Freely Loads Up With New WBD and CNN Channels

UK streaming platform Freely is getting a major content injection from Warner Bros. Discovery and CNN as it builds its arsenal for the UK's internet-TV future. The agreement immediately adds the CNN Headlines FAST channel, giving viewers a free, ad-supported feed for global news.

• Opening the WBD vault: The bigger prize lands in early 2026, when six channels from the WBD portfolio will join the service, including Quest, Food Network, and Really. In a key move, the TLC channel will shift from a pay offering to free-to-air in January, solidifying Freely’s position as the only platform outside of WBD’s own Discovery+ where viewers can stream all six channels together for free.

• Comedy comes calling: The revamped TLC is being remade as a broad entertainment channel, anchored by popular scripted comedies like "The Big Bang Theory" and the new spin-off "Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage." The unscripted slate is also getting a boost, with the return of the popular comedy panel show "Mock the Week" alongside a new series, "Zero Stars," featuring hosts Roisin Conaty and Sara Pascoe.

By stacking its lineup with well-known brands from major content partners, Freely is aggressively positioning itself as the default free-to-air entertainment hub for a UK audience that is increasingly choosing to stream live TV. The WBD deal is the latest in a series of expansions for Freely, which has been accelerating its growth by announcing new partners and launching consumer-facing ad campaigns to build its brand.