In a move that underscores the growing demand for accessible, ad-supported content focused on home improvement and serene escapes, Pluto TV announced the launch of three brand-new channels today, October 3, 2025. The additions—Home Crashes on WBTV, Ultrate Builds by WBTV, and Rustic Retreats by WBTV—bring fresh, locally inspired programming to the platform’s already robust lineup of over 250 free channels. All three are available immediately to viewers across the United States via the Pluto TV app and website, requiring no subscription or payment beyond occasional ad breaks.
Pluto TV, the Paramount-owned free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service, has been aggressively expanding its offerings this fall, following a September announcement of 11 new channels that included everything from classic sitcoms to sports highlights. This latest trio aligns with the platform’s strategy to cater to niche audiences seeking practical advice and aspirational content without leaving the couch. The channels feature original programming produced by the team at WBTV, Charlotte’s CBS affiliate and one of the Carolinas’ most trusted local news outlets since 1949. WBTV’s involvement marks a deeper partnership between Pluto TV and regional broadcasters, allowing stations like WBTV to repurpose and create content that resonates with Southern audiences while reaching a national streaming crowd.
The first channel, Home Crashes on WBTV, dives into the high-stakes world of surprise home renovations. Drawing inspiration from ambush-style makeovers popularized in earlier DIY shows, this 24/7 stream follows crews as they intercept everyday homeowners at big-box stores, tail them back to their properties, and execute rapid transformations. Episodes highlight common pitfalls like outdated kitchens or cramped living spaces, showing how budget-conscious fixes can turn mishaps into triumphs. Produced in collaboration with WBTV’s investigative reporting unit, the series emphasizes safety and cost-saving tips, often featuring local Charlotte-area families dealing with real-life challenges such as storm damage repairs or energy-efficient upgrades. Viewers can expect a mix of heartwarming reveals and educational segments, with programming airing in rotating blocks that include extended marathons on weekends.
Complementing the action-oriented vibe of Home Crashes is Ultrate Builds by WBTV, a channel dedicated to ambitious, over-the-top construction projects that push the boundaries of residential design. Here, the focus shifts to couples and families embarking on “ultimate” builds—think custom eco-homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains or tech-integrated retreats near Lake Norman. The content blends documentary-style storytelling with time-lapse footage, chronicling the highs and lows of permitting hurdles, material shortages, and creative problem-solving. WBTV’s production team, known for its in-depth weather and community coverage, infuses the series with regional flavor, spotlighting North Carolina architects and builders who incorporate sustainable elements like solar panels and reclaimed wood. Episodes run the gamut from modest cabin expansions to lavish multi-level estates, offering inspiration for viewers dreaming of their own ground-up creations. The channel’s launch comes at a timely moment, as rising interest in remote work has fueled a surge in rural relocations across the Southeast.
Rounding out the additions is Rustic Retreats by WBTV, a soothing counterpoint that celebrates the allure of off-grid living and countryside getaways. This channel transports audiences to hidden gems across the Carolinas and beyond, showcasing log cabins nestled in foggy hollows, lakeside lodges with wraparound porches, and restored farmhouses amid rolling pastures. Programming features virtual tours, owner interviews, and light renovation spotlights, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of unplugging from urban hustle. WBTV draws on its archives of travel features to curate serene narratives, including segments on foraging in Appalachian forests or stargazing from Adirondack chairs. Ideal for evening wind-downs, the stream includes ambient soundscapes and seasonal themes, such as fall foliage escapes or winter hearth-side coziness. With mental health experts noting a boom in “nature therapy” trends, this channel positions Pluto TV as a go-to for feel-good escapism.
As fall transitions into cooler months, these WBTV-infused streams offer practical tools for nesting—whether crashing outdated spaces, building dream homes, or simply retreating to rustic bliss. Pluto TV’s expansion signals a broader shift in streaming, where free, curated channels are reclaiming the linear TV experience for a digital age, one renovation and retreat at a time.
Please add Cord Cutters News as a source for your Google News feed HERE. Please follow us on Facebook and X for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help.