Roku, Inc. the leading TV streaming platform in the U.S., announced today its agreement to acquire Frndly TV, a fast-growing subscription streaming service known for delivering affordable live TV, on-demand content, and unlimited cloud-based DVR. The $185 million cash deal, expected to close in Q2 2025 pending customary conditions, marks a strategic move to enhance Roku’s platform revenue and subscription growth.
Founded in 2019 and based in Denver, Frndly TV offers over 50 top-rated live TV channels, including A&E, Hallmark Channel, The History Channel, and Lifetime, starting at just $6.99 per month. Subscribers enjoy thousands of hours of on-demand content, unlimited cloud DVR, and access to shows aired in the past 72 hours on live channels. The service’s affordability and family-friendly programming have fueled its rapid growth, making it a natural fit for Roku’s ecosystem.
“Frndly TV’s impressive growth and expertise in direct-to-consumer subscription services make it a compelling addition to Roku,” said Anthony Wood, Founder and CEO of Roku, Inc. “This acquisition supports our focus on growing platform revenue and Roku-billed subscriptions, with a live content offering our users love at an industry-leading price point.”
“We’re incredibly excited to join Roku and continue our mission to provide customers feel-good, quality entertainment as the most affordable live TV subscription streaming service in America,” said Andy Karofsky, Frndly TV CEO and Co-Founder. “Roku’s pioneering role in streaming and its longstanding commitment to customers aligns perfectly with our strategic vision. We believe this combination will help us accelerate subscription growth, given the alignment in core customer demographics and Roku’s leadership position in the connected TV ecosystem.”
The acquisition aligns with Roku’s strategy to deepen its subscription offerings while maintaining Frndly TV’s availability across multiple platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, iOS, Samsung, Vizio, and the web. This ensures continuity for Frndly TV’s existing user base while leveraging Roku’s market leadership to drive subscriber growth.
The deal includes $75 million of the purchase price tied to performance milestones over the next two years, reflecting confidence in Frndly TV’s potential to scale within Roku’s ecosystem. As streaming competition intensifies, this acquisition positions Roku to capture a broader audience seeking affordable, high-quality live TV options.
With this move, Roku reinforces its commitment to delivering diverse, accessible content, solidifying its role as a pioneer in the streaming industry.
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