Live channels: Everything about the latest streaming trend

TV, like everything else, is cyclical. We started off with pre-programmed content, cable became popular to get rid of ads, streaming took over once ads started encroaching on cable, and now that ads have hit streaming services we’ve looped back to pre-programmed content. These days though the programming still lives on streaming services, but is packaged as ‘live channels’ instead.

In some instances, like on Binge and Kayo, these live channels are simulcast from existing digital channels, but on others they are more curated. If you’re curious about live channels, and whether they’re worth tuning in to, we’ve got the answers.

what you actually want to get out of your viewing experience; do you want content to watch, or do you want all your streaming services accessible from one interface?

Live channels are ostensibly the same thing as classic television channels. There is a set programming schedule which you can tune in to, and most of the time it includes mid-roll ads. Each streaming service that utilises channels does it a little differently, and with various goals in mind. BritBox wants to make discovering new content easier while Foxtel wants to make the most of its licensing costs and simulcast across Kayo and Binge to capture another audience. Some just want to help viewers with decision paralysis.

Although we usually think of free-to-air television when we think of live channels, most streaming versions are pay to play. It isn't that you'll need to pay an additional fee on top of your subscription cost, but more that you need to be an active member of a service to access the channels. Paying your monthly, or annual fee will get you access to both on demand, and linear channel packs with any of the participating streamers.

If you're on the fence, some of these streamers do still offer free trials so you can try before you buy.

While they are growing in popularity, live channels are still limited to just a handful of streaming services in Australia. Every free-to-air channel’s companion streaming platform has ongoing live streams, but on the paid side there are only four streamers with channels in Australia. Binge, BritBox, Kayo, and Shudder all have some version of channels available on their platforms.

Foxtel’s drama based streaming service, Binge, has access to over 40 Foxtel channels directly on the platform. There are a range of channels focusing on entertainment and lifestyle content, news, sports and documentaries, music, kids, and family. Each of these streams is a simulcast directly from the Foxtel channel with the same name, so if you’re looking to see what is playing, you can check out Foxtel’s TV guide for more information.

Here are Binge’s live channels;

Similar to Binge, Foxtel’s sporting streamer Kayo also has a handful of live channels centered around sport. This collection is significantly smaller, but more concentrated on the big hitters like cricket, rugby, UFC, and thoroughbred racing.

Here are Kayo’s live channels;

• Fox Sports News
• Fox Cricket
• Fox Cricket+
• Fox 502
• Fox Sports 503
• Fox 504
• Fox Sports 506
• Fox Sports 507
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• Racing.com
• Main Event UFC

Earlier this year BritBox Australia reworked the platform, and bringing live channels was a big part of that expansion. Rather than just reusing existing programming, BritBox’s three linear channels are curated and target discovery for users of the service. While watching, users can read more about the show, navigate directly to the listing, and even add it to their library to revisit at a later date. 

Moira Hogan, Executive Vice President of International Markets and General Manager of BritBox Australia told Reviews “It's a new way for customers to explore and find shows, and to instantly watch something. Customers sometimes get a bit of choice overload. So it's really easy to flick on a channel and instantly watch.”

BritBox’s linear channels are;

• BBC First
• BBC Entertain
• BBC Select

Niche, horror streaming service Shudder has a singular live channel it calls ShudderTV. It is only available for premium subscribers and is ultimately a 24/7 stream of content from across the platform. There used to be three channels to choose from, but Shudder shuttered two when it raised its prices in 2024.

Disney+ has a few always-on streams available in the US, but these haven’t made it to Australia. American subscribers can access Hallowstream, Hits & Heroes, Throwbacks, Real Life, ABC News, and Disney+ Playtime, but these are still MIA for us here down under. Disney only launched the first round of these channels in August 2024, so if they do come to Australia, we will probably still be waiting a while.