TV viewing habits have shifted dramatically over the past decade. Where bulky cable packages once dominated living rooms, viewers now gravitate toward digital platforms that make content accessible on-demand and on-the-go. This dynamic evolution has propelled over-the-top (OTT) services into the mainstream, redefining how media is consumed across generations.
The surge in cord-cutting reflects a growing preference for affordability, flexibility, and mobile convenience. Audiences are stepping away from traditional cable contracts and embracing streaming platforms that cater to modern preferences—services that offer curated content without bloated channel bundles or high costs. Alongside entertainment, these platforms prioritize user experience, especially for families seeking kid-friendly programming and dependable service.
Frndly TV’s latest channel addition, paired with Roku’s expanding live stream capabilities, signals continued momentum in this space. How does this move position the platform in an increasingly competitive market? Let’s take a closer look.
Frndly TV continues to increase its appeal as a go-to affordable streaming service for families, and the latest move strengthens that position. Built around a subscriber-centric model, Frndly TV offers a library of content curated for households that prioritize wholesome programming. With over 40 channels already available—including Hallmark Channel, The Weather Channel, and INSP—the platform stands out for its blend of value and simplicity.
This week, Frndly TV added another channel to its growing roster: MeTV Toons. This addition brings even more nostalgic, animated classics to the platform, enhancing its multigenerational appeal. Set to launch in the summer of 2024, MeTV Toons focuses on timeless cartoons from studios like Warner Bros., MGM, and Hanna-Barbera. These programs span eras and styles, making them accessible to children while also resonating with adults who grew up watching them.
For subscribers, this means more variety without an increase in monthly cost. Frndly TV's base plan remains priced at $6.99/month, making the service a standout in affordability. Adding MeTV Toons to the lineup does more than just pad the channel count—it increases the amount of screen time families can share together, knowing the content will be safe and enjoyable for all age groups.
Every channel expansion reinforces Frndly TV's core value proposition: a low-cost, easy-to-navigate streaming option with content aimed at viewers of all ages. While high-budget platforms race to secure exclusive dramas and action series, Frndly TV moves in a different direction—one defined by accessibility, clarity, and relevance for American families.
As the competition among streaming services intensifies, Frndly TV maintains its trajectory by adding depth instead of complexity. With each new channel, it sharpens its focus while expanding the kind of content families can stream together.
Roku’s trajectory in the live TV streaming space shows no sign of slowing down. In Q4 2023, Roku reported a record 80 million active accounts, up from 70 million the previous year—a 14.3% year-over-year increase, according to the company’s earnings release. This growth reflects more than just an uptick in device sales; it underscores Roku’s evolution into a comprehensive streaming platform that brings together hardware, content, and user experience under one ecosystem.
Founded with a focus on set-top boxes, Roku now drives its business through platform revenue, which overtook hardware earnings several years ago. The platform model includes ad-supported live TV, subscription billing, and content partnerships. As of late 2023, Roku’s platform revenue grew to $3.47 billion, contributing over 85% of its total annual revenue. This growth not only cements Roku’s status as a streaming hub but also illustrates its successful shift into being a platform-first company.
Live TV streaming has become one of the fastest-growing segments within Roku’s platform. The Roku Channel—a free, ad-supported service that includes a live TV guide—has seen a double-digit percentage increase in watch time year-over-year. More users are also shifting to mobile and second-screen experiences, with Roku's mobile app acting as both a remote and standalone streaming app. Roku’s mobile engagement saw a 28% increase in daily sessions between Q1 and Q4 of 2023, aligning with broader industry trends in cross-device viewing behavior.
One growing segment on Roku is family-oriented live programming. Services like Frndly TV are thriving within Roku’s ecosystem, as viewers search for accessible and wholesome options across screens. The platform’s curated channel lineup, combined with affordable pricing, has positioned it as a go-to entry point for live content without traditional cable. Roku’s support for subscriptions like Frndly TV shows how it continues to attract diverse audiences across age groups, preferences, and devices.
Roku isn’t just delivering content—it’s redefining how audiences engage with live programming across every screen in the household. With seamless integration, growing platform revenue, and strategic service additions like Frndly TV, Roku continues to expand its influence in the live TV streaming space.
Streaming platforms are multiplying. In recent years, the number of services available to subscribers has surged—from legacy giants like Netflix and Hulu to live TV newcomers including YouTube TV, Sling, and Frndly TV. Each platform vies for attention across a fragmented viewer base now accustomed to choice, convenience, and customization.
As of Q1 2024, U.S. consumers had access to over 300 streaming services, both global and niche, according to research by Parks Associates. This competitive pressure leads to constant shifts—bundling experiments, pricing revisions, and content acquisitions—as services fight not just for subscription dollars but for daily watch minutes.
Unlike players chasing prestige content or blockbuster originals, Frndly TV defines its appeal by staying lean. The platform maintains a focused lineup catering to families, positioning itself as an affordable live TV service targeting users who don't need sports or premium dramas. With plans starting at under $7 per month, it's engineered to engage viewers seeking value and straightforward entertainment.
Roku carves out its space differently. Its Live TV Channel Guide integrates partner services, including Frndly TV, into a seamless, over-the-air-style experience. Instead of building exclusive shows, Roku leans on aggregation. This lets users stream live and on-demand content without switching apps—a convenience that directly challenges traditional cable.
Price-sensitive consumers fuel the growth of services like Frndly TV, but platform usability and curated experiences retain them. Subscription churn data from Antenna Analytics shows that UI/UX is one of the top three reasons subscribers leave or stay with a streaming service—next to cost and content quality.
The streaming service competition doesn’t pivot on one variable. It’s not just about who charges less or offers more—it’s about who earns a user’s habit over time. Does the platform anticipate what viewers want next? Does it make browsing feel effortless? And does it deliver enough value to justify the decision to subscribe?
The number of Americans cutting traditional cable continues to climb. According to a 2023 report from Statista, over 55 million U.S. households now identify as "cord-cutters," up from 39 million in 2019. This shift reflects not just dissatisfaction with escalating cable bills but also a major change in how audiences choose to consume content.
Price sensitivity ranks high among motivators. Consumers want to subscribe to services that deliver targeted content at predictable, lower monthly costs. They're rejecting bloated bundles and turning toward customizable packages where value defines loyalty. Frndly TV’s offering—under $10 monthly for live and on-demand family-friendly channels—directly answers that demand.
More than 70% of Americans now use smartphones as a primary screen for streaming, based on data from Pew Research and eMarketer. Whether commuting, waiting in line, or working remotely, users expect entertainment to travel with them. Live TV that’s mobile-optimized no longer feels like a luxury—it’s standard practice for survival in the streaming space.
Both Frndly TV and Roku cater to this mobile-first audience. Frndly’s lightweight app interface supports mobile streaming even on slower connections, while Roku’s integrated streaming devices offer continuity across multiple devices with a single user login—TV to tablet to phone, seamlessly.
Research from Deloitte’s Digital Media Trends Survey highlights that 65% of consumers rank “ease of use” as a top factor in choosing a streaming service. Flashy features matter less than straightforward navigation, minimal ads, and affordable pricing. Frndly TV and Roku both uphold simplicity, avoiding algorithm-heavy complexity in favor of intuitive menus and consistent layouts.
That clean strategy appeals directly to budget-conscious users, especially older demographics and families who prioritize hassle-free access to dependable content.
Look closely, and the numbers and habits converge on a simple truth: accessibility, not abundance, defines success in the post-cable era—and both Roku and Frndly TV have positioned themselves exactly where modern viewers now live.
Streaming platforms that deliver value without demanding premium rates are gaining traction. Frndly TV positions itself squarely in this space by offering a base plan starting at $7.99/month. Designed with family-focused content at the core, this price point undercuts several live-streaming competitors. For instance, Philo charges $25/month, while Hulu + Live TV begins at $76.99/month. These services cater to broader audiences but often dilute the family-first focus and affordability that Frndly emphasizes.
Users who subscribe to Frndly TV gain access to over 40 live channels—including Hallmark Channel, INSP, and The Weather Channel—without annual contracts or hidden fees. This approach contrasts with traditional pay-TV models and even some streaming rivals that require more substantial financial commitments upfront.
Pairing Frndly TV with Roku's ecosystem establishes a value-driven synergy. Roku’s hardware—such as the Roku Express and Roku Streaming Stick—retails between $29.99 and $49.99, which makes it attainable for price-conscious users looking to transition from traditional cable setups. Setup is straightforward, and there's no need for additional equipment rentals.
Beyond devices, Roku enhances affordability through its own platform strategy. The Roku Channel offers a growing selection of free, ad-supported live TV—allowing users to explore news, kids’ shows, and lifestyle content without paying a subscription. This model aligns naturally with Frndly TV's affordable approach, enabling households to expand viewing options without extending their budgets.
Platforms that prioritize affordability aren't just competing on price—they're redefining the streaming experience for American households who value simplicity, accessibility, and control. The combination of low-cost subscriptions and multifunctional platforms reflects the evolving demands of streaming consumers—especially families managing tight budgets in an increasingly fragmented content market.
Frndly TV’s latest channel addition reinforces the platform’s ongoing commitment to safe, wholesome entertainment designed for all ages. Unlike broad-spectrum streaming giants that juggle a vast mix of genres, Frndly TV curates each piece of content with a clear litmus test—will this engage families without compromising values? Viewers logging in can expect a screen filled with uplifting films, classic sitcoms, and educational programming that transcends generational boundaries.
This isn’t a PR move. It’s the continuation of a mission. Since launch, Frndly TV has prioritized content that aligns with the needs of households seeking positivity on every stream. With networks like Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, and UPtv already part of its library, the platform has carved out a loyal subscriber base with zero appetite for adult-only programming and minimal waiting patience for navigation complexity.
The demand for trusted TV environments is rising. According to data from Deloitte’s 2023 Digital Media Trends report, 57% of parents say they actively seek platforms that offer controlled and filtered content experiences. Frndly TV positions itself squarely within this emerging market by doubling down with programming selected for its message—not just its ratings.
The recent channel expansion fits seamlessly into this ecosystem. While the name of the new offering hasn’t yet been highlighted publicly, its addition signals a scaled commitment to the platform’s ethos. Each new stream on the grid supports Frndly TV’s non-negotiable standards: no explicit themes, positive messaging, accessible language, and family-first storytelling arcs.
Other players in the OTT and live TV space are beginning to take note. Some now introduce kid-specific profiles or family packages, but Frndly TV centers its entire brand around that concept. It doesn’t bury the family-friendly options five menu levels deep—it makes them the face of its platform. This clarity of intent turns occasional viewers into long-term subscribers who know exactly what will greet them every time they power on the screen.
Live TV no longer sits siloed from on-demand content. Roku merges them into a single viewing experience, letting users browse live broadcasts and digital episodes from the same screen. With its grid-style guide, Roku replicates the familiarity of traditional TV channels while layering in the agility of search-driven streaming. Frndly TV benefits directly from this approach—their live channels slot into the interface with zero friction, appearing alongside big-name networks and personalized recommendations.
Frndly TV removes navigation barriers with a platform designed for immediate access. From launch, users can:
No hidden screens. No buried buttons. The live experience stays front and center, integrated fluidly with user history and suggested content. New channel additions, like Hallmark or Dove, show up instantly—no app update or manual refresh needed.
Whether switching from a smart TV in the living room to a mobile phone on the train, the Frndly TV live feed carries over without disruption. The platform supports simultaneous streaming on multiple screens, adapting resolution and bandwidth to ensure smooth playback regardless of device or connection quality.
This level of consistency invites users to shift between devices with confidence, picking up live content exactly where they left off. It transforms the concept of live TV—from a fixed homebound event to a portable, dynamic offering on demand.
How many platforms deliver a near-instant channel transition from desktop browser to mobile? Frndly TV and Roku’s infrastructure makes it happen in one tap.
Streaming platforms like Frndly TV and Roku Live TV no longer follow the pathways of traditional cable. Instead of relying on cable or satellite carriers, these services use OTT (Over-the-Top) content delivery to stream content across the internet, directly to the viewer. That shift eliminates the infrastructure and licensing overhead associated with legacy television networks.
This change in distribution model produces measurable results. Consumers experience lower costs because OTT services remove the need for expensive bundling and hardware setups. Frndly TV, for example, offers access to over 40 live and on-demand channels for under $10 per month—far below the average U.S. cable bill, which was $217.42 per month as of 2022 (S&P Global Market Intelligence).
OTT services also benefit from direct-to-consumer relationships. Without intermediaries, platforms gain full control of user experiences and content strategies. This direct line allows for targeted content recommendations, refined user interfaces, and more responsive customer support systems.
Remarkably, the digital nature of OTT allows providers like Frndly TV to harness data for smarter programming. Viewer behavior—such as when users watch, how long they stay, which shows they revisit—feeds into data-driven content strategies that help select channels and shows that resonate. This analytical loop wasn’t available with traditional cable, which lacked immediate user feedback mechanisms.
Roku plays a central role in supporting OTT ecosystems. As a platform that aggregates hundreds of streaming apps, Roku doesn’t just host services like Frndly TV—it improves how users find them. With its Live TV Channel Guide and personalized home screens, Roku boosts discoverability. Channels are no longer buried behind unfamiliar UI layers; they surface naturally as part of the user's routine browsing flow.
The integration of OTT services on Roku isn’t passive. The platform uses its own data insights and machine learning tools to suggest channels based on viewing history. So a user watching Hallmark content on Frndly TV can receive recommendations for similar family-oriented programs from other services—all without having to search manually.
In bypassing traditional distribution and leaning into platform integration, Frndly TV and Roku illustrate what modern TV access looks like: decentralized, affordable, and always evolving in response to user data. This is not just an alternative to traditional TV—it’s a fundamentally different system for delivering, discovering, and interacting with content.
Streaming behaviors reveal a clear trend: viewers gravitate toward platforms that reflect their unique interests. Rather than casting a wide net, many users prefer services that deliver curated content aligned with specific genres, values, or lifestyles. Nielsen’s 2023 State of Play report confirms this shift—35% of U.S. streaming users actively subscribe to at least one niche or themed service, and that number continues to rise annually.
Frndly TV recognized this demand early. Its portfolio leans into family-based programming, delivering channels like Hallmark, UPtv, and CuriosityStream. The strategy taps into tightly-knit groups: faith-based households, fans of holiday programming, and viewers looking for safe co-viewing options. By adding new channels that fit these tastes, Frndly TV isn’t just adding variety—it’s responding directly to user behavior.
On the platform side, Roku plays a critical role in connecting users to these specialized services. Its interface does more than just display apps—it powers content discovery through personalized recommendations and a highly searchable channel store. A viewer exploring educational programming, for instance, might receive suggestions to explore Smithsonian Channel, Great Courses, or Frndly TV’s emerging science offerings.
This position as a digital gateway makes Roku instrumental in accelerating organic growth for services like Frndly. The platform's customer experience design encourages viewers to cross-search between live channels and on-demand libraries, driving trial subscriptions based on precise personal interests.
Device choice also influences niche market engagement. With over 65% of streaming video consumption occurring on smartphones and tablets according to Statista (2023), mobile-friendly streaming design becomes a competitive edge. Services that optimize for personalized mobile experiences—like Frndly’s app interface that filters by content category or viewing mood—stand out among users who value agility and convenience.
Understanding these micro-preferences allows both Frndly TV and Roku to align offerings with precise user values. When the platform respects the user’s identity and context, engagement surges—and so does long-term retention.
Frndly TV's continued expansion aligns directly with Roku’s drive to broaden its live TV streaming platform. Both services benefit by exchanging user exposure, boosting subscriber retention, and filling gaps in their content ecosystems. These partnerships aren’t just promotional stunts—they're structural moves shaping how users access and engage with television content today.
When Frndly TV adds a new channel, integration with Roku's Live TV Channel Guide ensures users find it effortlessly. Roku embeds partner content into category-based browsing, eliminating obstacles between interest and viewership. This technical partnership increases engagement rates and session duration across the platform. According to Roku’s Q4 2023 shareholder letter, users engaged in over 100 billion streaming hours in 2023—a 21% year-over-year increase—demonstrating how streamlined access drives measurable outcomes.
Bundling provides direct value to Roku and its content service partners. Frndly TV has participated in co-branded offers targeting family-oriented viewers—bundling discounted subscriptions with new Roku device purchases or seasonal subscription promotions. These campaigns introduce Frndly TV to users already primed for curated, family-safe content. Roku, in return, elevates its positioning as a platform offering quality, affordable services that deliver niche value.
Roku and Frndly TV often coordinate co-marketing strategies—email campaigns, cross-channel placements, and featured positions within the Roku Channel Store. These placements generate strong click-through and trial conversion rates. Nielsen's 2023 State of Play report confirms that nearly 60% of streamers try a new service after seeing it featured on their platform homepage. Instead of competing for attention, strategic partners share it.
These partnerships redefine platform-service relationships. Roku treats its partner services like content extensions rather than siloed apps. Frndly TV reciprocates by providing fully compatible user experiences within Roku’s framework. This synergy shapes an ecosystem where content aligns with platform architecture, reducing churn and attracting demographically-aligned audiences. Each successful integration sets a precedent for future OTT collaborations—compact, targeted, and efficient.
Frndly TV’s new channel addition, paired with Roku’s expanding live TV capabilities, signals a smarter direction in streaming—leaner pricing, better content curation, and platform convenience all in one bundle. For subscribers looking to replace cable without sacrificing access to feel-good entertainment, the timing couldn’t be better.
The strategy blends value with relevance. Frndly TV stays focused on delivering affordable, family-oriented programming. Roku, meanwhile, leverages platform dominance to place that content in front of millions of viewers—on the big screen, tablets, or mobile. This cooperation directly reflects what streamers have asked for: useful content, on demand, across every screen.
Affordability now plays a decisive role. The average household pays over $200/month for cable (Leichtman Research Group, 2023), while Frndly TV starts under $10/month. That delta means streamers can cherry-pick premium platforms without overspending. On Roku, this means instant access to Frndly TV’s interface without cable contracts or installation delays.
The collaboration also elevates niche programming. Viewers prioritizing genre-specific or family-centric content often struggle to find consistent solutions. With Frndly TV via Roku, access grows wider and user experience becomes less fragmented. Subscribers gain the ability to watch comfortably on smart TVs at home or continue on mobile devices while commuting or traveling.
The bottom line? Consumers are no longer forced to choose between content quality, affordability, and device compatibility. That’s a win across the board.
Thinking about cutting the cord? Try Frndly TV today via Roku and enjoy affordable, family-friendly entertainment across every screen.
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