The FAST “TV Plus” model is reshaping streaming by merging live TV, on‑demand libraries, and ad‑supported content into a single, device‑agnostic service. In 2026, five major platforms—Samsung TV Plus, New Zealand’s TVNZ+ and Trackside, and Canada’s Citytv+—are delivering free or low‑cost entertainment to over 100 million monthly users worldwide. These services illustrate how broadcasters and manufacturers converge on a unified strategy that prioritizes ad revenue while expanding viewer choice.
Samsung TV Plus Expands to 100 Million Users
Samsung’s FAST platform positions itself as a “premium global entertainment service,” reporting more than 100 million monthly active users. Integrated directly into Samsung smart‑TV firmware, the service aggregates thousands of on‑demand shows and movies, all supported by advertising. Its broad genre coverage—news, sports, drama, and lifestyle—delivers a linear‑style experience without a subscription.
TVNZ+ Boosts Local News and Sports in New Zealand
TVNZ+ combines live news, sport, and on‑demand entertainment under one brand. The flagship 1News at Six remains available for a 24‑hour window after broadcast, giving viewers a short‑term catch‑up option. A dedicated cricket hub provides live scores, highlights, and replays, reinforcing TVNZ+ as a comprehensive sports destination for the region.
Trackside Delivers Free Horse Racing Content
New Zealand’s Trackside offers live horse races, replays, and up‑to‑the‑minute results completely free of charge. By removing subscription barriers, the platform attracts a passionate fan base while generating revenue through targeted advertising, exemplifying how niche sports thrive within the FAST ecosystem.
Citytv+ Offers Hybrid Access to Canadian Programming
Citytv+ requires users to sign in with their TV service provider credentials, granting access to the latest episodes of Citytv originals and live streaming of the Citytv channel. This hybrid model blends traditional pay‑TV authentication with app‑based convenience, enabling “anytime, anywhere” viewing for subscribers.
Market Implications of the TV Plus Trend
- Ad‑Supported Growth: Samsung’s user milestone shows advertisers are confident funding large‑scale FAST platforms, shifting revenue balance toward ad‑based models.
- Localized Content Strategies: TVNZ+ and Trackside demonstrate that region‑specific news, sports, and niche content can compete effectively by pairing live streams with short‑term catch‑up windows.
- Hybrid Authentication: Citytv+ illustrates a middle ground between pure subscription services and fully free FAST channels, a model likely to expand as providers protect premium assets while reaching broader audiences.
- Device Agnosticism: All five platforms operate across smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and web browsers, reinforcing the industry’s move away from hardware‑locked ecosystems.
Future Outlook for FAST “Plus” Services
While each “TV Plus” service serves its unique market, the shared emphasis on free or low‑cost access, ad‑supported revenue, and multi‑device availability points to a unified direction for television’s future. As advertisers continue to explore FAST inventory and broadcasters refine localized strategies, viewers can expect an increasingly fragmented yet richer tapestry of options—where a single tap delivers news, sports, niche events, or binge‑worthy drama under the expanding “TV Plus” umbrella.
