Sony has launched a free, ad-supported live television service for PlayStation 5 users in the US, adding more than 100 channels and a growing selection of on-demand programming to the console.

The service, called Live TV on PS5, launched on August 31 and is operated by Sony Pictures Television. It is available through the Media section of the PS5 and does not require a paid subscription.

Users can access the service by opening the Media tab on the PS5 home screen, selecting the Live TV on PS5 icon and signing in with their PlayStation account. Sony's support page says users must also create a Sony Pictures CORE account or link an existing one. No separate application needs to be downloaded.

The launch expands the PS5's role beyond gaming, giving owners access to films, television series, anime, sport, news, weather, and specialist programming from a range of media companies. Sony said content providers at launch include Amazon MGM Studios, Crunchyroll, Fox, NBCUniversal, NFL Channel, and UFC.

For now, Live TV on PS5 is available to eligible adult PlayStation users in the US, giving Sony another way to position its console as an entertainment device as well as a gaming platform.