Google TV just lost some more of its free streaming channels but it’s not all bad news

Google FreePlay Axing Some TV channels and brings others back
Out tv proud and shades of black both return after a few weeks away
FreePlay’s channel list is still shrunken generally

Google TV users may notice a few changes to the platform’s free play service this month, with a number of free TV channels leaving and arriving in quick order.

We say goodbye to some seasonal Christmas channels, including Xumo Holiday Movie Channel, Xumo Holiday Classics and Xumo Christian Christmas – all of which arrived on time for the Christmas season and are unlikely to see a lot of traction in the next nine months (via 9to5Google). Although we honestly know people who would gladly see these Hallmark Holiday movies all year round, we don’t …

But for anyone who is sad about losing some free channels, there is also some good news here. A few channels removed from freeplay earlier in February are now returning to the service to compensate for it. After a short absence, Shades of Black – the “black culture, entertainment and lifestyle” channel, previously known as Fuse Beat – is now back on freeplay along with LGBTQ+ Network Out TV proud.

These channels were part of a major emissions to Google TV’s FreePlay with Hill TV, though whisperer with Cesar Milan, Dove Channel, Comedy Dynamics, Bob Ross Channel, Dazn Ringside and Dazn Women’s Football. However, it seems that their absence lasted only a few weeks, even though the remaining seven channels are still nowhere to see. (We will miss you, Bob Ross).

Google FreePlay now has about 160 free channels after a major Cull earlier in 2025. (Image Credit: Google / 9to5Google)

What is the problem?

Google TV FreePlay is a great advantage for American customers using Google’s smart TV operating system, packing over 160 free channels covering everything from documentary channels and sports to Bollywood movies and genuine crime.

2024 experienced a steady increase in the number of channels available and eventually peaked around 170, though it seems that Google is starting to curate this list a little more intentionally in the new year.

FreePlay is just one of the biggest players in fixed (free ad supported streaming TV) these days. TV viewers can now watch Oodles of free TV shows and movies like Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV, TUBI and ROKU channel.

When Netflix raises its subscription prices again, and it becomes even harder to juggle with all the best TV shows across a splintered streaming market, many people embrace the free, ad-supported TV that doesn’t put a big monthly buck in their consumption budget.

And as long as your favorite channels do not suddenly disappear, there must still be plenty of Google TV -Friplay for you to enjoy for a whole 2025. Let’s just hope that Google’s AI news summaries do not end up replacing them.

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