A recent update for the PlayStation 5 introduces free live TV streaming capabilities. Launched on August 31, 2026, the feature is currently available to PS5 owners in the United States. However, there’s an important caveat to be aware of.
Sony Pictures Television officially rolled out the Live TV service on PS5. The service offers ad-supported streaming and is exclusive to U.S. players for now. Users can access it via the Media tab by selecting the Live TV on PS5 icon and signing in with their PlayStation account.
With this service, gamers can enjoy over 100 live channels along with a growing library of on-demand content directly on their consoles—no need to download external apps. The lineup includes news, sports, movies, TV series, anime, and more, featuring content partners like Amazon MGM Studios, Crunchyroll, FOX, NBCUniversal, NFL Channel, UFC, and others.
Over time, the selection will expand. Currently, the service is limited to the U.S., although Sony is planning to bring it to Canada soon.
[Image: A PlayStation 5 featuring free live TV support, with a caption noting the catch involved.]
Why advertisers are paying attention to PlayStation 5
PlayStation users have long utilized their consoles to stream various types of content via dedicated apps. This trend has elevated PS5 as a prime platform for advertisers seeking to connect with consumers through connected TV experiences.
According to Variety, Sony executives are exploring ways to integrate their assets, making it easier for advertisers to reach targeted audiences across different media. Peter Wood, EVP of consumer platforms and services at Sony Pictures Entertainment, explained, “Sony engages with tens of millions of users worldwide across our devices. It’s not complicated to see how we can reduce the barriers to discovering content across these platforms.”
He also emphasized that advertising served on PlayStation would be highly relevant, stating, “We’re being very deliberate in ensuring that the ads we display are meaningful and tailored to the viewer.”
Sony is partnering with Publica and PubMatic, specialists in connected TV advertising, to deliver targeted ads to PlayStation 5 users, enhancing the advertising experience on the platform.