This free streaming feature is often overlooked on TVs, and it shouldn’t be ‣ Diverse Daily

These days, smart TVs have proliferated in the market. Just about every model you can buy has a “smart” component. In fact, far fewer non-smart TVs are available, and many people have taken to calling them “dumb” TVs. Being able to have access to all of your favorite apps and streaming services without the need for a Roku stick or some other plug-in is mighty helpful. Over the years, this level of connectivity as a selling point has really given smart TVs the edge when it comes to consumer demand. However, streaming apps add up, both in menu real estate and in cost. For the average consumer, it’s not usually feasible from a budgetary standpoint to capably sustain many subscriptions covering everything on the market.

Luckily, your smart TV might very well come with an incredible perk that you are likely missing. While the model of bingeing, viewer agency, and general on-demand selections had taken root years ago, scheduled programming has made somewhat of a comeback. Selecting a show or movie to watch can often be met with indecision in many viewers. Having more curated and scheduled programming like traditional cable TV helps remove that indecision and allows people to watch TV more casually. FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) has become the iteration of cable television. Instead of paying a monthly bill, let the ads do all the heavy monetary lifting and enjoy programming for free. Roku TV and other options have emerged in this space. But many times, smart TVs come packing their own version of FAST.

Samsung, LG, Roku, and others have their own scheduled programming

Your options simply depend on which TV you own

With the big three ever present in the TV market, Samsung, LG, and Roku are likely candidates for many living rooms. Samsung comes with Samsung TV Plus. This service offers several channels with popular programming. Do you love Pawn Stars? There’s an entire channel dedicated to Pawn Stars 24/7. There are channels featuring news, reality TV, Home & Food, Sports, and more. If you own a Samsung Smart TV, take a look. LG TVs have a similar service called “LG Channels.” You can enjoy regular episodes of shows like Shark Tank or watch movies on-demand like the Insidious franchise, streaming just in time for Halloween. There are over 400 channels here featuring culture, life, drama, sports, and reality options.

Roku TVs not only include the stable of Roku apps and services, but also a live TV option that includes over 500 live channels. This service, dubbed “The Roku Channel,” includes Fox Sports, IFC films, NBC News, CBS Sports HQ, ion, and more. If you’re a Law & Order fan, The Roku Channel has you covered. Other brands like Vizio and Amazon Fire TVs also include their own versions of FAST. No matter which brand of television you have in your household, it’s worth the effort to check and see what it has available in this regard.

What makes FAST channels worth your time?

This programming offers a different viewing experience

For starters, it’s really hard to beat “free” in this economy. That alone is an incredible bonus. Think of it like the traditional cable without the monthly bill. Sure, you still have to endure your fair share of pharmaceutical commercial jingles that will inevitably take root in your brain. But a zero monetary requirement really goes a long way, and that is a sacrifice worth the cost-benefit. And don’t mistake the content for being cheap and unappealing. There’s quality entertainment to be had.

FAST channels also present viewers with the “laid-back viewing” we all grew up with in the 90s and early 00s. You can turn on a channel you enjoy and watch shows at your leisure without feeling the pressure of finding something with on-demand services. This also brings back the classic channel-surfing experience that many might be missing. Think of channels like a playlist. Channels are built around specific genres, shows, movies, sports, etc. Find the channels that speak to your interests, and then kick back and let the playlist roll. It’s a different kind of viewing experience that avid Netflix and other streaming subscribers are far removed from. While on-demand viewing may feel like freedom, surrendering to a well-curated channel can be the type of Sunday afternoon you really need. Don’t sleep on these free options. Check your smart TV to see what treasures you might be missing.