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Roku recently added nine free, ad-supported channels; this is a curated selection of six worth checking first. The feeds are inside The Roku Channel’s Live TV area, and you do not need a Roku television specifically. A compatible Roku player, web browser, mobile app, select Samsung TV, or Amazon Fire TV device can also work. Channel positions and availability are based on reported U.S. listings and can change.
Availability and guide positions checked against reporting available in August 2026; search by channel name if a number does not match.
The six channels at a glance
| Channel | Reported U.S. guide number | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon | 429 | Families and animation fans | Continuous scheduled Pokémon programming |
| America’s Funniest Videos | 822 | Easy family comedy | Linear clip and episode feed |
| The Bernie Mac Show | 823 | Sitcom nostalgia | Scheduled reruns |
| Blossom | 832 | 1990s-TV nostalgia | Scheduled sitcom episodes |
| Felicity | 371 | Coming-of-age drama | Linear serialized drama |
| 197 Willow Sports | 197 | Cricket fans | Selected international sports coverage |
The numbers above were reported for the U.S. Live TV guide by Tom’s Guide and TechRadar. Roku can move channels, and lineups differ by country and device.
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1. Pokémon
The Pokémon channel is the clearest family pick: a continuously programmed feed of Pokémon shows that works well for children, animation fans, or casual background viewing. It is a linear channel, not a promise of every season or a complete on-demand Pokémon library.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
2. America’s Funniest Videos
This channel’s short, self-contained comedy clips make it easy to join at any point. It suits family viewing and viewers who want something light without following a serialized story. “Nonstop” refers to a scheduled feed; you may not be able to select every clip individually.
3. The Bernie Mac Show
Fans of early-2000s sitcoms get a dedicated Bernie Mac feed at reported position 823. It is useful for repeatable background comedy, but the schedule—not an on-demand menu—determines which episode is playing. Do not assume the entire series is always available in order.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
4. Blossom
Blossom supplies a nostalgia-focused sitcom option for viewers who remember 1990s television or want an episodic, low-commitment comedy. As with the other FAST feeds, episodes run according to the guide and may rotate.
5. Felicity
Felicity adds a serialized coming-of-age drama to a list otherwise dominated by comedy and children’s programming. A linear channel may start in the middle of a storyline or run episodes out of the order you prefer, so it is not a substitute for full-season, on-demand control.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
6. 197 Willow Sports
Willow Sports gives the lineup a live-sports option, particularly for viewers interested in international cricket. “Live coverage” is not a guarantee that every tournament or match is carried: rights, scheduling, blackouts, and location can limit the available games.
How to watch
- Open The Roku Channel.
- Choose Live TV from the left-side menu, or open the Live TV Channel Guide from the Roku Home screen.
- Search for a channel by name or browse the guide.
- Select the channel to start watching. Recently watched items can help you return to a feed.
The Roku Channel is also offered through the web, mobile apps, compatible Samsung televisions, and compatible Amazon Fire TV devices, according to Roku’s support documentation. A Roku account is required to activate Roku hardware; sign-in and feature requirements can vary on other platforms.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
What “free” means here
These are free, ad-supported (FAST) channels. Expect commercial breaks, and expect programming to run on a traditional linear schedule. Roku’s interface also displays paid premium subscriptions and paid on-demand titles, so check that you have selected the free live feed rather than a subscription option. Free streaming channels are separate from over-the-air television received with an antenna.
Roku advertises more than 500 free live channels, while another Roku support page cites 350-plus; the difference reflects changing catalogs and presentation. The exact total is less important than the guide currently shown on your device.
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
If a channel is missing
- Search by the channel’s name, not its reported number.
- Confirm that you are in The Roku Channel → Live TV, not only the general app grid.
- Close and reopen the channel, then update or restart the Roku device if the catalog looks stale.
- Try the web or mobile version of The Roku Channel.
- Check your country and platform: Roku says availability varies by market.
Roku’s Live TV guide can also combine streaming channels with local broadcast channels on compatible Roku TVs. Roku says more than 100 local channels may be available, but local listings depend on your location. An HDTV antenna can receive those broadcasts; it will not provide internet-delivered feeds such as Pokémon, Felicity, or Willow Sports.
Other recent options
Depending on your interests, the same recent additions include Fuel TV (reported position 372) for action sports and MeatEater (496) for hunting, fishing, and outdoor programming. Roku also added Stingray’s ambient channels—Cozy Café, Naturescape, ZenLIFE, Stargaze, Cityscapes, and Free Riding—in the U.S. and Canada in August 2025. Availability should be checked directly in your guide.
Which should you try first?
Start with Pokémon for family viewing, America’s Funniest Videos for drop-in comedy, The Bernie Mac Show or Blossom for sitcom nostalgia, Felicity for drama, and 197 Willow Sports for cricket. None requires buying a new Roku device if you already have a supported television, player, computer, phone, or streaming platform.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
