Roku’s free, ad-supported streaming service, The Roku Channel, is revving up its offerings with the addition of four new channels launched today, bringing fresh variety to its already robust catalog of over 560 live linear channels. The new additions—Speed Sport 1 (Channel 233), Car Chase (Channel 536), Dr. Phil’s Merit TV (Channel 551), and Fureza Informativa Azteca (Channel 912)—cater to a mix of adrenaline junkies, talk-show fans, and Spanish-speaking viewers, further cementing Roku’s position as a leader in the free ad-supported streaming television free space. Available now across Roku devices, smart TVs, and web browsers in the U.S., the rollout underscores the platform’s push to deliver diverse, no-cost entertainment.
Speed Sport 1 (Channel 233) dives into the high-octane world of motorsports, offering live races, highlights, and analysis for fans of speed and competition. From grassroots racing to professional circuits, it’s a niche grab that complements Roku’s existing sports slate, like its MLB Sunday Leadoff broadcasts. Car Chase (Channel 536) keeps the engines roaring with a 24/7 stream of vehicular pursuits—think real-life cop chases and cinematic car-crash chaos—perfect for viewers craving action without a subscription fee. Both channels tap into the growing appetite for specialized sports and thrill content, areas where free platforms are increasingly carving out space.
On the talk-show front, Dr. Phil’s Merit TV (Channel 551) brings the iconic psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw back to screens with a curated mix of past episodes, new commentary, and lifestyle segments from his Merit Street Media venture. It’s a coup for Roku, leveraging McGraw’s household-name status—his syndicated show ran for 21 seasons—to draw in viewers seeking advice and drama. Rounding out the quartet, Fureza Informativa Azteca (Channel 912) delivers Spanish-language news and entertainment from TV Azteca, one of Mexico’s top broadcasters. With breaking stories, cultural programming, and live updates, it bolsters Roku’s appeal to the U.S.’s 62 million-plus Hispanic population, joining other Latin-focused channels like Azteca Internacional.
The additions come as The Roku Channel, launched in 2017, continues to dominate free viewership, reportedly reaching 145 million people by late 2024. “We’re thrilled to expand our free lineup with content that spans sports, action, talk, and international news,” a Roku spokesperson said. “It’s about giving everyone something to watch, no strings attached.” Available on Roku players, Fire TV, Samsung TVs, and via the Roku mobile app, the service remains a cord-cutter’s dream—ad-supported, sure, but with zero subscription cost.
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