Mainstream Media Expands KultKrimi and Telenovela ZDF on LG Channels

Mainstream Media, a leading German broadcasting entity, has announced the expansion of its free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, KultKrimi and Telenovela ZDF, onto LG Channels, which serves viewers across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This strategic move follows the channels' initial launch on Samsung TV Plus in April 2025 and signifies a crucial phase in Mainstream Media's growth strategy aimed at enhancing the accessibility of free linear streaming services.

The launch on LG Channels, which offers a variety of platforms without requiring user registration, is expected to significantly increase viewership for both channels. Tim Werner, CEO of Mainstream Media, commented on the expansion, stating, "The growing distribution of our FAST Channels shows that the demand for well-curated, free TV offerings remains strong — even in the on-demand era. With KultKrimi and Telenovela ZDF, we provide content with a distinct identity that stands out from the crowd. Expanding to LG Channels is another important step in making our offering more accessible and visible."

KultKrimi is designed to revive the golden age of German television crime series, featuring classic titles such as Derrick, Der Alte, Ein Fall für zwei, Percy Stuart, and Faust. The channel boasts an impressive library of approximately 1,500 episodes, catering to aficionados of vintage detective stories. Conversely, Telenovela ZDF focuses on emotion-driven narratives, showcasing popular titles like Bianca – Wege zum Glück, Julia – Wege zum Glück, Hanna – Folge deinem Herzen, and Alisa – Folge deinem Herzen, which deliver captivating tales of love, conflict, and dramatic plot twists.

This expansion further solidifies Mainstream Media’s presence in the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region, with additional distribution partnerships currently under negotiation. As of now, KultKrimi and Telenovela ZDF are accessible on multiple platforms, including Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Titan OS, VIDAA, waipu.tv, Pluto TV, and YouTube, thus broadening their reach to viewers across various smart TV platforms and streaming services.

The continued rise of FAST channels reflects a significant shift in viewer preferences, as audiences increasingly seek cost-free alternatives to traditional cable subscriptions. According to a report by the German Federal Statistical Office published in 2023, over 30% of households in Germany have shifted to streaming services as their primary source of television content, underscoring the importance of platforms like LG Channels in the evolving media landscape.

In conclusion, the introduction of KultKrimi and Telenovela ZDF to LG Channels not only enhances Mainstream Media's service offerings but also marks a pivotal moment in the growing trend of free streaming television services. As the landscape continues to evolve, the demand for diverse and accessible content is expected to grow, prompting broadcasters to innovate and adapt in order to remain competitive.