Rakuten TV Expands Streaming Service Into United States
The platform is bringing its free ad-supported television channels to American viewers via the TCLtv+ app.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Television
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Rakuten TV has officially expanded its free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service into the United States. Viewers can now access a variety of movies, shows, and news programming without a subscription through the TCLtv+ app.
Why it matters
The move represents a significant international expansion for the streaming service, which is also rolling out its FAST channel offerings to the Middle East and Japan. This growth highlights the increasing global competition among platforms vying for viewer attention in the ad-supported television market.
Rakuten TV now operates within a crowded ecosystem of 10 different streaming platforms. U.S. customers currently have access to specific comedy and action channels through the TCLtv+ app.
The players
Rakuten TV
Rakuten TV is a video-on-demand streaming service that offers a mix of free ad-supported channels and premium content.
TCLtv+
TCLtv+ is a streaming application developed by TCL that serves as a platform for delivering free, ad-supported television channels to smart TV users.
The details
The service provides internet-based television programming that allows users to stream content for free with advertisements. U.S. audiences specifically gain access to comedy and action-oriented channels as part of the initial rollout.
Timeline
The service expansion was reported on October 15, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The entry of Rakuten TV into the U.S. market underscores the rapid growth of the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) model. This shift signals a move away from subscription-only services as platforms compete for advertising revenue in a saturated market.
Users can access the new content immediately by navigating to the TCLtv+ application on their devices. The service provides a new option for viewing movies and news programming without requiring a monthly subscription fee.
The takeaway
Viewers seeking free entertainment can now diversify their content sources through the integrated TCLtv+ interface. This expansion suggests that consumers should expect more localized FAST channels to appear on smart TV platforms in the near future.
Further reading
For more on the changing media landscape, visit the Television section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BGR.
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