Samsung’s free ad-supported streaming TV service is getting an upgrade. While popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max get the majority of attention from starved viewers, there is also a dedicated user base for free streaming. Samsung TV Plus is a FAST platform that comes pre-installed on all Samsung Smart TVs and Galaxy devices with a model date between 2016 and 2022. Over 220 channels are available on Samsung TV Plus in the U.S., along with 1,600 channels globally. The newest version of Samsung TV Plus comes with premium content, exclusive premiere, and key partnerships for even more offerings for viewers.
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The relaunch of Samsung TV Plus is ready today as an alternative for pay TV. Samsung also announced Samsung TV Plus availability on select Family Hub refrigerators (2.0 models 2017 and later), initially in the U.S. and Korea, so users can continue watching from every room. The platform boasts one of the most extensive offerings of free, along with live national and local news. In the last 12 months, Samsung TV Plus has seen 100% growth in consumer viewing, including nearly 3 billion hours streamed by users across the globe.
“As an early player in the free ad-supported streaming TV space with unrivaled expertise across hardware, software and services at a truly global scale, Samsung TV Plus has become a top viewing destination for consumers around the globe,” said Won-Jin Lee, President and Head of the Service Business Team at Samsung Electronics. “We are thrilled to recognize the massive growth we’ve achieved so far across 24 countries and over 1,600 channels globally. Samsung TV Plus’ new brand signifies our continued investment into the future of FAST.”
A listing of new programming partnerships and features included in Samsung TV Plus is below:
- Premium Content: With Samsung’s commitment to deliver more premium content for free, it continues to strengthen its partnerships with A+E Networks, The E.W. Scripps Company and BBC Studios, including launching the global auto franchise, Top Gear. The channel marks BBC’s 5th channel that has launched on Samsung TV Plus, including BBC Home, BBC Food, Classic Doctor Who and Antiques Roadshow UK. Additionally, fans can now watch their favorite crime dramas like Law & Order Special Victims Unit, NCIS, Chicago Fire, and more on ION from Scripps Networks. Also expanding content for viewers with an eye for design, Samsung and A+E Networks deliver all things home, décor, style, food, and more with the Home.Made.Nation channel.
- Expansive News Offering: Samsung TV Plus offers viewers an impressive lineup of the best programming in television news, carrying all four major live FAST broadcasters, ABC News Live, CBS News, LiveNOW from FOX, and NBC News NOW, and features content from every genre and region. From Bloomberg TV+ UHD to Cheddar News to Telemundo, there is something for every type of news consumer. In addition to delivering national and international news coverage, Samsung TV Plus has launched an expansive initiative to bring live, local news and weather to consumers around the US. Today, the service offers local news programming tailored to viewers’ local region across more than 40 DMAs.
- Expanded VOD Library: With an already expansive library with plans to double it in 2023 Samsung TV Plus will tap new and expanded partnerships with Lionsgate, Vice Media, and others to deliver blockbuster hits.
- Commitment to O&O: As consumers turn to Samsung TV Plus for its exclusive, owned and operated (O&O) channels, this fall, Ride or Drive, the first auto-focused channel will launch on the platform to offer even more automotive content for car fans. Samsung Showcase, a channel featuring marquee content including concerts, events and special programming, will also join the growing network of Samsung channels. To ensure the platform continues to anticipate and deliver on consumer favorites, TV veteran Andy Singer – who previously held senior roles at content studio, Alkemy X, Travel Channel, DIY Network, and HGTV – has joined Samsung TV Plus as Head of Content.
- Exclusive Premieres: With an ever-expanding variety of content, studio and production partners, Samsung brings viewers FAST-first content premieres, including an exclusive 2-minute sneak peek release of Prime Video’s highly anticipated The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series, an exclusive, uncut version of Demi Lovato’s Vevo Official Live Performance, Vevo’s bespoke artist series which captures some of the biggest artists in the world, giving fans a fresh and unique look at some of their best loved tracks; and EstrellaTV’s new mockumentary, “Norteados con Don Cheto.”
The rollout of the revamped Samsung TV Plus will take place across Samsung Smart TVs, mobile apps, and the web. UK-based brand agency Dixon Baxi is leading the rebrand, and its use of color and animation highlights the variety of content available on Samsung TV Plus.
“Our new look, programming and partnerships come at a time when many consumers are overwhelmed by a myriad of monthly bills and subscriptions. We are proud not only to manufacture quality devices, but ones that provide additional value through instant and free access to entertainment spanning movies, music, news, art, gaming, health and more,” said Sang Kim, SVP of Product and Marketing, Samsung Electronics.
Samsung TV Plus unveils its new look at an event at Samsung’s flagship store in Manhattan’s Meatpacking district. The event will feature an insightful panel discussion on the Future of FAST, moderated by Cheddar Senior Reporter Michelle Castillo alongside A+E Networks’ EVP, Global Content Sales and Business Development, Mark Garner; AMC Networks’ SVP of Advanced Advertising & Digital Partnerships Evan Adlman; and Samsung TV Plus’ Head of Content Andy Singer.
Users can find the Samsung TV Plus app by clicking the “Samsung TV Plus” icon on the first screen of any Samsung Smart TV or launching the app on any Samsung mobile device. More information can be found at samsung.com/tvplus.
