Google TV cuts down on free channels
Google TV has made some changes to its lineup of free channels that you can watch without needing to sign up or download anything. Recently, they took away several channels, which has shrunk their collection. Up until the end of 2024, Google TV had a peak of 171 free channels. However, they’ve now reduced this number to 162 by removing nine channels.
It’s not common for Google to remove channels from its Freeplay service. Usually, they only take away one or two at a time. This time, they’ve removed nine all at once, marking the largest cutback yet. Interestingly, these weren’t the special holiday channels added late last year.
Here are the channels that were removed:
- The Hill TV
- Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan
- Dove Channel
- Comedy Dynamics
- The Bob Ross Channel
- Shades of Black
- OutTV Proud
- Dazn Ringside
- Dazn Women’s Football
Most of these channels were introduced in 2024, with a big batch added in September. This suggests there might have been some kind of agreement with Google that didn’t work out. Cinedigm, which manages several channels like The Bob Ross Channel and Dove Channel, might have been involved, as they also handle other channels like Shades of Black and Comedy Dynamics. It’s still up in the air whether these channels will make a comeback or if this is goodbye for good.