Toronto, Canada – March 13th, 2025 – Underknown, the award-winning creator-led media company, today announces the launch of Popular Science on FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) platforms. The channel lets viewers tune in to Popular Science on services like Vizio WatchFree+, Sling Freestream, FUBO, Plex, Local Now, and more.
The Popular Science channel features an expanding library of engaging original content designed specifically for the service, including live coverage of rocket launches, and reimagined fan-favorite programming in partnership with leading factual YouTube creators, all designed to inspire and educate viewers everywhere. Since 1872, Popular Science has been one of America’s most trusted science publications, explaining everything from the marvels of deep space, to exploring the microscopic engines driving your cells to the ancient forces sculpting mountains and the complex choreography of a hummingbird in flight. It’s all delivered in an engaging, approachable, and inclusive manner, which will be carried over to the Popular Science channel.
Underknown is the right team to bring this 150-year-old legacy brand to the FAST universe, the latest innovation in mass media. The Toronto-based company established itself as one of the leading producers of factual content, with its portfolio of brands including web-based channels such as What If, How to Survive, Animalogic, and Aperture. That enables it to amass an audience of more than 75 million followers worldwide on its online channel.
Now, Underknown is bringing its expertise and creativity to TV with a channel dedicated to curious minds who want to explore the world of science, technology, and discovery. In keeping with the appeal of any FAST channel, Popular Science will be available for free and without requiring registration or a subscription. All that’s needed is an internet connection and plenty of curiosity.
“We’re thrilled to bring the storied Popular Science magazine to its own TV channel, extending its legacy of reliable storytelling and innovation,” Underknown Co-Founder and CEO Steve Hulford said. “By integrating top science brands from YouTube, TV, and film, we’re creating a place where storytelling meets discovery. With a wealth of partnerships, including with NASA Spaceflight, Hacksmith, and Complexly, we’re ensuring that Popular Science is not just a channel, but a destination for curious fans of science and technology.”
The Popular Science channel will offer an impressive lineup of content, right from its launch, most notably live coverage of every significant rocket launch in the U.S., including those from NASA, Space X, Blue Origin and others. In addition, Popular Science will also broadcast NASA Spaceflight’s live weekly series, “Starbase Update” and “This Week in Spaceflight,” providing audiences with an up-close view of space exploration. With more than 40% more rockets being launched in 2024 than during the peak of the Cold War, there has never been a more exciting time to follow space exploration.
In addition, the channel will showcase engaging programming from some of the most popular science-focused creators on YouTube. These partnerships include more than 50 million followers across brands like Hacksmith, Complexly, and Underknown’s own creations. Viewers can look forward to more than 130 hours of content from What If, How to Survive, Aperture, and more, with many additional hours of fresh content added regularly.
“Underknown’s exceptional content and taste, combined with Popular Science’s renowned brand, created the perfect formula for a premium streaming network” acTVe CEO Geoff Clark said. acTVe is overseeing the launch of Popular Science across all platforms. AcTVe is the premiere FAST channel management company, providing comprehensive services to a diverse array of clients in the FAST industry.
The Popular Science channel is licensed under Recurrent Ventures Inc., a leading digital media company specializing in high-quality content that educates, entertains, and informs enthusiast brands with high-quality content.
“For more than 150 years, Popular Science has always strived to demystify the world around and ahead of us to make science accessible to everyone,” Popular Science Editor in Chief Annie Colbert said. “By partnering with Underknown to bring Popular Science to TV screens everywhere, we have an incredible opportunity to present new and exciting content and engage with audiences in a new way. I’m confident that combining the digital TV expertise of Underknown with our brand’s legacy will keep viewers plugged into the incredible science around them every day.”
For more information on Underknown’s Popular Science TV channel, visit Popular Science channel preview.
About Underknown
Underknown is a creator-led media company that specializes in creating captivating popular science content. Our mission is to create fun factual content that educates, entertains, and inspires. We’ve been recognized for our work with numerous awards, including the Webby, Telly, and Shorty Awards, celebrating our commitment to high-quality, engaging storytelling. For more information, visit underknown.com| Linkedin
About Popular Science
Established in 1872, Popular Science is one of America’s oldest and most trusted science brands. Popular Science has a legacy of bringing readers groundbreaking innovations and discoveries, demystifying the world, and examining everything from the marvels of deep space to the secret lives of everyday staples. Popular Science makes science and tech engaging, approachable, and inclusive to keep readers, listeners, and viewers plugged into and excited about the world around them. Popular Science is part of Recurrent Ventures, a privately held media company that includes brands such as Futurism, The Drive, Outdoor Life, and Task & Purpose. For more information, visit https://recurrent.io
About acTVe
acTVe is quickly emerging as a leader in the FAST business, owning, operating and managing broadcast-level FAST Channels for its clients, ensuring their brands look and feel premium. Full service for distributors, studios, brands, as well as A-list celebrities and athletes who aspire to have their own FAST Channel(s), but lack the infrastructure, technology or knowledge on how FAST works. Current acTVe channels include Documentary+, SURFER, OZ TV, NitroCircus TV, Team Liquid, Almost Friday, Popular Science, Free Live Sports and more. acTVe partners with top streaming platforms such as Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Amazon, Vizio WatchFree+, DirecTV, Fubo, XumoPlay, and Sling Freestream, to name a few. Please visit actve.tv.
Contact:
Jonathan Taylor – on behalf of Underknown & acTVe
310-880-4951
jtaylor@robertsontaylorpartners.com
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Press: this this on the following publications:
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Variety Magazine.
Popular Science
MSN Start
The Drop
Yahoo
C21 United Kingdom
Playback Magazine
