Amazon announced plans to discontinue Freevee, its free ad-supported streaming service, in the coming weeks. The company will integrate Freevee's content library into Prime Video as part of a strategy to streamline its streaming offerings.
The shutdown marks the end of a service that began in 2019 as IMDb Freedive before rebranding to IMDb TV and later Freevee. Despite hosting popular original shows like the Emmy-nominated "Jury Duty" and "Bosch: Legacy," Amazon opted to consolidate its streaming platforms.
Current Freevee content will remain accessible through Prime Video, with non-Prime members still able to watch select shows and movies for free under a new "Watch for Free" label. This applies to viewers in the U.S., UK, Germany, and Austria - all markets where Freevee operated.
Popular Freevee originals including "Judy Justice," "Neighbours," and new episodes of existing shows will continue to be available without requiring a Prime subscription. The platform also offered free access to Prime Video hits like "Reacher" and "The Summer I Turned Pretty."
The move follows Amazon's recent introduction of ads on Prime Video in January 2024, which largely eliminated the distinction between the two streaming services. Prime Video subscribers now pay an additional $2.99 monthly fee to watch without advertisements.
According to Amazon's statement, the consolidation aims to create "a simpler viewing experience" while maintaining a broad selection of free content for non-Prime members. The company confirmed no job losses are expected from the shutdown, as Freevee's teams had previously been integrated into Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video operations.
The transition reflects Amazon's vision of Prime Video as a comprehensive entertainment hub, offering exclusive Prime content, licensed programming, live sports, rentals, and free ad-supported material all under one brand.