Lionsgate and its wholly owned syndication subsidiary Debmar-Mercury are set to launch “MovieSphere Gold,” a new free, ad-supported television network (diginet) specializing in classic films. The channel is scheduled to go live in January 2026, with distribution across more than 60% of U.S. television households, including top markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, and San Francisco.
Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus commented on the strategic nature of the venture, stating: “The breadth and depth of Lionsgate’s library enables us to program a network that is distinct from anything currently available in the over-the-air space. ‘MovieSphere Gold’ will deliver premium films to an audience underserved in the current diginet landscape.” They added that the partnership provides station groups with “a compelling, advertiser-friendly alternative that’s built on brand recognition and cinematic value.”
This new initiative builds on Lionsgate’s growing momentum in the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) and linear broadcast space, following the success of its AVOD and FAST channel “MovieSphere.” Unlike its streaming counterpart, “MovieSphere Gold” will be a 24/7 over-the-air network, accessible via antenna and offered on major broadcast affiliates and digital subchannels nationwide.
Lionsgate and Debmar-Mercury have secured affiliation agreements with numerous station groups to ensure a broad reach from day one. According to the company, the network will feature premium titles from Lionsgate’s 18,000-title film and television library, which includes Oscar-winning films and fan-favorite classics. While a detailed programming slate has yet to be revealed, the offering promises to spotlight Hollywood hits across genres, aimed at movie lovers seeking free, high-quality entertainment.
The launch of “MovieSphere Gold” represents a significant expansion of Lionsgate’s free streaming and linear strategy. The company has aggressively pursued distribution opportunities for its content in the FAST arena, capitalizing on the growing shift toward ad-supported models as consumers become more cost-conscious and subscription fatigue sets in.
According to Lionsgate, this launch also opens the door for increased monetization of its content library. With traditional cable declining and the FAST and diginet sectors gaining traction, Lionsgate sees this as a growth area that supports both advertiser demand and consumer appetite for curated, no-cost entertainment.
The timing of “MovieSphere Gold” also aligns with wider industry trends. Data from Variety Intelligence Platform indicates that U.S. FAST viewership increased 24% year-over-year in 2025, while over-the-air viewership remains stable among older and cost-sensitive audiences. “MovieSphere Gold” is strategically positioned to capture both demographics by blending nostalgic appeal with premium library assets.
Lionsgate’s push into the diginet market through Debmar-Mercury places it in competition with other studios and media conglomerates launching similar ventures to extend the lifespan and reach of their legacy content. This includes offerings from Sony’s GetTV, NBCUniversal’s Cozi TV, and Paramount’s Catchy Comedy.
With “MovieSphere Gold,” Lionsgate reinforces its commitment to multiplatform distribution and signals confidence in the continued viability of free TV as a revenue-generating channel, particularly when paired with a high-value library and strong affiliate support. The network is expected to generate new advertising inventory, bolster the company’s syndication footprint, and serve as a key pillar in its long-term content monetization strategy.
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