What is Freely? How to watch streaming service via Smart TV
The streaming service launched in 2024, with the backing of the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
As the world of TV shifts further towards streaming, Everyone TV, the organisation which runs free TV in the UK including Freeview, announced a new service in 2023, which was first released last year.
Freely is a free service, available in the UK, which has been backed by multiple broadcasters, and allows viewers to access channels all in one place via the internet, rather than an aerial cable or smart box.
Since its arrival, the platform has continued to grow, with a recent launch of new streaming channels from Channel 4 including 4Reality, 4Homes and 4Life. Additional streaming channels from ITV and 5 are expected to follow, as the platform continues to expand its live and on-demand offering.
As well as plans to launch on NetGem later this year, as well as operating on the Roku system, the only way is up for Freely it seems. But what else do viewers need to know about Freely, how can they access it and which channels are currently available through the service?
Read on for everything you need to know about Freely.
What is Freely?
Freely, which launched in 2024, is a way to stream live and on demand TV for free, which is backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
It was developed by Everyone TV, the organisation which runs free TV in the UK, and is built into a number of smart TVs.
It replicates the terrestrial TV experience, allowing viewers to browse channels through a modern programme guide, and is accessed via WiFi, meaning users don't need a set-top box or an aerial – they just need access to the internet and a compatible TV.
It also means they don't have to switch between apps like BBC iPlayer and ITVX, but can instead access all of the on demand content in one place.
The service also gives viewers the option to pause, rewind and restart live TV, has an accessible TV guide for people with sight or hearing needs and features parental controls and PIN protection options.
Crucially, it doesn't require any sort of contract and is completely free.
Which channels are signed up to Freely?
There are currently a great deal of channels which can be streamed live via Freely, including channels associated with BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and U.
Others include Legend, True Crime, PBS America, QVC and GB News. Meanwhile, on demand content is also available, categories into Movies, Drama, Factual, Comedy and Kids.
More recently, Freely confirmed that they are working with Hearst Networks, Bloomberg TV+ and others to bring 10 additional streaming channels to the platform in 2026.
New channels include BLAZE, Bloomberg TV+, Talking Pictures TV, Gemporia and Local TV, as well as Channel 4 offerings like 4Reality, 4Homes and 4Life.
Existing Freely partner AMC Networks International UK (AMCNI UK), will launch five of the new channels, three through its joint venture with Paramount: True Crime UK, Evidence of Evil and Bloodline Detectives, as well as two further channel brands, Love After Lock Up and AMC Reality.
These new arrivals build on AMCNI UK’s existing portfolio on Freely, which already features Legend, True Crime and Watch Free UK.
How to watch streaming services via Smart TV
Freely can only be accessed via a TV in which it is built-in, but aside from that, it is simple to access and set up.
Some TVs from manufacturers such as Bush, Metz, Toshiba, Hisense, Panasonic and Sharp already include the service.
From there, users simply need to press the Freely button on their remote, select their language and region, connect their TV to their local WiFi network and run a channel scan – beyond that, it will all be set up and they can get watching!
Freely had also announced a major deal with global streaming company Roku this past June, meaning that it will now become available on the next generation of smart TVs powered by the Roku operating system. It is now the default TV Guide on additional Sharp, JVC, and METZ models, whilst also introducing Polaroid TVs with Freely for the first time.
It was also announced in July that Freely will launch on Netgem devices later this year, which will be Freely’s first ‘plug-in and stream’ device partner. It will also enable Freely to run on televisions that do not have the platform built-in, via a simple and affordable plug-in puck.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
