Roku Added Five Free Channels

The Roku Channel expanded its live programming lineup with five new ad-supported streaming options.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Television

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Roku has expanded the library of The Roku Channel with five new free, ad-supported streaming channels available to all platform users. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Roku has added five new free, ad-supported live channels to The Roku Channel platform. These additions are now available to users without the need for a subscription payment.

Why it matters

This update expands the content library available to viewers using The Roku Channel without increasing costs for users. It reflects a broader trend of platforms utilizing free, ad-supported television (FAST) to increase viewer engagement.

Roku introduced these five channels, including Space Live (6210), Candybar (1722), Lionsgate Natenate (1723), ALF (2026), and Dance Moms (4507), to its live TV guide.

The players

Roku

Roku is a publicly traded company that develops streaming hardware and operates an ad-supported television platform.

The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a variety of movies, television shows, and live programming.

The details

Users can access these new streams by browsing the app or utilizing the channel number search within the live TV guide. The channels are integrated directly into the existing interface of The Roku Channel.

Timeline

  1. The Roku Channel launched in September 2017.

  2. Roku expanded its live channel lineup on September 22, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The expansion of The Roku Channel reflects the ongoing industry push toward free ad-supported streaming television, or FAST services. These platforms are increasingly competing for viewer attention by diversifying niche content libraries without traditional subscription barriers.

Viewers can now tune into the new channels immediately through their existing Roku device interface. These additions provide further options for content consumption without requiring any changes to current subscription plans or additional monthly fees.

The takeaway

Users looking for new entertainment options can now find these channels by navigating to the live guide on their home screen. The move highlights how platforms continue to refresh their free offerings to maintain competitive advantages in the streaming market.

Further reading

Learn more about the evolving landscape of Television in the U.S. market.

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Would you switch to free, ad-supported streaming channels to replace your paid subscriptions?