

Rakuten TV Enterprise is a suite of products and services designed to help content partners build FAST channels and white-label CTV apps. Rakuten TV Enterprise will lead the launch of these new FAST channels and be responsible for multiple activities, which may include playout, scheduling and ad monetization.

From Ace Entertainment is “Shark TV” (French feed, launching in France), giving audiences thrilling action-packed shark-related movies.

From Reframed Content Studios is “Cesar’s Pack Leader TV” (English Feed, launching in the U.K., Ireland, Netherlands, Nordics, and Iceland), which features world-renowned dog behavior expert Cesar Millán, offering a curated line-up of his most popular shows.

From Shanghai Media Group’s subsidiary WingsMedia, in partnership with Bolytics is “C-Drama NOW (Magnolia Time)” (French feed, launching in France, Belgium and Luxembourg), the first French-dubbed FAST channel in these markets dedicated to drama from China, bringing audiences high-quality stories of love, family, and resilience from Chinese storytelling.

The new channels add to Rakuten TV’s FAST line-up of more than 500 unique channels, more than 100 of which are owned and operated. With availability in 43 European territories and a reach of more than 150 million households, Rakuten TV continues to scale its presence in the European streaming ecosystem.

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Roku Greenlights Original Rom-Com ‘Chef’s Kiss,’ Launches 40 FAST Channels in the U.K.

Roku announced that production has commenced in New South Wales, Australia, on the original romantic comedy “Chef’s Kiss,” starring Adrienne Bailon-Houghton (“The Real,” “The Cheetah Girls”) and Tim Robards (“Voltron,” “Street Fighter”). Bailon-Houghton also serves as executive producer.

Written by Amelie Bonnet, “Chef’s Kiss” follows Lauren (Bailon-Houghton), an ambitious American marketing executive tasked with revitalizing a family-run pasta sauce brand. On her journey, she encounters Mason (Robards), a passionate ex-commercial chef with uncompromising values and an irresistible charm.

Joining them are Julia Vosnakis (“From All Sides,” “Waltzing Matilda”) as Isabella, Nat Buchanan (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) as Maddie, and Dina Panozzo (“The Last Days of the Space Age,” “Darby & Joan”) as Francesca Russo, the matriarch caught between tradition and transformation.

“Our viewers devour rom-coms, especially during moments that matter to them, and we can’t wait to bring them a new love story to savor just in time for Valentine’s Day,” Morgan Pichinson with Roku Originals, said in a statement.

Production will take place in Sydney and the surrounding area, doubling for Italy, with the feature set to premiere next year on The Roku Channel in the United States and in Australian cinemas through Romance Society.

The movie adds to Roku’s existing lineup of rom-coms, including “This Time Next Year,” “Merry Little Mystery,” “Jingle Bell Love” and “Jingle Bell Wedding.”

Meanwhile, Roku rolled out more than 40 previously-announced free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels in the U.K., featuring PGA Tour golf, TNA Wrestling, “Deal or No Deal,” “Fear Factor,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Martha Stewart Channel,” “This Old House,” “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Untold Stories of the ER,” “Nature Time” and “Love Pets,” among others.

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Stingray Bows Six Ambient FAST Channels on The Roku Channel in U.S. and Canada

Stingray has launched six new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels on The Roku Channel in the United States and Canada.

The new channels are designed to provide ambient backdrops.

The newly launched Stingray channels include:

  • Stingray Cozy Café, with trendy coffee house visuals blended with lo-fi beats to create a backdrop for focus, relaxation, and inspiration;
  • Stingray Naturescape, a journey to the scenic wonders of the world with imagery from crackling fireplaces to flights over tropical paradises;
  • ZenLIFE by Stingray, with meditation videos, tranquil sounds, and easy-listening music;
  • Stingray Stargaze, with starry nights and cosmic vistas;
  • Stingray Cityscapes, which offers aerial views of iconic cities set to downtempo music; and
  • Stingray Free Riding, offering a journey into the world of extreme sports from surfing and snowboarding to rock climbing.

 

This launch expands Stingray’s presence on The Roku Channel, which already features channels such as TikTok Radio, Qello Concerts, and Stingray Music’s Classic Rock, Greatest Hits and Remember the 80s.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Roku Channel, a leader in the streaming world, to bring our curated FAST channels to millions of viewers across the US and Canada,” Rick Bergan, head of content distribution U.S. at Stingray, said in a statement. “This launch significantly expands our audience and provides The Roku Channel users with access to premium content designed for every mood. From the serene visuals of Naturescape to the chill lo-fi beats of Cozy Café, these channels enhance the daily lives of our viewers. We are confident they will become go-to destinations for relaxation, focus, and inspiration.”

The channels are now available in the Entertainment section of the Channel Guide on The Roku Channel. In addition to Roku devices, The Roku Channel is available on Web, iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TV and select Samsung TVs.

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DirecTV Adds FAST Channels from Warner Bros. Discovery

DirecTV has announced a series of new free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) linear content offerings from the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio. Four new channels will debut on July 30, and the remaining 12 channels will be added in the coming months.

The combination of 16 Warner Bros. Discovery FAST services spans entertainment, film, and unscripted programming; food, home, and travel; history and learning; and science fiction and supernatural, DirecTV announced. The entire portfolio will be made available to all DirecTV satellite-free streaming customers at no cost via MyFree DirecTV, which has surpassed 110 channels since its November debut, and provides consumers a curated experience of the FAST universe.

“This Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio is a great addition to our fast-growing MyFree DirecTV lineup, which continues to connect deeply devoted fans to a wide variety of their favorite programming at no cost,” Kent Rees, GM at MyFree DirecTV, said in a statement. “MyFree DirecTV plays an important role in the new DirecTV experience by introducing many people to our service — for free — for possibly the first time, or enhancing choice and value among the millions of consumers we already serve.”

Beginning July 30, DirecTV homes can watch the following channels:

  • Mythbusters: Two Hollywood special effects experts put urban legends to the test with wild experiments, death-defying stunts and more.
  • Say Yes to the Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal makes each bride’s experience unforgettable in this show that is part bridal story, part makeover and part therapy session.
  • Beach Day: Follow families, couples, and solo dreamers as they search for the perfect beachside homes around the world.
  • Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern: Adventurous eater Andrew Zimmern crisscrosses the globe in search of the world’s most exotic foods and savors the local cuisine.

 

Other Warner Bros. Discovery FAST channels coming to MyFree DirecTV soon include:

  • At the Movies: Watch a mix of classic films from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.
  • Classic Cinema: Experience the silver screen at home with a collection of acclaimed films from the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond.
  • Crime Scenes: Step deep into the heart of real-life crime mysteries. Each story uncovers dark secrets hidden in small towns and remote places.
  • Ghosts Are Real: Dive deep into haunted locations, unexplained phenomena, and real-life ghost encounters.
  • How To: Discover the fascinating processes behind everyday objects and extraordinary feats. Pull back the curtain on the world’s most intriguing manufacturing methods, technologies, and human innovations. Whether it’s factories, science, or engineering marvels, How To answers the questions.
  • I (Almost) Got Away with It: Featuring murderers, drug dealers, bank robbers or jail escapees that try to stay out of prison.
  • Living With Evil: Hear true stories of betrayal, obsession, and murder — proving that evil can live closer than you think.
  • Love Kills: Uncover the deadly side of romance, where passion turns to obsession and trust leads to betrayal. Witness real stories of relationships that took a dark and dangerous turn — proving that sometimes, love can be fatal.
  • Mysterious Worlds: Go on a journey through history’s most intriguing secrets, legends, and unexplained events. Explore the hidden stories behind iconic artifacts, landmarks, and places — revealing the mysteries that shaped our world.
  • Primetime Soaps: Featuring classic television soap operas.
  • The Repair Shop: Nestled deep in the British countryside lies a workshop where broken, battered and beloved artifacts and antiques are brought back to life.
  • Sweet Escapes: Celebrate the art of baking through jaw-dropping designs, fierce competition, and sugary masterpieces.

Looper Insights Study: Consumers, Media Execs See Promise, Pitfalls in FAST Marketplace

Consumers aren’t just flirting with free alternatives, they’re actively reconsidering the value of paid streaming altogether, offering an opportunity for FAST channels, according to a new study from Looper Insights. But that momentum could stall unless FAST platforms solve discovery and monetization problems, the study found.

The report “Can FAST Hold Viewers … or Just Fill Gaps?” is a dual-perspective study that surveys U.S. viewers and media executives to understand where public behavior and industry perception align around FAST and where they diverge. The survey was done in the United States from June 16 to 22, 2025, among 1,115 members of the public and 37 media executives.

In the study, while 88% of viewers said they’re open to exploring free ad-supported channels, 50% of executives said they believe FAST is overcrowded or lacks standout content. This misalignment shows that audiences aren’t fatigued; they’re just not being effectively engaged, according to Looper Insights, and that discovery on FAST platforms, not saturation, is the bottleneck.

Only 29% of viewers in the study said they actively look for new content on FAST platforms, and 83% of execs said audiences haven’t really engaged. This signals an urgent need for better UX, curation, and content visibility, not just more FAST channels, according to Looper Insights.

Viewers aren’t tired of ads: they’re tired of paying and still getting them.
Nearly 9 in 10 consumers said they’d rather watch ads on a free service than pay for a subscription with ads. As paid services add ad tiers, FAST starts to feel like the fairer deal, the study notes. 

Still, FAST is gaining viewers with 35% of consumer respondents reporting that they now watch more FAST content than they did a year ago. Meanwhile, 29% said they have subscribed to fewer paid services. At the same, 83% of media execs said FAST is now central to their strategy. 

While 64% of viewers in the study rated FAST as “good or great value,” 50% of executives cited inconsistent ad tech and measurement as the most significant barriers to monetization. Viewers are showing up, but the dollars are getting stuck in the funnel, according to Looper Insights.

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TCLtv+ Adds 11 AMC Networks’ FAST Channels

TCLtv+, the flagship streaming service from consumer electronics company TCL, has announced a new partnership with AMC Networks that adds 11 AMC Networks’ FAST channels to its slate of FAST programming.

The agreement includes a full suite of 24/7 sports and news offerings as well as a dedicated The Walking Dead Universe channel. The TCLtv+ streaming service now features more than 400 FAST Channels.

New AMC FAST channels include: 

  • Acorn TV Mysteries
  • Stories by AMC
  • BBC News
  • All Reality by We TV
  • AMC Thrillers
  • The Walking Dead Universe
  • Overtime, a sports channel
  • MSG SportsZone
  • Scares by Shudder
  • NESN Nation, featuring New England sports from Red Sox to Bruins, with original shows, live coverage, interviews, and podcasts. 
  • AllBlk Gems

 

“We are excited to partner with the team at AMC to deliver TCL audiences a broad range of exciting content offerings and notable titles from AMC’s vast library. Whether you are a passionate sports fan, hard core news viewer or mystery enthusiast, there are myriad options available through AMC’s deep bench of titles,” Catherine Zhang, VP of content service and partnership for TCL, said in a statement.

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“Our distribution strategy is built around making our high-quality programming available to viewers wherever they might want to watch, and a great example of this is our expansive portfolio of branded FAST channels,” Amy Leasca, EVP of partner management for AMC Networks, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to bring this mix of nearly a dozen carefully programmed and curated channels to TCLtv+ viewers through our new partnership with TCL. There is something for everyone in this compelling mix of scripted dramas, mysteries, reality, sports and news.”

FilmRise Inks Deal to Put FAST Channels on TCL Channel Internationally

New York-based film and television studio and streaming network FilmRise and consumer electronics company TCL have inked an agreement to bring some of FilmRise’s most popular FAST Channels to international audiences on the TCL Channel, reaching viewers across Australia, Brazil, France, GSA, Italy, LATAM and Spain.

The single IP-branded FAST Channels in the deal include “Highway to Heaven,” “Z Nation,” “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Forensic Files,” “Dr. G” and “Hot Ones.”

“Our growing partnership with TCL underscores our dedication to providing free streaming content globally,” Melissa Wohl, EVP of global distribution partnerships and content sales at FilmRise, said in a statement. “As international markets adopt streaming free content, particularly FAST, we aim for our channels to be accessible. This agreement with TCL extends our distribution overseas using TCL’s vast network of smart TVs to engage viewers.”

“Through our partnership with FilmRise, we are excited to bring these beloved TV series to TCL Channel,” Guillermina Ortega, content director at the TCL Channel, said in a statement. “This collaboration allows us to offer popular franchises and series to audiences worldwide. We are committed to providing our viewers with the most sought-after television content, ensuring they have access to the best in entertainment.”

The deal was negotiated by Alejandro Veciana, Senior Manager at FilmRise and Ortega.

Stingray Launches Four Music FAST Channels on TCLtv+

Stingray has launched four new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels on TCLtv+, the free streaming service available on TCL smart TVs in North America.

The expansion increases Stingray’s offering on the platform, providing users with a wider array of curated music experiences.

The four new channels are:

  • Stingray Smooth Jazz, which explores the contemporary jazz artists;
  • Stingray Hip-Hop/R&B, which delivers hip-hop and R&B;
  • Stingray Nothin’ But 90s, which rediscovers ‘90s grunge, pop, hip-hop, and country from the era; and
  • Stingray Cozy Cafe, which offers a blend of trendy coffee house visuals with lo-fi beats.

 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with TCLtv+ to bring these new channels to their rapidly expanding streaming service,” David Purdy, chief revenue officer of Stingray, said in a statement. “TCLtv+ is committed to providing a cutting-edge viewing experience with a dynamic library of streaming channels, and we are proud to enhance their music offering with these distinct Stingray experiences.”

TCLtv+ is the flagship streaming service offered by leading consumer electronics company TCL, which features more than 350 FAST channels and thousands of movies and TV series.

The new Stingray channels are accessible for users on all TCL connected TVs in the United States and Canada. The TCLtv+ app can also be downloaded from the iOS App Store, and Fire TV users can find the Fire TV app in their respective app store.

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