Samsung TV Plus Launches The Ringer FAST Channel | Watch Top Podcasts for Free
In a bold move that blurs the line between traditional television and digital podcasting, Samsung TV Plus has officially unveiled its new FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channel dedicated to The Ringer — Spotify’s influential sports and culture network founded by media icon Bill Simmons.
This innovative partnership promises to bring The Ringer’s most popular shows to the big screen, transforming fan-favorite podcasts into a 24-hour streaming television experience, available completely free on Samsung’s platform.
The announcement follows closely on the heels of Spotify’s partnership with Netflix, which will distribute select Ringer podcasts on the streaming giant starting early next year.
Now, with Samsung TV Plus entering the picture, The Ringer’s reach is expanding beyond audio apps and mobile devices, giving audiences a chance to experience video podcasting in an entirely new format — on the television screen.
“Samsung TV Plus is where storytelling meets scale,” said Salek Brodsky, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus. “With this first-of-its-kind partnership, the biggest screen in the home becomes a stage for podcasting’s boldest video programming to come to life.”
What Viewers Can Expect from The Ringer FAST Channel
The new Ringer Channel on Samsung TV Plus will feature curated episodes from the network’s most acclaimed video podcasts, offering fans a “lean-back” experience similar to traditional television.
Among the featured titles are:
🎙 The Rewatchables – Bill Simmons’ cult-favorite film discussion podcast
🎧 Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
🕹 The Ringer-Verse – a deep dive into movies, comics, and fandom culture
🍳 The Dave Chang Show and The Recipe Club – culinary discussions with a twist
🏀 Book of Basketball 2.0 and House of R
💬 Speidi’s 16th Minute – a nostalgic and comedic pop culture series
The round-the-clock channel gives fans a streaming-friendly, TV-ready experience without requiring subscriptions, logins, or additional fees — a hallmark of Samsung’s growing FAST ecosystem.
From Sports Talk to Streaming Titans: The Ringer’s Evolution
Founded in 2016 by Bill Simmons, The Ringer started as a digital sports and pop culture site that rapidly evolved into one of the internet’s premier podcast hubs. In 2020, Spotify acquired The Ringer, marking a strategic move to dominate the podcasting space.
Since then, The Ringer has expanded its footprint with more than 40 active shows covering everything from sports analytics to film reviews, food, and cultural commentary.
According to Geoff Chow, Spotify’s Head of Podcast Studios and Managing Director of The Ringer, the partnership with Samsung TV Plus represents “an exciting evolution.”
“This collaboration expands our reach and allows audiences to engage with our content in new ways,” Chow said. “It underscores the growing influence of video podcasts and reinforces Spotify’s commitment to delivering premium content across platforms.”
Samsung TV Plus: Redefining Free Streaming
Samsung TV Plus, which comes pre-installed on Samsung Smart TVs, Galaxy devices, Smart Monitors, and Family Hub appliances, continues to strengthen its position in the FAST streaming market.
With 88 million monthly active users globally and a catalog of nearly 700 live channels, the platform offers viewers an expansive lineup of news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and now — cutting-edge podcast programming.
Brodsky previously noted during the IAB NewFronts 2025 event that the service had seen a 30% increase in viewership this year, signaling a growing appetite for free, ad-supported entertainment.
A Symbiotic Streaming Alliance: Spotify, Samsung, and Netflix
The timing of Samsung’s announcement couldn’t be more strategic. Earlier this week, Spotify revealed a new collaboration with Netflix, set to bring The Ringer’s video podcasts — including The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Ringer NBA Show, and The Fantasy Football Show — to the streaming platform.
The move is widely seen as a defensive strategy by Netflix, as competitors like YouTube continue to dominate the podcast video space. For Spotify, it’s a critical step in expanding the visibility of its video podcast business, which has trailed YouTube in reach but is now gaining serious momentum through high-profile alliances.
The Growing Power of FAST Channels
The rise of FAST channels like Samsung TV Plus underscores a significant shift in media consumption habits. As audiences move away from expensive subscriptions, ad-supported models are thriving.
Key advantages of FAST channels include:
Zero cost to consumers – no subscription or sign-in required
Continuous programming – mimicking the linear TV experience
Curated content ecosystems – combining nostalgia with modern convenience
Ad revenue sharing for creators – providing monetization alternatives to traditional platforms
For The Ringer, this marks a bold step into a hybrid media future, one where podcasting, streaming, and television coexist seamlessly.
Expert Insights: Why This Partnership Matters
Industry analysts view the Samsung–Spotify alliance as more than a distribution deal. It’s a glimpse into the next frontier of digital entertainment.
“We’re witnessing the convergence of podcasting and television,” said media strategist Tanya McLaren of DigitalScope Analytics. “For brands like The Ringer, which thrive on personality-driven conversations, FAST platforms offer both reach and visual engagement — something traditional podcasts can’t replicate.”
The collaboration also strengthens Samsung TV Plus’s competitive edge against rivals like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Roku Channel, all of which are expanding their FAST offerings.
What This Means for Viewers
For audiences, the message is simple: accessibility meets premium content. The new Ringer FAST channel enables fans to tune in anytime, on any Samsung device, and enjoy smartly curated episodes without the hassle of app switching or sign-ups.
This subscription-free model reflects a broader consumer trend — one favoring ease of access and affordability over bundled streaming packages.
The Future of Video Podcasting
As podcasting continues to evolve into a visual medium, partnerships like this are shaping the future of digital storytelling. Whether you’re watching The Rewatchables while cooking dinner or catching up on The Ringer NBA Show before a game, Samsung TV Plus ensures that podcast entertainment fits naturally into the television experience.
The platform’s focus on discoverability, scale, and ad-supported accessibility positions it as a leader in the growing FAST landscape — and this partnership with The Ringer might just set the blueprint for how podcast networks expand in the years ahead.
Where and How to Watch
Viewers can now stream The Ringer’s FAST Channel exclusively on Samsung TV Plus — available across:
Samsung Smart TVs
Galaxy smartphones and tablets
Smart Monitors
Family Hub refrigerators
No subscription. No download. Just tune in and watch.
