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Another streamer has entered the fray, and this one is friendly. Actually, it’s Frndly, to be precise.
Frndly TV is a family-friendly live and on-demand streaming service that officially launched on Oct. 1. The streamer will combine some of the most familiar family-friendly basic cable options into one service in hopes of convincing parents to subscribe.
Here’s everything you need to know about Frndly TV.
What is Frndly TV?
Frndly TV Ceo Bassil El-Khatib lays out the company’s mission clearly: “While more live streaming services have become available over the last few years, none of them focus on the American family the way Frndly TV does. We’ve heard many times from consumers that they wanted a more affordable TV service with the channels they can actually watch together as a family.”
Frndly TV channels
At launch, Frndly TV offers more than 1,000 on-demand titles and content from 12 different channels, with an eye toward expanding to 20 channels over the next year.
These 12 launch channels are:
- Hallmark Channel
- Game Show Network
- The Weather Channel
- Outdoor Channel
- Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
- Hallmark Drama
- PixL
- Light TV
- BabyFirst TV
- QVC
- Sportsman Channel
- World Fishing Network
Content from these channels is available to live stream and on-demand.
How much does Frndly TV cost?
Frndly has a tiered pricing system, ranging from $5.99/month to $9.99/month.
- $6.99/month: This core subscription tier will allow users to access Frndly in standard definition on one device at a time. Core subscribers will also be able to use the “Look Back” feature, which allows viewers to watch any programming on their channels from the last 72 hours.
- $8.99/month: This tier unlocks HD content and allows for viewing on two devices at once. Subscribers at this level also get unlimited 30-day Cloud DVR storage.
- $10.99/month: This tier bumps you up to four simultaneous streaming devices and 90 days of cloud storage.
What devices can I watch Frndly TV on?
Viewers can access Frndly TV via Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, iOS or Android apps, and most major web browsers. All you need to watch Frndly TV is one of these internet-connected devices and a Frndly TV account.
How does Frndly TV work?
Frndly TV is kind of a hybrid between library-based streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, and cable-style streamers like Sling TV. With an extended viewing window and expansive DVR storage, it will feel a bit like a library-based service, but Frndly is tethered to more traditional channels and schedules.
Time will tell if this kind of streamer is workable in the changing television landscape, but if cable channels want to preserve part of their identity going forward, this might be the way to do it.
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