Roku Added 13 New Live Channels

The streaming platform has expanded its free, ad-supported lineup with 13 new live programming streams.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Television

Live Poll

Would you rely on free, ad-supported channels instead of paying for a traditional cable subscription?

Roku has added 13 free, ad-supported channels to its Live TV interface. These new streams are now accessible to users through The Roku Channel without requiring a subscription.

Why it matters

The company aims to bolster its free content library to encourage users to remain within a single interface for their viewing needs. By diversifying its ad-supported offerings, the platform seeks to keep audiences engaged without the need for additional paid services.

The update introduces 13 new ad-supported channels to The Roku Channel. This move follows a period between 2025 and 2026 where the company added dozens of other live streams to the platform.

The players

Roku

Roku is a hardware and software company that provides a streaming platform for accessing television content and various digital services.

The details

Viewers can access the new content, which includes channels such as Scrubs, Blackish, and Garfield Espanol, by navigating the live guide or the Live TV section. The channels function as always-on streams that are fully ad-supported.

Roku announced the addition of 13 new live channels on September 30, 2026.
The platform added dozens of live channels to its service throughout 2025 and 2026.

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Industry Dynamics

This move mirrors the broader streaming industry trend of prioritizing Free Ad-supported Streaming Television (FAST) to capture viewers who are increasingly resistant to rising subscription costs. It reflects a strategic push by platforms to maintain user loyalty by consolidating content within a single, free-to-access ecosystem.

Users can immediately access these channels through the live guide without needing to purchase a new subscription. This change provides viewers with more content options within their existing Roku interface at no extra cost.

The takeaway

The expansion demonstrates that streaming platforms are focusing on ad-supported models to capture audience attention in a competitive market. Users looking to save on monthly costs may benefit from checking their live guide periodically for these free additions.