MGM and Sinclair’s Comet TV launching Apple TV, Roku apps

Sinclair Television Group and MGM’s sci-fi channel Comet TV will now be available as an app for Apple TV and Roku.

Comet TV will still offer its free over-the-air programming and will also offer its programming online. The app will include live playback of the network’s broadcast feed with an integrated program schedule along with information on the current programming.

Because Comet TV is a free channel, no subscription or pay-TV account authentication is necessary. The companies are promising that the Comet TV app will be available for more digital platforms later in the year.

Adding a Comet TV app to Apple TV and Roku will expand the channel’s reach. As of now, the channels is carried in more than 100 markets and reaches more than 80 million homes.

The expansion for Comet TV comes about a year and a half after the network officially launched.

“MGM is thrilled that Comet will debut in so many top markets, launching as the single largest multicast network and sci-fi channel to date,” said John Bryan, president of domestic TV distribution at MGM, in a statement. “The sci-fi community is among the most expansive and loyal in entertainment, and we look forward to programming the channel for this ever-growing audience.”

The network’s programming library including feature films such as “The Crow” and “Labyrinth,” as well as television series including “Stargate: Atlantis,” “Mystery Science Theater 3000” and “Stargate: SG-1.”

RELATED: Sinclair begins launch of millennial-targeted network TBD

Earlier this year, MGM and Sinclair announced they would partner up to launch Charge, an action-focused channel that, like Comet TV, would have access to many films in MGM’s library.

Sinclair earlier this month also kicked off the rollout of its new millennial-targeted TBD channel. According to the Baltimore Sun, Sinclair will distribute TBD to its television stations in many of the 81 U.S. markets.

Sinclair described TBD as a home for “culinary capers, jaw-dropping action, hilarious pranks and comedy, music, fitness, gaming or just random awesomeness.”

“Our recent focus has been on expanding our business with new digital multicast networks that leverage our broadcast spectrum and household reach,” said Chris Ripley, president and CEO of Sinclair, in a statement. “Much of the multicast market today focuses on classic TV and movie content, with little aimed at audiences for whom fresh and relevant pop culture content is important. With the launch of TBD, we aim to pair the very best premium digital-first content with the unmatched branding power of traditional television.”