Virgin TV customers are getting a small but welcome freebie, with three new Rakuten TV channels joining the platform at no extra cost.
The update rolls out automatically today for Virgin TV 360 and Flex users, with nothing required to activate it.
The new additions are Rakuten TV Drama, Rakuten TV Comedy, and Rakuten TV Sci-Fi, all delivered as FAST channels — free, ad-supported streams that sit directly inside Virgin Media’s TV guide. That means they’re searchable via voice control. In addition, they appear just like any other linear channel, offering a much more convenient means of discovery than being hidden in a separate app.
Each channel runs 24/7 and focuses on a specific genre. Rakuten TV Drama (Ch462) includes films like The Big Short, Gosford Park and JFK. Rakuten TV Comedy (Ch463) leans into lighter fare, with titles such as Big Momma’s House, The Internship and Bedazzled. Meanwhile, Rakuten TV Sci-Fi (Ch464) offers a mix of cult and mainstream science fiction, including The Fountain and Predestination.
With these additions, Virgin TV customers now have access to 40 FAST channels in total. These join existing options like British Screen Classics, Inside Crime and U&Transport. It’s part of a broader push to blend traditional TV with streaming-style content. Importantly, this comes without asking viewers to sign up for yet another subscription.
Virgin Media O2 says the goal is to keep everything in one place. “Amazing content and value are a priority for our customers,” said David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, adding that the new channels bring “unmissable entertainment, including great Hollywood blockbusters, at no extra cost.”
Alongside the linear channels, Virgin TV customers can also access hundreds of films and TV episodes on demand via the Rakuten TV app, which is available through the Virgin TV app store. While Rakuten TV does offer rentals and purchases, no subscription is required to watch its free content.
The rollout highlights Virgin Media’s growing focus on FAST channels as a complement to traditional TV, and the company says more free channels are planned in the future.
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