LG turns LG Channels into a walled-garden FAST network
LG Electronics announced a “premiumization” push for its LG Channels FAST service, including new exclusive programming and channels aimed at advertisers and LG TV viewers. Additions include the All Chewed Up FAST channel (launching March 30, 2026 in North America), LG Channels World Pup (premiering in June with matches through July), expanded exclusive original programming for Matthew Berry’s Fantasy Life, and a Mohr Stories video podcast FAST channel in partnership with Cineverse.
Key Takeaways
- LG is shifting FAST from aggregation to exclusivity, positioning LG Channels as a destination rather than a grid.
- All Chewed Up launches March 30, 2026 as an LG Channels exclusive with new episodes 3x/week plus a 70+ episode library.
- World Pup (June through July) is a made-for-FAST tentpole from Puppy Bowl producers Bright Spot Content/All3, built for advertiser-friendly, seasonal reach.
- Fantasy Life expands with 66% more original programming, reinforcing sports-adjacent daily engagement as a core FAST retention lever.
- Mohr Stories signals LG’s push into “vodcast FAST,” partnering with Cineverse/WITZ as podcast viewing migrates to TV screens.
Why It Matters
FAST is increasingly an OEM-controlled network business, not just free channels bolted onto TVs. LG’s “premiumization” is a playbook for higher CPMs: exclusives, recurring originals, and event programming that can be packaged at NewFronts with clearer audience intent (sports fandom, food, feel-good pets, vodcasts). The meme here is the new bundle: the TV home screen as the gatekeeper, with hardware makers acting like mini-streamers—owning distribution, data, and ad inventory. For streamers and studios, it raises the cost of reach: more negotiating with device platforms to stay discoverable.
Read full article at lg.com