Cord cutters navigating the shifting landscape of free and low-cost television had a packed week of developments that touched classic broadcast networks, popular streaming hardware, a collapsing sports platform, and one of the largest ad-supported apps. The four stories that stood out between late August and early September 2026 illustrate both the resilience of nostalgia-driven linear channels and the volatility still present in the streaming business.
MeTV announced a substantial fall schedule overhaul that takes effect in the coming days. Beginning Monday, September 7, the network will present four back-to-back episodes of MAS*H every weekday in a two-hour block starting at 6 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Central. The expanded wartime comedy block required Hogan’s Heroes to move to a new early-morning slot at 6:30 a.m. Eastern and 5:30 a.m. Central, immediately ahead of Toon In With Me. On Sunday, September 13, two long-absent sitcoms return: Gilligan’s Island at 2 p.m. Eastern and 1 p.m. Central, followed by Mama’s Family at 3 p.m. Eastern and 2 p.m. Central. The changes give viewers more hours of familiar 1960s and 1970s programming while refreshing weekend afternoons. MeTV remains widely available over the air and can also be streamed through Frndly TV, Philo, Fubo, and Sling TV, making the new lineup accessible to households that have already dropped traditional cable.
While classic television networks were rearranging their grids, many Roku television and player owners encountered an unwelcome surprise after installing Roku OS 15.3. A growing number of devices have begun turning themselves on in the middle of the night and launching a movie or series without any remote input. The behavior lights up dark rooms and plays audio loud enough to wake sleeping households. The update began rolling out in early August after a July developer beta, yet official release notes focused on caption…