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Dozens of Free Streaming TV Channels Coming to Google TV, Chromecast

Mike Nelson
Mike is the General Manager of The Streamable and has been running recommendation websites since 2009. He cut the cord in 2014 and is a Utes football fan despite living in SEC territory. He currently streams on a TCL 4K 65" and his favorites to watch include "Inception," "Big Fish," "Back to the Future," and "New Girl."
Read full bio ›
Mike Nelson

Google TV on Chromecast and some smart TVs may become a more friendly platform for streamers as soon as October, in the wake of plans by Google to add free streaming TV channels to the platform.

According to Protocol, Google has been holding talks with operators of free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channels to add their streaming channels to the platform. In addition, Google has been working with smart TV providers including Sony and TCL.

The announcement could reportedly come as soon at next month’s “Made by Google” event where the Pixel 6 phone may be launched. However, according to Protocol, the launch plans remain in flux and could be pushed off into early 2022.

The free TV channels could be shown in the Chromecast’s Live tab, which currently shows paid TV services like YouTube TV and Sling TV. On smart TVs running the Google TV platform, the channels are more likely to be shown next to the over-the-air programming available via antenna.

A recent report from nScreenMedia predicts that the free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST industry) will reach $4.1 billion in 2023 and have 216 million monthly active users. Currently, that industry that consists of services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel, and is worth about $2.1 billion.

This is not a new move for Google. When Android TV was first unveiled in 2014, it included a live channels framework designed to integrate live programming from streaming apps and over-the-air programming. The framework did not take off, and Google did not add it into Chromecast when the platform was relaunched a year ago.

Samsung has long used a similar strategy, integrating free channels into its smart TV platform through Samsung TV Plus. That platform provides viewers FAST content on an ongoing basis, just as Amazon, Roku, and VIZIO have — integrating the free video content into program guides alongside live TV and streaming channels.

Increased demand for free, ad-supported streaming TV channels is being met by programmers, hungry for a larger audience, crafting plenty of niche FAST channels. For example, AMC Networks has launched multiple FAST channels, including one dedicated to The Walking Dead and another channel featuring comedies from IFC, like Portlandia.

Other media companies, including The Weather Channel, Scripps, Reuters, Meredith, and Bloomberg have their own streaming channels. It is not known which ones will make it to Google TV, but it is expected that Google will work up deals with companies to land access to dozens of free channels.

Mike Nelson
Mike is the General Manager of The Streamable and has been running recommendation websites since 2009. He cut the cord in 2014 and is a Utes football fan despite living in SEC territory. He currently streams on a TCL 4K 65" and his favorites to watch include "Inception," "Big Fish," "Back to the Future," and "New Girl."
Read full bio ›
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DIRECTV STREAM Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
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Sling TV Cash Back

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Offer Terms

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  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.