You just spent a couple of grand on a beautiful new 4K screen, and honestly, the last thing you want to do is navigate a clunky cable box. I’ve been there. You click that "Samsung TV Plus" icon and suddenly you’re staring at a list of 300+ channels you didn't even know you owned. It's weirdly overwhelming. Is it actually free? Why is Baywatch on its own dedicated channel?
The Samsung TV channel list isn't just a random pile of junk, though it can feel that way if you're scrolling aimlessly. It’s a curated FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) service. Basically, if you have an internet connection, you have TV. No credit card, no sketchy trials, just a lot of content that ranges from high-end news to the most niche reality shows you’ve ever seen.
The 2026 Samsung TV Plus Lineup Breakdown
Look, the list changes constantly. Samsung adds and drops channels faster than I change my mind about what’s for dinner. But as of early 2026, the structure has stayed pretty consistent. You’ve got the heavy hitters in news, a massive "Action and Drama" section, and a surprisingly deep well of international content.
News and Opinion: The High-Quality Stuff
This is usually where most people start. You get the big ones.
- ABC News Live (1112) and CBS News (1110): These are the staples.
- NBC News NOW (1114): Great for breaking stuff without the cable fluff.
- Bloomberg TV+ UHD (1155): If you’ve got a 4K or 8K set, this is one of the few channels actually pushing that resolution.
- Local News 1-5 (1122-1126): Samsung has been leaning hard into local hubs lately, so you can usually find something for your specific region if you dig.
The "Binge" Channels (Movies & Drama)
Samsung loves "single-show" channels. It’s a weirdly addictive way to watch.
- The Walking Dead Universe (3015): It’s literally just zombies, 24/7.
- Baywatch (1590): For those of us who miss the 90s.
- ION (1510) and ION Plus (1511): These are the workhorses of the Samsung TV channel list, mostly procedural dramas like Law & Order.
- MovieSphere (1230) and Paramount Movie Channel (1250): Good for "background" movies. You won't find Oppenheimer here yet, but you'll find solid thrillers and rom-coms.
Why Your Channel List Might Look Different
I get this question a lot: "Why does my neighbor have different channels than I do?"
There are two main reasons. First, geography. The Samsung TV channel list in the UK is wildly different from the US version. In the UK, you’re getting The Graham Norton Show and BBC Food, whereas the US gets things like Duck Dynasty and The Bob Ross Channel.
Second, the hardware. If you’re running a 2016 model, your interface might feel a bit slower, and you might miss out on some of the newer interactive features that come with the 2026 Tizen OS updates. Samsung generally supports models back to 2016, but the "Plus" experience is definitely optimized for the newer Neo QLED and OLED sets.
How to Actually Manage This Chaos
Honestly, scrolling through 300 channels with a remote is a nightmare. Do yourself a favor and use the "Edit Channels" feature.
- Hit the Home button.
- Navigate to the Samsung TV Plus app.
- Don't click it—hover over it and select Channel List.
- Look for Edit Channels at the bottom of the sidebar.
From here, you can delete all the stuff you'll never watch. Goodbye, Hardcore Pawn (unless that’s your thing). Deleting them doesn't mean they're gone forever; it just hides them from your main guide so you can actually find the stuff you like.
The Mystery of the "Over-the-Air" Channels
A lot of people think Samsung TV Plus is their TV signal. It’s not. If you want your local NBC, FOX, or CBS affiliates—the actual broadcast ones—you still need a digital antenna plugged into the back of the set.
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Once you plug that in, you have to run an Auto Program scan:
- Go to Settings > All Settings.
- Find Broadcasting.
- Hit Auto Tuning.
Your TV will then merge those antenna channels with the internet-based Samsung TV channel list. It’s the best way to get everything in one guide without switching inputs like it’s 2005.
What's New in the 2026 Update?
Samsung has been pushing "niche hubs" lately. We’re seeing more K-Drama options (K-Stories by CJ ENM is a big one) and an explosion of "Ambient" channels. If you haven't checked out the Stingray Naturescape or the 4K fireplace channels, they're surprisingly good for when you're just cleaning the house or reading.
They’ve also added more "Gaming" channels. No, you can't play the games through the channel, but you've got IGN and VENN providing constant walkthroughs and news. It's a vibe.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most out of your setup right now, do these three things:
- Check for a Software Update: Go to Settings > Support > Software Update. New channels often require the latest Tizen firmware to display correctly in the guide.
- Favorite Your Top 10: Open the guide, hover over a channel, and press/hold the Select button to add it to favorites. It saves you minutes of scrolling every night.
- Log into your Samsung Account: You don't have to, but if you do, your "Continue Watching" list will sync across your phone and tablet if you use the Samsung TV Plus mobile app.
The days of paying $100 for a cable package just to watch the news and some old reruns are pretty much over. Once you prune your list and get your antenna integrated, you've basically got a "free" cable package that’s actually worth watching.