Roku is Buying Frndly TV

Roku, the leading TV streaming platform in the U.S., announced today its agreement to acquire Frndly TV, a rapidly growing subscription streaming service renowned for providing affordable live TV, on-demand content, and unlimited cloud-based DVR. This $185 million cash deal, expected to close in Q2 2025 subject to customary conditions, signifies a strategic move to bolster Roku’s platform revenue and subscription growth.

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Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Denver, Frndly TV offers over 50 top-rated live TV channels, including A&E, Hallmark Channel, The History Channel, and Lifetime, at an affordable monthly fee of just $6.99. Subscribers enjoy access to thousands of hours of on-demand content, unlimited cloud DVR, and the ability to watch shows aired in the past 72 hours on live channels. The service’s affordability and family-friendly programming have contributed to its rapid growth, making it an ideal fit for Roku’s ecosystem.

Anthony Wood, Founder and CEO of Roku, Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Frndly TV’s remarkable growth and expertise in direct-to-consumer subscription services make it an invaluable addition to Roku. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with our focus on expanding platform revenue and Roku-billed subscriptions, offering our users a live content offering they love at an industry-leading price point.”

Andy Karofsky, CEO and Co-Founder of Frndly TV, expressed excitement about joining Roku, emphasizing, “We are thrilled to join Roku and continue our mission to provide customers with exceptional, high-quality entertainment at the most affordable live TV subscription streaming service in America. Roku’s pioneering role in streaming and its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction perfectly complement our strategic vision. We believe this combination will significantly accelerate subscription growth, given the shared core customer demographics and Roku’s leadership position in the connected TV ecosystem.”

Roku’s acquisition of Frndly TV aligns with its strategy to expand its subscription offerings while ensuring Frndly TV’s availability across various platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, iOS, Samsung, Vizio, and the web. This approach maintains continuity for Frndly TV’s existing user base while leveraging Roku’s market leadership to drive subscriber growth.

The deal includes $75 million of the purchase price tied to performance milestones over the next two years, reflecting Roku’s confidence in Frndly TV’s potential to scale within its ecosystem. As streaming competition intensifies, this acquisition positions Roku to capture a broader audience seeking affordable, high-quality live TV options.

By making this move, Roku further reinforces its commitment to delivering diverse, accessible content, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the streaming industry.

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Dan Uff

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