Samsung hosted a Tech Forum session at CES 2026 titled “FAST Forward: How New Streaming Models Are Shaping the Next Generation of TV.”
The panel, held January 6 in Las Vegas, focused on the rapid rise of free ad-supported television (FAST) and its role alongside subscription and linear TV.
Executives from Samsung, Smosh and NBCUniversal discussed how changing viewer behavior, subscription fatigue and fragmented services are pushing audiences toward simpler, free, channel-based streaming options.
Samsung TV Plus was cited as an example of a platform aggregating hundreds of live and on-demand channels at no cost on Samsung devices.
Panelists emphasized that FAST viewing is growing without replacing existing business models.
Instead, FAST, subscription streaming and traditional broadcast increasingly coexist, allowing studios to extend popular franchises and reach new audiences while maintaining other revenue streams.
Another key theme was the rise of creators as independent studios.
With FAST channels now reaching living-room viewers, creator brands like Smosh are expanding from digital platforms to TV distribution and leveraging FAST to scale production quality and monetization.
Why This Matters Today
The discussion highlights how TV business models are shifting from subscription-only growth to hybrid strategies that combine free ad-supported channels, premium subscriptions, and live programming.
As consumers reconsider streaming costs, FAST services are becoming a mainstream part of television rather than a niche alternative.
The panel also underscored a broader content shift.
Creator-led channels and live interactive programming are moving into the TV environment, blurring lines between social video and traditional broadcasting and pushing television toward more participatory formats.
Our Key Takeaways:
- Samsung used CES 2026 to outline how FAST services are expanding as viewers seek simpler, free streaming options amid subscription fatigue.
- Panelists from Samsung, NBCUniversal and Smosh said FAST complements subscription and linear TV by extending franchises and reaching additional audiences rather than replacing existing models.
- Creators and live interactive programming are becoming central to TV strategies, as platforms such as Samsung TV Plus help digital brands evolve into full television channels.
You may also want to check out some of our other tech news updates.
Wanna know what’s trending online every day? Subscribe to Vavoza Insider to access the latest business and marketing insights, news, and trends daily with unmatched speed and conciseness. 🗞️
