Netflix says it is considering free options, but has no near-term plan to launch a FAST channel offering

Netflix does not have a near-term plan to roll out a FAST offering, Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters said in an interview published Wednesday by The Hollywood Reporter, responding to questions about whether the company would move to free, ad-supported streaming in addition to its subscription services.

Peters said Netflix is still “going to continue to consider” free offerings, but he emphasized that there are “no near-term plans to launch something.” The comments frame Netflix’s current approach as one of evaluation rather than an imminent shift in distribution strategy.

FAST services typically deliver streaming content free to viewers with advertising, often through platforms and apps outside a traditional paid subscription. In Peters’ remarks, Netflix’s position appeared to be that even if free is part of the company’s longer-term thinking, any rollout is not expected soon.

The exchange comes as the broader streaming industry continues to test different mixes of paid tiers, ad-supported subscriptions, and free ad-supported programming. Against that background, Peters’ statement indicates Netflix is not yet committing resources to a standalone FAST product or similar launch timeline.

Netflix’s decision matters for viewers because a FAST offering would change how Netflix programming could be accessed, potentially broadening reach beyond subscribers, while also introducing advertising to the viewing experience. However, Peters’ “no near-term plans” language leaves the timing and structure of any future free initiative uncertain.

For media buyers and advertisers, a FAST launch could also affect how budgets are allocated across streaming inventory, since ad-supported ecosystems tend to open additional distribution pathways. Peters’ comments suggest Netflix is not preparing that inventory through a dedicated FAST rollout at this point.

Netflix’s leadership positioned the company’s stance as an ongoing review of “free” options rather than a confirmed plan, indicating that the next steps, if any, would come after internal evaluation rather than through an immediately announced product launch.