Pluto TV stands out as being a little different to other streaming services as it focuses on linear TV channels that you can drop in and out of anytime.
The free-to-use, ad-funded service is operated by ViacomCBS, the owner of Channel 5 in the UK. From the channel list, you can choose from numerous specialist channels, some revolving around a single programme, shown back-to-back.
Once you are inside the Pluto TV app or website, you’ll see a list of available channels (varies based on country) that you can choose from. This list works in a similar manner to the programme guide on Sky, Virgin or other digital TV platforms. Just browse and then select what you want to watch.
In the UK, viewers can choose from factual, entertainment, children’s and gaming channels. These include channels devoted to the former ITV series Wild At Heart, the BBC daytime show Homes Under The Hammer and cult series Mythbusters. Other channels feature old westerns, romantic movies, shows about conspiracy theories and true crime series. Cooking channels include a channel just showing Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen.
In this regard, Pluto TV is similar to those TV channels launched when digital TV first started that used to devote much of their schedule to show back-to-back episodes of certain programmes that you could just drop in to anytime.
▶ How to access Pluto TV
Pluto TV is available on a variety of connected and smart TV platforms. These currently include:
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Android,
- Chromecast,
- iOS iPhone app,
- LG Smart TVs,
- Playstation,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TVs,
- Virgin Media,
- Windows 10 and 11 (through the Microsoft Store),
- Xbox series X / S, Xbox One,
- Internet browser: www.pluto.tv