DIRECTV has launched a 24-hour free ad-supported streaming television channel dedicated to “Military Makeover with Montel,” expanding its lineup of programmer-backed FAST channels.
The channel is rolling out to DIRECTV streaming customers through MyFree DIRECTV, DIRECTV Genre Packs and the company’s Signature streaming packages. DIRECTV said the channel will include 44 existing seasons of “Military Makeover with Montel” as well as future seasons of the BrandStar original series.
The launch is part of DIRECTV’s broader effort to work with programmers to turn existing content libraries into dedicated streaming destinations.
“Military Makeover with Montel” is led by Montel Williams, a Navy veteran and military advocate. The series focuses on service members, veterans and military families through home renovation projects and stories about challenges veterans can face after returning home.
Each 30-minute episode brings together decorators, designers, landscapers, home renovation professionals and brand partners to renovate a selected military family’s home.
“Military Makeover celebrates the service and sacrifices of veterans and their families, and we are proud to give viewers a dedicated destination for these important stories,” DIRECTV chief Marketing Officer Vince Torres said in a statement on Tuesday.
DIRECTV will also support the Weatherholt family of Jupiter, Florida, which will be featured in Season 46 of the series. William “Billy” Weatherholt enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at 17 after Sept. 11 and served as a firefighter EMT during two overseas deployments. He now works as a firefighter and paramedic in South Florida.
Weatherholt, his wife, Autum, and their daughter, Tatum, will receive a full home transformation through the series.
Torres said DIRECTV’s support for the family extends the company’s year-round work with veterans through partners including the Bob Woodruff Foundation and its Got Your 6 Network.
Scott Moss, the Executive Vice President of Programming and President of Integrated Partnerships at BrandStar, said the new FAST channel gives viewers a way to revisit past episodes and follow future stories tied to the military community.
“With more than 200 episodes, this platform gives audiences the opportunity to revisit the remarkable journeys of the veterans we’ve had the privilege of supporting and discover the people and purpose behind each transformation,” Moss said.
DIRECTV said it will appear in a two-to-three-minute segment during the upcoming season as part of the Weatherholt family’s makeover. The company will provide the family with DIRECTV Signature streaming service and DIRECTV Gemini devices for one year.
Vizio will also provide five smart TVs for the Weatherholt family. Vizio customers can access the DIRECTV app on their televisions.
MyFree DIRECTV includes more than 150 free ad-supported channels. DIRECTV also offers Genre Packs focused on categories such as sports, movies, family programming and lifestyle entertainment, along with Signature packages that include popular television networks.
