Observed Signal · May 14, 2026 · Schedule Change · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral

Start TV Adds Veronica Mars, Expands Charmed & Gilmore Girls

Executive Signal Summary

Start TV is updating its weekday and weekend lineup in May 2026. Veronica Mars will join weeknights at 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning May 18, 2026. Charmed expands into a five-hour Tuesday daytime block (noon–5 p.m. ET/PT) starting May 19, and beginning May 23 Saturdays will feature eight straight hours of Charmed (noon–8 p.m.) followed by five consecutive episodes of Gilmore Girls (8 p.m.–1 a.m.). The network says it remains available in over 82% of U.S. households via broadcast stations, select cable/satellite providers and streaming services including YouTube TV, Fubo, Frndly TV and Philo. Existing staples like The Closer, Major Crimes, Rizzoli & Isles and Cold Case remain in the schedule.

Polaris7 AgentPolaris7 Strategic Assessment
High Confidence

A programming/schedule update for a niche broadcast/FAST network; affects Start TV's content and attendant ad inventory but is not industry‑shifting.

SIGNAL RADAR

Track Philo Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time

Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.

Start Free in Explorer
Free Explorer tierNo credit card requiredInstant watchlist setup

Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding

  • Start TV will add Veronica Mars to weeknights at 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning May 18, 2026.
  • Charmed expands into a five-hour Tuesday daytime block (noon–5 p.m. ET/PT) beginning May 19, 2026.
  • Beginning May 23, 2026, Saturdays will air Charmed from noon–8 p.m. and Gilmore Girls from 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
  • Start TV is available in more than 82% of the United States via broadcast stations, select cable/satellite providers and streaming services including YouTube TV, Fubo, Frndly TV and Philo.
  • Veronica Mars was created by Rob Thomas and originally aired from 2004 to 2008; the series stars Kristen Bell.
Primary Source Grounding & Direct Attribution
Direct Origin Attribution
Primary Reporting: Cord Cutters News•Published: May 14, 2026
Original Coverage Title: “Start TV Will Add ‘Veronica Mars’ and Expand ‘Charmed’ and ‘Gilmore Girls’ Marathons”

Related Market Signals & Shifts

Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.

Connected TV (CTV) & OTTJul 9, 2026

Pluto TV Adds Two Classic 2000s Channels

Pluto TV launched two new dedicated channels that stream the original series Charmed and Ghost Whisperer, expanding the FAST service’s lineup of nostalgia-driven linear channels. The Charmed channel features the WB original (1998–2006) created by Constance M. Burge; the Ghost Whisperer channel features the CBS series (2005–2010) created by John Gray and starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. Pluto TV positions the additions as part of its ongoing strategy to grow free ad-supported inventory and offer linear-style marathons alongside on-demand flexibility. The article notes Pluto TV’s founding (2013), launch (2014), acquisition by Viacom in 2019 and its broad device availability and catalog of 250+ channels.

Read assessment
CTV & OTTJul 16, 2026

Pluto TV Adds Six Series to Free Streaming Library

Pluto TV will add six television series — Jane the Virgin, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, iZombie, Reign, Faking It and Awkward — to its free on-demand library beginning August 1, 2026. Select titles will also be featured across Pluto TV’s dedicated and curated linear channels. The additions join recent pickups such as Hart of Dixie, Arrow, and The 100 and are aimed at viewers aged 18–34, where the service says there is strong ongoing demand for multi-season fan-favorite series. Will Gurman, SVP, Content Partnerships & Programming at Pluto TV, commented that the platform is expanding its multi-season content to meet viewer appetite for series that invite long-term discovery. The new catalog content will be available to watch for free on Pluto TV.

Read assessment
Connected TV (CTV) & OTTJun 25, 2026

Plex Adds Four New Free Live Channels

Plex expanded its ad-supported free streaming lineup by adding four new live channels — Veronica Mars, Crime Scene TV, FIFA Plus, and Stargate by MGM — available without subscription or sign-up. The channels deliver specialized programming across mystery drama, true crime, international soccer, and classic science fiction, and are accessible through the Plex app on smart TVs, mobile devices, computers, and streaming sticks. The additions increase Plex’s inventory of free linear-style channels and on-demand content, reinforcing its position as an ad-supported streaming destination that emphasizes easy discovery, personalization, and hybrid live + on-demand viewing.

Read assessment
Executive Briefing & Watchlist

Receive all future signals for Philo & 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.

Free Explorer tierNo credit cardUnsubscribe anytime