If you have an LG TV in your home then you’re about to get a whole raft of new shows to watch for free. LG has just confirmed an expansive new deal with NBC Universal that is set to bring nine new channels to LG telly models in the UK at no extra cost, boasting popular series such as 12 Monkeys, Sliders and Real Housewives, plus access to older classics such as Xena: Warrior Princess.

It’s all to do with the growth of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, where you can stream what you want to watch for free but have to sit through a few ads along the way. The companies make money by serving you ads but you get to watch what you want without having to pay a subscription fee like you might already do with Netflix or Disney+.

The main channel you’ll gain is called LG 1, and like all the new channels is delivered as part of, aptly enough, a service called LG Channels. It’s built into most modern LG smart TVs and uses your internet connection to stream content. Some of it is on-demand, like you’ll get with Netflix, Prime Video and other services, but some is live TV with scheduled programming.

LG 1 will run episodes of the hard-hitting 90s police drama New York Undercover, as well as the recent sci-fi series 12 Monkeys, which is based on the 1995 Bruce Wills and Brad Pitt film of the same name.

Other popular shows that’ll be hosted across LG and eight other FAST channels include Top Chef, Northern Exposure, Million Dollar Listing, seaQuest, Bionic Woman and Made in Chelsea.

“LG Electronics continues to develop partnerships that elevate the entertainment experience for LG Smart TV owners,” said Chris Jo, Senior Vice President of Platform Business at LG Home Entertainment Company. “Launching the first partnership of LG and NBCU in Europe is illustrative of LG's approach to grow its FAST presence in the region and deliver value to customers through its award-winning LG Channels service."

This is the first time LG and NBC Universal have offered a package of free content in Europe. It comes as Rupert Murdoch’s Fox is launching its free streaming service Tubi in the UK, which is taking aim at the paid-for streaming services by going completely free - but with ads, of course.

Given that we are all suffering from subscription fatigue, where we have to pay several fees per month to access all the streaming services we want to catch all our favourite TV shows, it should be welcome news that the TV already sitting in your living room is about to get access to a slew of free content.

The beauty of smart TVs that run on what’s called WebOS, like LG TVs, is that you can access apps and FAST channels without needing additional hardware such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick. WebOS is the operating system the TV runs on, so all you need is an internet connection and you can stream to your heart’s content.

LG is adding nine new channels to your TV in the hope you’ll stick with LG TVs now and into the future, and rival television companies such as Samsung are doing the same thing. Time will tell if FAST channels do enough to keep you loyal to your TV brand or if it only really matters what the latest series are to come to Netflix.