Google TV has always been a destination for finding content, and now there’s a ton more with the addition of free channels available directly on the homescreen. Here’s everything that’s available.
Rolling out now to all Google TV devices in the United States, there are in excess of 800 free live TV channels that stream everything from news to movies and so much more, all without costing you a dime. Some of these channels are built-in, while others are powered by third-party apps.
Google TV free channels: What’s built-in
Out of the box of devices such as Chromecast with Google TV, you’ll get access to 77 total free live channels. These channels require no app installations or extra accounts. Just set up your Google TV device, go to the “Live” tab, and you’ll get all of these channels.
The full list is as follows.
Google is constantly updating this list, too, so check back for new additions.
Update 9/4: Google announced a batch of new channels in late August, which includes several new game show channels, more music channels, and most notably a collection of channels from the BBC. Those include dedicated channels for popular shows like Top Gear and Classic Doctor Who, as well as BBC Food and more. The list above has been updated, with new additions marked.
What other channels are free on Google TV?
Beyond those 77 built-in channels, Google TV also provides free live channels from a variety of third-party apps. These include channels from:
Channels are all listed together in the same guide, but picking a channel from one of these other providers will launch the associated app, which you’ll need to have installed. Some of those services require an account, but they still won’t charge you.
How to pick your favorite live channels on Google TV
With hundreds of channels available and no number pad to quickly get between them, Google TV’s “favorite channels” feature really comes in handy. As pictured below, this works rather simply. Find the channel you want to add as a favorite, click on its name, and then a new “Favorites” category will be added to the top of the “Live” tab. This works with channels from any source, paid or free.
Are free channels available on Android TV?
At this time, Google is only offering free live TV channels on Google TV, not on the older Android TV experience. You’ll find Android TV on devices such as the Nvidia Shield TV and other devices produced before 2021. At this point, most devices are running Google TV instead.
However, Google has expressed interest in bringing these live channels to Android TV, but at a later time that hasn’t been confirmed.
We also plan to bring the new TV guide and free channels to eligible Android TV devices later this year.
More on Google TV:
Originally published 4/28/2023. Last updated 9/4/2023.
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