Observed Signal · Nov 5, 2026 · Product Update · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Roku's Frndly TV Drops Several Channels in 2026
Frndly TV, the low-cost live TV streaming service owned by Roku, has removed several channels from its lineup during 2026, including two recently added local broadcast stations (WHDT in West Palm Beach and WMYD in Detroit) and two national lifestyle networks (CraftsyTV and Envoy TV). The changes reflect ongoing contract renegotiations and content strategy shifts common in budget streaming services. Frndly TV retains a compact channel roster of roughly 50-60 channels across its Basic, Classic, and Premium plans, emphasizing family-friendly and value-oriented programming. The removals reduce local access for affected subscribers and cut lifestyle options, though the service continues to offer core channels like Hallmark, A&E, History, Lifetime, MeTV, and The Weather Channel, along with cloud DVR and 72-hour lookback on higher tiers.
The removal of channels from a streaming platform affects content offerings and subscriber experience, but this is a routine lineup adjustment rather than a major industry shift.
Track Roku Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your Polaris7 workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Frndly TV removed WHDT (West Palm Beach) and WMYD (Detroit) local stations.
- CraftsyTV and Envoy TV were also removed from Frndly TV's lineup.
- Frndly TV is owned by Roku.
- The service continues to offer core channels like Hallmark, A&E, and History.
- Frndly TV offers plans starting near $9 per month.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“Frndly TV is owned by Roku.”
“Frndly TV is the low-cost live television streaming service focused on family-oriented programming.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Roku Forces New Home Screen; Channels, Jobs Shift
Roku announced a mandatory redesigned home screen for all Roku TVs and players that emphasizes larger, persistent advertisements and greater visibility for subscription services and promotions. The company also added cloud DVR-like features via an expanded partnership with Peacock, enabling pause and replay of live broadcasts for subscribers to Peacock Premium Plus through The Roku Channel. Meanwhile, more than a dozen cable channels are set to shut down in May 2026 — notably the FanDuel Sports Networks — and legacy operators are cutting costs: Rogers Communications offered voluntary departure and retirement packages to roughly 10,000 employees. These developments highlight accelerating monetization moves in CTV and continued decline and restructuring in linear cable businesses. (Published May 4, 2026.)
Frndly TV 99¢ Promo and July Programming
Frndly TV is offering a limited-time promotion for new subscribers to its Premium plan: the first two months for $0.99 per month or the first year for $99. The deal expires on July 6, 2026. Frndly TV is positioned as a low-cost live TV streaming service with 50+ channels focused on comfort TV, movies, true crime and reality programming, and includes features such as 72-Hour Look Back and unlimited cloud DVR. The article lists July 2026 programming highlights across partner networks (History Channel, Hallmark Channel, A&E, Lifetime, VICE TV, Great American Family), including premieres and season returns such as Forged in Fire (Season 11) and Dark Side of the Ring (Season 7).
Frndly TV 99¢ Two-Month Streaming Deal
Cord Cutters News reports that Frndly TV is offering a Streaming Day promotion: new subscribers can sign up for Frndly TV for $0.99 per month for the first two months. The deal is available starting May 14, 2026 and runs through May 25, 2026. The offer replaces the standard 7-day free trial for eligible new users and will auto-renew at the regular price of $12.99/month unless cancelled. Frndly TV is positioned as an affordable, family-friendly streaming service carrying 30+ channels (including Lifetime, The Hallmark Channel, The History Channel, MeTV and The Weather Channel) and features like 72-Hour Look Back and unlimited cloud DVR.
Receive all future signals for Roku & competitors in your briefing
Never miss material M&A deals, leadership changes, account wins, or product rollouts. Polaris7 monitors 20,000+ primary sources 24/7, delivering verified telemetry directly into your executive briefing.