Amazon to shut down Freevee streaming TV service in August

Amazon has announced that it will be discontinuing its free streaming service, Freevee, next month. This decision is part of a broader strategy to consolidate content offerings under the umbrella of Prime Video. Launched in 2019 as part of IMDb, the film and TV platform acquired by Amazon in 1998, Freevee provided viewers with a range of free, ad-supported programming, including original series and select content from Prime Video, accessible primarily via its dedicated app. However, the app is set to shut down in August. Following the discontinuation, users will have the opportunity to watch shows and movies on Prime Video without needing a subscription to Amazon's Prime membership. A notification sent to users states, "Prime Video is the new exclusive home for Freevee TV shows, movies, and Live TV." This shift was foreshadowed by Amazon in November, when the company indicated its intention to phase out Freevee in favor of creating a more straightforward viewing experience. Additionally, the retirement of Freevee follows Amazon's introduction of advertisements on Prime Video, which began in January 2024. For those interested, Prime Video is available as part of a $15-a-month Prime membership or as a standalone service for $9, with an option to eliminate ads for an extra $2 monthly.