Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
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Roku has further enriched its free live television offering by introducing an impressive selection of additional channels, reflecting its ongoing efforts to diversify entertainment options for viewers. These newly added selections range from classic sitcoms and sports coverage to enduring TV favorites and curated collections of short clips. Importantly, access to this content is not limited to those who own Roku-branded televisions — anyone using the Roku Channel app can tune in without restrictions.
In a subtle yet meaningful move, Roku has quietly enhanced its complimentary streaming lineup, ensuring that users have access to an even broader spectrum of programming without needing to subscribe or pay any fees. For individuals unfamiliar with the system, the ‘Live TV’ section within the Roku Channel operates very similarly to traditional cable television. Here, programming unfolds in real time, accompanied by standard commercial interruptions. Users cannot fast-forward or rewind content, fostering a viewing experience reminiscent of broadcast television’s linear flow. The primary distinction, however, is that all of these channels are completely free of charge, blending nostalgic television habits with the convenience of modern streaming.
For those in search of recommendations, ZDNET also compiles expert evaluations of the best Roku televisions available for every budget category, assisting consumers in selecting the ideal screen for maximizing their streaming experience.
At present, Roku offers hundreds of channel options that cater to a wide array of interests. These include networks dedicated entirely to single television series—such as “COPS,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Little House on the Prairie”—as well as continuous streams of Hallmark movies, around-the-clock local and national news updates, live weather reports, sports programming, and other specialized content categories. Only weeks ago, Roku broadened its library by incorporating six additional free channels, including the ever-engaging “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” which streams twenty-four hours a day, and “Overtime,” a nonstop source for sports enthusiasts. Now, Roku is building on that momentum by unveiling nine brand-new channels designed to offer even richer entertainment variety.
Here’s a closer look at what’s new in the Roku Channel lineup:
• **Pokémon:** Continuous streaming of the globally cherished animated series that has entertained several generations and spanned more than twenty seasons, allowing viewers to revisit iconic episodes at any time.
• **The Bernie Mac Show:** A channel dedicated to the early 2000s sitcom starring the late, celebrated comedian Bernie Mac, whose distinctive humor and heartfelt family storytelling remain as relevant as ever.
• **America’s Funniest Home Videos:** A beloved collection of humorous and lighthearted video clips, showcasing timeless moments of everyday comedy from various decades of the long-running series.
• **Willow Sports:** Your destination for global cricket coverage, offering live broadcasts and highlights from international tournaments and matches.
• **Fuel TV:** An energetic network celebrating the sports, culture, and lifestyle surrounding surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX, and motocross — ideal for those drawn to action and adventure.
• **Felicity:** A dedicated channel revisiting the 1990s drama centered on a young woman’s experiences navigating college life in New York City, exploring themes of growth, friendship, and self-discovery.
• **Cougar Town:** A humorous portrayal of a recently divorced mother redefining her romantic and social life, blending sharp wit with relatable adult themes.
• **Blossom:** The quintessential 1990s sitcom following a clever, spirited teenage girl as she faces the trials of adolescence and family life with charm and intelligence.
• **MeatEater:** A channel celebrating the outdoor lifestyle—featuring hunting, fishing, and exploration—appealing to viewers with a passion for nature and sustainable living.
Accessing these new additions is straightforward. Simply open the Roku Channel app, which is conveniently available for download on nearly all modern smart devices—so ownership of a Roku-branded TV or streaming stick is not required. Within the app, navigate to the left-hand menu, select the ‘Live TV’ category, and search for any of the channels listed above. Once viewed, your selected channels will appear in the ‘recently watched’ section, making it effortless to return for future viewing sessions.
For audiences who enjoy the spontaneity of tuning into whatever episode happens to be airing, as opposed to carefully selecting on-demand content, Roku’s Live TV lineup offers one of the most convenient and comprehensive free streaming options currently available. Its expanding roster of free, easily accessible channels could easily substitute for one or even several paid streaming subscriptions, all while recapturing the communal, channel-surfing experience of traditional television through the modern lens of digital streaming.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/roku-free-upgrade-9-channels/
