Watching Your Favorite Fox Channels on Samsung TVs
Samsung TV Plus has quickly become one of the most popular free streaming services thanks to its broad channel lineup spanning news, sports, movies and more. With over 250 channels available, Samsung TV Plus offers an easy way for owners of 2015 or newer Samsung smart TVs to cut the cord while still enjoying plenty of content.
However, fans of Fox programming may find the offerings on Samsung TV Plus to be limited. Heavy hitters like the Fox News Channel and Fox Sports are noticeably absent. Only a couple of secondary Fox outlets make the channel list.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover exactly what Fox channels are available on Samsung TV Plus. We’ll also provide helpful background on Fox Broadcasting Company and its growth into a media powerhouse. For viewers hoping to access popular Fox apps and programming, we’ll explain your options using the built-in smart platform on Samsung TVs.
Let’s start with an overview of Samsung TV Plus and its features.
Introducing Samsung TV Plus
Samsung launched its free streaming television service in 2015. The ad-supported service comes pre-installed on all newer Samsung smart TVs, no download required.
With over 250 channels spanning categories like news, sports, movies, entertainment and kids, Samsung TV Plus offers extensive content at no monthly cost. The service has quickly grown in popularity thanks to its automatic inclusion on applicable Samsung TVs.
Samsung TV Plus delivers both live and on-demand programming. Channels stream at no cost in exchange for regular advertising breaks. There’s no subscription, signup or credit card required.
The service comes installed by default on all 2015 or newer Samsung smart TVs. That means owners of applicable Samsung sets can start streaming a deep lineup of channels with no downloads or setup. With newer Samsung TVs featuring crystal clear 4K resolution paired with Samsung TV Plus, viewers get an advanced streaming TV solution at no extra charge.
While channel availability does vary by region, Samsung TV Plus typically includes 250+ free channels:
- News: CBS News, Newsmax, Cheddar, USA Today, Fox Soul
- Sports: Stadium, beIN Sports Xtra, Outside TV, MAVTV, WWE Channel, Fox Sports
- Entertainment: MTV Pluto, Comedy Dynamics, Unsolved Mysteries, Deal or No Deal
- Movies: IFC Films Picks, Dry Bar Comedy, FailArmy, Filmrise, Dust Westerns
- Kids & Family: BabyFirst TV, Smile of a Child, Kid Genius Plus!
- Lifestyle: America’s Test Kitchen, Gusto TV, QVC
With free access requiring only a Samsung smart TV and WiFi connection, Samsung TV Plus has enjoyed a surge in popularity. It fills an excellent niche for cord cutters seeking a cable-esque live TV experience completely free of charge.
That said, the service isn’t without limitations. Next we’ll examine the available Fox offerings on Samsung TV Plus.
What Fox Channels Can I Watch on Samsung TV Plus?
Out of over 250 total channels, Samsung TV Plus currently only offers two stations affiliated with Fox Broadcasting Company:
- Fox Soul – Channel 1104
- LiveNOW from Fox – Channel 1006
That means flagship stations like Fox News and Fox Sports are not included in the Samsung TV Plus lineup. The absence of mainstream Fox outlets like Fox News and Fox Sports is a major drawback for some subscribers.
While Fox Soul and LiveNOW from Fox provide quality programming, most Fox devotees are looking for access to leading networks like:
- Fox News
- Fox Business
- Fox Sports 1
- Fox Sports 2
- Big 10 Network
- Fox Soccer Plus
- Fox Deportes
With none of the major Fox channels on board, audiences hoping for live sports and Fox News coverage are left disappointed. Only specialty secondary stations are available.
Now that we’ve covered the limitations around Fox on Samsung TV Plus, let’s provide helpful background on Fox Broadcasting Company.
The Growth of Fox Broadcasting Company
What we know today as Fox Broadcasting Company launched in 1986 under the leadership of Rupert Murdoch. In its early days, Fox struggled against incumbent powerhouses like ABC, NBC and CBS. However, an influx of hit shows helped Fox carve out a niche with younger audiences.
Early home runs like Married…With Children and The Simpsons established Fox as the edgy, irreverent upstart network. While other broadcasters maintained family-friendly reputations, Fox embraced envelope-pushing programming for key 18-49 year old demographics.
The network took another major step with the launch of the Fox News Channel in 1996. Anchored by firebrands like Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Greta Van Susteren, Fox News tapped into conservative viewers underserved by incumbent cable news outlets.
The popular Fox News Channel helped drive Fox Broadcasting Company’s ascent to media heavyweight status. However, the company’s ambitions stretched beyond news into sports programming.
In the late 1990s, Fox made waves by acquiring broadcast rights to NFL games and Nascar events. The ability to showcase prestigious live sports helped further boost Fox’s profile. Additional investments were made in Fox Sports Net regional sports networks across the country.
Fast forward to today and Fox Broadcasting Company is a media empire spanning broadcast, cable and digital. Flagship brands include:
- Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) – reachable in 99 million+ U.S. households
- Fox News – the top cable news channel since 2002
- Fox Business Network – competing directly with CNBC
- Fox Sports – holder of extensive sports rights
- Hulu – Fox owns a controlling stake
With Fox stations and programming now household names, limitations around Fox offerings on Samsung TV Plus become more noticeable. Next we’ll break down popular Fox channels missing from the streaming service.
Noteworthy Fox Channels Missing from Samsung TV Plus
Considering Fox Broadcasting Company’s massive reach across news, sports and entertainment, seeing only secondary niche stations on Samsung TV Plus is disappointing. Flagship Fox outlets allow viewers to access:
- Fox News – The top-rated cable news channel known for sharp political commentary and fiery debates is a glaring omission.
- FS1 (Fox Sports 1) – Fox Sports 1 is the home of big-time events like NFL, MLB League Championship Series, NASCAR, WWE SmackDown, UEFA tournaments and more.
- Fox Business – Fox Business Network features market coverage for investing and money-focused audiences.
- Big 10 Network – The Big Ten Conference channel airs live regular season and tournament college games in high-profile sports like football, basketball and more.
- Fox Soccer Plus – Devoted soccer fans miss out on premium coverage of UEFA, Bundesliga, FIFA and other marquee soccer.
- Fox Deportes – Spanish speakers lose access to top soccer leagues and motorsports.
As this overview shows, major gaps exist for news junkies, sports nuts and business audiences hoping to watch Fox programming on Samsung smart TVs.
With so many popular and important Fox channels absent from the Samsung TV Plus lineup, viewers need alternatives to gain full access.
How Can I Watch Fox News, Sports and More on My Samsung TV?
Despite limitations with Samsung TV Plus, various options exist for streaming Fox programming on compatible Samsung smart TVs:
Download the Fox Now App
The Fox Now app for mobile and TV platforms provides access to full episodes and live streams from Fox channels. For example, cable subscribers can use TV Everywhere credentials to unlock live Fox News feeds along with on-demand show replays.
Unfortunately, Fox Now recently discontinued support for Roku, Android TV and Apple TV devices. Currently the app is only available on mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV and Xbox.
Unless Samsung smart TV support returns, users will need an alternate device like a Fire TV or Xbox.
Use Individual Fox Apps
In the wake of Fox Now’s scaled back platform support, dedicated Fox apps provide the best opportunity for streaming. For example:
- The Fox News app enables live, on-demand and local streaming options.
- Fox Sports app brings live events, highlights and programs from Fox Sports channels.
- FOX NOW, FOX Business, Fox Weather and Fox Soul apps are also available.
Downloading individual apps for your favorite Fox channels offers the most direct streaming experience. This does require navigating between various apps rather than a unified TV Everywhere solution.
Subscribe to a Live TV Streaming Service
Rather than managing individual channel apps, subscription services like DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV and YouTube TV offer robust channel bundles featuring Fox networks.
Most live TV streamers let you watch Fox Sports while also accessing additional sports coverage from ESPN, NFL Network, MLB Network and more. Fox News junkies can get their fix while also tuning into CNN, MSNBC, local news and other popular channels.
If you want the simplicity of a full-fledged channel package over standalone Fox apps, this approach delivers.
Use an OTA Antenna for Local Fox Affiliates
Over-the-air (OTA) antennas leverage broadcast signals to deliver local stations in your area for free. Connecting an OTA antenna to your Samsung TV provides access to local Fox affiliates in available markets.
For example, New York City area residents can tune into WNYW FOX 5 NY via antenna. Picture quality is often excellent with free OTA TV thanks to next-gen broadcasting advancements.
Affordable amplified antennas make it easy to access live local Fox stations such as primetime shows and local news.
While limited to in-market broadcasts rather than national feeds, antennas remain a cord cutting staple for free access to channels like ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox.
FAQs about Fox on Samsung TVs
If you have additional questions around accessing Fox programming on your Samsung smart TV, here are helpful answers to frequent inquiries:
Can I get ALL Fox channels on my Samsung TV Plus app?
Unfortunately Samsung TV Plus only includes a couple secondary niche Fox channels. Major networks like Fox News, Fox Sports 1, Fox Business, etc. are NOT available. Sports fans, news junkies and business audiences miss out on flagship Fox programming.
Why did Fox Now app stop working on my Samsung TV?
Fox Now ended support for most connected TV platforms aside from Amazon Fire TV and Xbox. Unless Samsung smart TV support returns in the future, you’ll need to use a standalone streaming device.
What’s the best way to stream live Fox News on my Samsung TV?
Either installing the Fox News app directly or subscribing to a live TV streaming provider will enable Fox News live streams. DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV all include Fox News along with many other top channels.
Can I watch Fox Sports (FS1) on Samsung TV Plus?
Unfortunately Fox Sports 1 and other FS networks are NOT included in the Samsung TV Plus channel lineup. Sports fans will need to use options like the Fox Sports app or live TV streaming services instead.
Why does my dad keep complaining about not having “Big Fox” on this fancy new TV?
By “Big Fox”, he likely means popular mainstream Fox outlets like Fox News, Fox Sports 1, etc. that are household names. Only specialty lesser-known channels are on Samsung TV Plus. Help your dad install apps like Fox News or set up a streaming service to access popular Fox programming he expects.
As this guide shows, viable options exist for streaming top Fox channels on compatible Samsung TVs. While Samsung TV Plus itself offers extremely limited Fox content, sports enthusiasts, news junkies and business audiences have alternative methods to get their Fox programming fixes.
So be sure to take full advantage of the apps and streaming functionality baked into modern Samsung smart TVs. Doing so unlock access to coveted Fox channels and content otherwise missing from Samsung TV Plus.
