If there’s one thing Roku definitely deserves credit for, it’s how consistently it updates The Roku Channel, its free streaming service, with new content. If you’re looking for something new to watch on your TV without swiping your credit card for yet another monthly subscription, it’s not a bad alternative at all.
The Roku Channel now offers more than 500 free live TV channels — often referred to as FAST channels (free ad-supported TV) — spanning just about every genre you can think of, including news, sports, comedy, drama, game shows, anime, and more. In January, Roku added six new channels to the service, and for February, it’s back at it again, this time rolling out nine more new channels (via Cord Cutter News).
Highlights from Roku’s February channel update include a dedicated Pokémon channel streaming episodes of the classic TV series around the clock, an America’s Funniest Videos channel featuring the long-running comedy show which showcases funny clips of people, and Willow Sports, a live sports channel focused on cricket.
Here are all nine of the new channels Roku has added, along with the channel number you can find them at using the live TV guide on your Roku:
- 197 Willow Sports
- 371 Felicity
- 372 Fuel TV
- 429 Pokémon
- 496 MeatEater
- 822 America’s Funniest Videos
- 823 The Bernie Mac Show
- 829 Cougar Town
- 832 Blossom
- Operating System
-
Roku OS
- Resolution
-
4K
- Ports
-
HDMI 2.0b, USB for Power & Long-range Wi-Fi receiver
One of the most reliable plug-and-play streaming solutions on the market, the Roku Streaming Stick lets you pipe 4K entertainment from dozens of services to any HDMI-compatible set. With Dolby Vision support and a voice-controlled remote, it’s a great way to take your media from display to display.
How to watch these channels for free on your Roku
You can also download the Roku app if you don’t have a Roku streaming device
Fortunately, checking out any of the new channels Roku just added is pretty straightforward. Start by heading to your Roku home screen and opening the Live TV Guide tile (as seen in the image above). You can also get there from the Live TV tab. From there, you’ll see a full channel guide listing all available channels, which feels very cable-like and is easy to scroll through.
If you already know the channel number you’re looking for, just press the star button on your remote, select “Jump to channel,” and enter the number using the on-screen keypad. And if you’re browsing the guide and stumble across a channel you like, press the star button again and choose “Favorite this channel.” This will add it to your favorites, making it easier to find in the future.
…if you’re still eager for more free TV beyond The Roku Channel, there are plenty of solid FAST apps worth checking out, including Plex, Tubi, and Pluto TV.
Even if you don’t own a Roku streaming device, you’re not locked out from checking out Roku’s free channels. The Roku Channel is also available on other platforms, including Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and select smart TVs from brands such as Samsung. You can also watch it online via the Roku website or on your phone with the Roku app, available on iOS and Android.
And if you’re still eager for more free TV beyond The Roku Channel, there are plenty of solid FAST apps worth checking out, including Plex, Tubi, and Pluto TV — all of which you can download for free from the Streaming Store on Roku devices.
Personally, the new channel I’m most looking forward to checking out in Roku’s February channel drop is Pokémon, as it will be a fun trip down memory lane to revisit the series, since I haven’t seen any of those episodes in a very, very long time.
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