Viewers with a Freely-enabled smart TV can now access additional channels via their broadband connection following this month’s channel update.
- True Crime, PBS America and GB News now available to stream.
- Two new apps added to on-demand section.
Freely’s first big update of 2025 introduces a raft of channels that can now be streamed to devices rather than received via an aerial or dish.
The hybrid platform launched in 2024 enables smart TVs to receive a growing number of Freeview and Freesat channels via broadband internet.
To avoid the shortfalls of rival platforms like Sky Stream, where viewers switching from satellite lost access to some channels, Freely-enabled TVs can still also access non-streamed channels via an aerial or dish (dependent on device), to get the best of both worlds.
8 new streaming channels
From this week, eight additional channels are now available via streaming on Freely TVs. They are:
| Channel Name | Channel number |
|---|---|
| True Crime | 37 |
| Legend | 38 |
| PBS America | 49 |
| True Crime Xtra | 50 |
| Legend Xtra | 51 |
| GB News | 304 |
| QVC | 451 |
| QVC 2 | 453 |
This means Freely TVs only connected to an internet connection can now access the above channels. This is on top of services from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and UKTV. Additional channels continue to be available only if a Freely TV is connected to an aerial.
SEE ALSO: Freely channel list (internet+aerial line ups)
Freely says most devices should update automatically. But If it doesn’t, Freely advises viewers to rescan to update the channel list and TV guide. It’s warned users that “changes to internet delivered channels can take up to 24 hours to show on your device.”
Everyone TV, Freely’s platform operator, owned by the main public broadcasters, originally confirmed last year that it had struck deals with the above broadcasters to add these channels to the streaming platform this year.
Freely TVs are gradually replacing Freeview Play smart TVs as more manufacturers join and introduce new models. Freely requires a new TV, as Freeview Play TVs won’t be upgraded to add Freely support.
New apps
All Freely users will be able to access PBS America and Watch Free UK apps in the on-demand section of Freely after the update.
PBS America offers a wide range of documentaries on-demand. Meanwhile, Watch Free UK is the home of on-demand content from Legend and True Crime UK. Content includes reality, crime and sci-fi shows.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Everyone TV