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FYI (American TV channel)
FYI (American TV channel)
FYI (American TV channel)
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FYI (stylized as fyi,) is an American basic cable channel owned by A+E Global Media, a joint venture between the Disney Entertainment subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications (each owns 50%). The network features lifestyle programming, with a mix of reality, culinary, home renovation and makeover series.

Key Information

The network originally launched in 1998 as The Biography Channel, as an offshoot of A&E and named after its television series Biography. As such, it originally featured factual programs, such as reruns of its namesake. As A&E shifted its focus towards reality television and drama series, the Biography Channel became the home for several series that had been displaced by the flagship network (including Biography itself), but shifted towards reality-oriented series itself in 2007 and was rebranded as simply Bio. In 2014, the channel was rebranded as FYI, an initialism for "for your information".

As of November 2023, FYI is available to approximately 35,000,000 pay television households in the United States-down from its 2015 peak of 73,000,000 households.[1]

In recent years, FYI has lost carriage with the growth of streaming alternatives and has generally been depreciated by A+E Global Media in current retransmission consent negotiations with cable and streaming providers.

History

[edit]

The Biography Channel

[edit]
1998–2001 logo
2001–2007 logo
2007–2014 logo

The channel was launched on November 16, 1998, as The Biography Channel by A&E Television Networks, which conceived the channel as an offshoot of the long-running A&E profile series Biography.[2][3] On October 1, 2000, A&E Networks expanded its British partnership with British Sky Broadcasting with the launch of a UK market Biography Channel.[4]

In August 2006, The Biography Channel became the exclusive home for the Biography series, as it was dropped by A&E. Another 64 hours of the show was ordered for its first year on the channel.[5] In 2007, Biography Channel unveiled a new on-air brand—identifying the network simply as "Bio".[3] The changes came as the network shifted its scope to de-emphasize traditional biographical programs in favor of "true stories about fascinating people", such as the series Shatner's Raw Nerve, hosted by William Shatner.[6]

Bio had been stagnating since A+E's 2013 upfront presentation as little focus was placed upon it. Bio was generating 12 cents per subscriber from the video provider, about half the industry average.[citation needed] After tweaking the three main A+E channels, Bio averaged viewers of 91,000 adults 25–54 in prime compared to what A&E (716,000) and History (703,000) managed over the same period.[7] Jana Bennett was hired as president of LMN and Bio in June 2013 and, having transformed TLC from an educational channel to a lifestyle network, was considered an indication that adding a lifestyle channel to the A+E portfolio was a possibility. An opening in the genre occurred as the Style Network became the men-focused Esquire Network. While preparing to launch FYI, Bio began re-airing A&E's house-flipping shows and 30 potential shows were placed in development.[8]

as FYI (2014–present)

[edit]

In December 2013, A+E Networks announced that The Biography Channel would be rebranded as FYI, a contemporary lifestyle network, starting in mid 2014.[9] By February, FYI had a slate of six new series including three food series, two home design series, and one style series, with other shows also in development,[10] including pilot orders of Red Hot Design starring Shasta Smith, and Jennifer's Way.[11] In April, Midnight Feast was greenlit for the new channel while two others—Say it to my face and Reverse Course—were ordered to pilot.[12]

With the June 2014 announcement of the 2015 end of the ABC Owned Television Stations-run subscription network Live Well Network, some of its programming was being offered to FYI, which shared partial ABC ownership.[13] The network launched on July 7, 2014, with a preview special, FYI: First Look, featuring previews of the network's new programming. Its first new original series, Married at First Sight, premiered the next day.[14]

In January 2015, following the success of its Six Months Later special, FYI ordered Married at First Sight: The First Year.[15][16]

Programming

[edit]

Current programming

[edit]

Former FYI

[edit]
  • Epic Meal Empire Today – produced by The Collective and Nexttime Productions, based on the Epic Meal Time YouTube show.[10] It was renamed to its current name in 2020.
  • World Food Championships – coverage produced by Sharp Entertainment [10]
  • #BlackLove[19]
  • Tiny House Hunting[20]
  • Tiny House World[21]
  • B.O.R.N. to Style – produced by Left/Right; features style makeovers at the Harlem-based boutique, B.O.R.N. (Borrowed, Old, Refurbished, and New).[10]
  • Rowhouse Showdown – produced by Jane Street Entertainment in which three teams compete to increase the house and neighborhood value via the renovation of an "identical urban homes in dilapidated neighborhoods".[10][14]
  • Lost in Love[14]
  • Man vs Child: Chef Showdown
  • Best in Bridal[14]
  • Married at First Sight – based on a Danish show of the same name in which three couples, paired up by four experts (Pepper Schwartz, Greg Epstein, Dr. Logan Levkoff, and Dr. Joseph Cilona), agree to get married when they first meet.[14]
  • Married At First Sight: The First Year (January 15, 2015)[22]
  • Zombie House Flipping – follows Justin Stamper and his team of house renovators in Orlando, Florida.[23] A "Zombie House" is an industry term for a rundown home that is devaluing a neighborhood. Stamper and his team, Ashlee Casserly (realtor), Keith Ori (builder), and Peter Duke (designer), search for such homes and renovate them.[24][25] The show first aired on January 30, 2016, and ran for eight episodes.[26] It has continued for five seasons, through 2022.[27]
  • Scraps – follows chef Joel Gamoran as he travels across the U.S. creating meals in unexpected places, using food waste and scraps.[28]
  • Plant-Based by Nafsika
  • Waterfront House Hunting[29]
  • Miss USA
  • Miss Universe
  • Sell This House![30]
  • Food Factory
  • Celebrity House Hunting[31]

In production

[edit]
  • The Feed – produced by Giants Pirates with Top Chef judge Gail Simmons, The Taste judge Marcus Samuelsson and comedian and food-blogger Max Silvestri as a traveling road show looking into the American food culture and its new trends.[10] Originally to be a launch program (on July 12, 2014), The Feed was pushed back to a summer start.[14]
  • Midnight Feast – produced by Nerd TV and hosted by Chef Spike Mendelsohn; a competitive cooking show in which three chefs use New York's Chelsea Market as an ingredient source, where the winning chef gets a cash prize while the losers pay their grocery bills.[12]

In development

[edit]
  • Red Hot Design – features a team led by designer and artist Shasta Smith making upscale art and furniture from unusual materials and produced by Cineflix Productions.[11]
  • Jennifer's Way – produced by Atlas Media; features Jennifer Esposito, an actress who entered the food business with a gluten-free bakery, as she attempts to expand beyond the single NYC location into cookbooks, packaged goods and franchised locations.[11]
  • Say It To My Face – produced by Pie Town Productions; restaurant owners and chefs and their online critics meet to defend their position. Then under the aid of co-hosts Andrew Gruel and Anthony Dispensa,[32] the restaurant gets a makeover.[12]
  • Reverse Course – produced by Stick Figure Studios and hosted by chef and restaurateur Sam Talbot; from the finished meal then going in reverse to cooking, preparation and local sourcing.[12]

Final Bio programming

[edit]

Former Bio

[edit]

International versions of Bio and FYI

[edit]

Despite the relaunch, international versions of The Biography Channel exist in some regions. An international version of The Biography Channel previously operated in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Israel, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, but has since been replaced by other channels. The Australian channel was closed in 2015. The Canadian version, operated under license by Rogers Media, was relaunched as Viceland in February 2016, but was then shut down on March 31, 2018.

  • Canada: As part of a licensing agreement with Shaw Media, their lifestyle channel, Twist TV, was rebranded as a Canadian version of FYI in September 2014.[34] It was shut down on December 31, 2019.
  • Latin America: The Latin American version aired the same programming and used the same logo as the former U.S. flagship channel and it was operated by the HBO Latin America Group subsidiary of Time Warner under a brand licensing agreement with A&E Networks. In July 2014, The Biography Channel was replaced by H2.
  • Bio in United Kingdom and Ireland: A British version of Bio was launched on October 1, 2000, and ceased operations on November 4, 2013, being replaced by a British version Lifetime. The channel was also available in Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium.
  • Spain and Portugal: Bio in Spain and Portugal launched on January 13, 2005[35] and was replaced by A&E in October 2, 2014.[36]
  • Germany: Bio in Germany was replaced by A&E in September 2014.[37]
  • Israel: Bio is known as ערוץ ביוגרפיה‎ in Israel. In September 2014, the channel was replaced by Lifetime.[38]
  • Bio in South East Asia was replaced by FYI in October 2014.[39] FYI was shut down on July 1, 2019.
  • India: FYI TV18 was launched in July 2016 as the second channel in the partnership between A&E Networks and TV18, the first being History TV18. The network was closed on July 8, 2020.[40]
  • Bio. Australia: The channel was known as The Biography Channel, then as Bio., until it closed in November 2015.[41]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FYI (American TV channel)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
FYI (stylized as fyi) is an American basic cable and satellite television network owned by A+E Global Media, a between and Hearst Corporation that focuses on programming centered on home renovation, outdoor living, and automotive . The channel originated as The Biography Channel, a launched in 1999 by A&E Networks, the , and Lifetime Entertainment Services to air biographical documentaries and profiles. It was rebranded as Bio in 2007. In December 2013, A&E Networks announced plans to rebrand the underperforming Bio channel into FYI, targeting an upscale, younger audience active online and on . The rebranding took effect on July 7, 2014, marking FYI's debut with original series such as Married at First Sight and . FYI's programming has evolved over time, initially emphasizing reality shows on relationships, food, and home design, including hits like and Arranged. By the mid-2020s, the network shifted toward niche lifestyle topics, featuring series under banners like Home.Made. Nation for DIY renovations, Outdoors for off-grid adventures and backpacking, and for automotive builds and expert advice. As of October 2025, FYI maintains a modest , averaging around 43,000 prime-time viewers and ranking among the lower-tier cable networks. In July 2025, A+E Global Media, which operates FYI alongside channels like A&E, History, and Lifetime, engaged investment bank Wells Fargo to explore a potential sale or merger amid declining linear TV viewership, though the joint owners Disney and Hearst retain 50% stakes each and have not finalized any transaction as of November 2025. The network remains available through major cable providers and streaming platforms, continuing to deliver content via its official website and app.

Overview

Launch and ownership

The Biography Channel, which would later become FYI, launched on November 16, 1998, as a spinoff of A&E Television Networks focused on biographical documentaries and related programming. The channel was established as a by A&E Television Networks, which at the time was owned by (37.5% stake), through its ABC subsidiary (37.5% stake), and (25% stake). This launch positioned the network as an extension of A&E's popular Biography series, targeting viewers interested in in-depth profiles of historical figures, celebrities, and notable events to provide educational and informative content. Ownership of A&E Networks, and thus The Biography Channel, evolved significantly in the years following the launch. In 2012, prior to the channel's rebranding, NBCUniversal sold its 15.8% stake in A&E Networks back to Disney and Hearst, resulting in a 50-50 joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications. This transaction consolidated control under these two entities. As of November 2025, FYI remains part of A+E Global Media (formerly A+E Networks), the 50-50 joint venture owned by Disney and Hearst, though the parent company is actively exploring a potential sale amid broader shifts in the cable television landscape. The channel's foundational emphasis on biographical content initially appealed to an adult audience seeking factual, narrative-driven storytelling, setting the stage for its later evolution into lifestyle programming.

Distribution and availability

FYI is available to approximately 35 million households in the United States as of November 2023, a significant decline from its peak distribution of 73 million households in 2015, driven by widespread and shifting viewer preferences toward streaming services. This reduction reflects broader challenges in the linear television industry, with A+E Global Media—FYI's parent company, a between and Hearst—reporting eroding revenues from traditional distribution in early 2025 due to ongoing subscriber losses. The channel is carried by major multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), including Comcast Xfinity, , , , , and Optimum, where it is typically included in basic or expanded basic cable packages at no additional cost beyond the base subscription fee. It is also accessible via select virtual MVPDs such as Hulu + , , and , broadening availability to cord-cutters through internet-based services. While primarily a cable network, FYI maintains carriage agreements that ensure wide accessibility across these platforms, though specific over-the-air broadcast availability remains limited to occasional local affiliations in select markets. Distribution continues to face pressure from industry trends, with potential further declines since 2023. In 2025, A+E Global Media has faced intensified pressure on its carriage deals, contributing to a reported depreciation in the value of its linear assets, including , amid industry-wide retransmission consent and affiliate fee negotiations that have strained profitability. As a result, and Hearst explored a potential sale of A+E in 2025, highlighting the declining economic viability of traditional cable distribution. Despite these challenges, saw programming expansions through A+E's Home.Made.Nation lifestyle block, which added over 100 hours of original content in 2025, enhancing airing hours on the channel without substantially increasing household reach.

History

Origins as The Biography Channel (1999–2007)

The Biography Channel was announced on November 16, 1998, and launched in January 1999 as a digital spinoff network by A&E Television Networks, as a joint venture between A&E Networks, The History Channel, and Lifetime Entertainment Services, building directly on the success of A&E's long-running documentary series Biography, which had become one of cable television's most popular programs. The channel debuted with an initial lineup focused on reruns from A&E's extensive library of Biography episodes, emphasizing in-depth profiles of historical figures, celebrities, and influential personalities through factual documentaries and celebrity interviews. This content strategy positioned the network as a 24-hour extension of the original series, offering daily programming blocks that included marathon airings of biographical specials to capitalize on the format's established appeal among viewers interested in real-life stories. Early distribution was limited but targeted, starting with carriage on 's (TCI) Headend in the Sky service reaching approximately 1 million homes, with plans for broader rollout to major cable operators' digital tiers. As the channel expanded, its programming evolved to include original productions alongside the core Biography reruns, maintaining a focus on documentary-style explorations of notable lives, from political leaders and cultural icons to everyday heroes. By the early 2000s, the network had achieved steady viewership growth, marking nine consecutive quarters of year-over-year increases in prime-time households by the third quarter of 2006, solidifying its presence as a reliable cable staple. Operationally, The Biography Channel reached key milestones in technical and global expansion during this period. Internationally, the channel initiated its first overseas feeds with a European launch on October 1, 2000, via Sky Digital in a with BSkyB, a 6-hour rotating block of biographical content from 6 a.m. to midnight daily. This marked the beginning of broader international distribution, drawing on A&E's archival documentaries to appeal to global audiences.

Rebranding to Bio (2007–2014)

In 2007, The Biography Channel underwent a significant rebranding to simply "Bio," featuring a revamped on-air look and feel designed to modernize the network's identity. This change, which included a new logo and the "True Story," aimed to distinguish the channel from its flagship Biography series and broaden its appeal by emphasizing diverse real-life narratives rather than confining content to traditional biographical documentaries. The rebrand reflected A&E Networks' strategy to evolve the channel into a destination for compelling, fact-based storytelling that extended beyond historical figures to contemporary personal experiences and events. During the Bio era, the network introduced reality elements into its programming to attract a wider , incorporating formats alongside remaining biographical content. For instance, the final episodes of the Biography series began integrating more dramatic, real-time elements to heighten engagement, while new shows like Celebrity Ghost Stories (premiering in ) blended celebrity testimonials with supernatural reality segments, marking a pivot toward experiential storytelling. This shift helped stabilize viewership by appealing to viewers interested in authentic, unpolished human stories, maintaining the channel's core focus on truth while experimenting with genres that foreshadowed broader trends in . By 2013, as part of A&E Networks' ongoing emphasis on unscripted content, Bio began preparations for further evolution, including the testing of lifestyle-oriented pilots that explored everyday innovation and personal growth. This strategic adjustment aligned with the company's portfolio-wide move toward dynamic, relatable programming, setting the stage for the channel's next phase while preserving its legacy of real-life narratives.

Transition to FYI (2014–present)

On December 11, 2013, A+E Networks announced the rebranding of its Bio channel to , positioning the network as a contemporary destination focused on exploring "how people actually live their lives" through reality programming centered on , , relationships, and style. The transition aimed to attract a younger, upscale audience by shifting away from biographical content toward aspirational, everyday narratives. The rebrand launched on July 7, 2014, following a preview special titled FYI: First Look, which showcased upcoming programming and the network's new visual identity. In the initial months, A+E greenlit an inaugural slate of seven original series, including home renovation shows like and food-focused formats, with plans to expand production rapidly to fill the schedule. This marked the beginning of FYI's commitment to original unscripted content, growing to dozens of series by the end of the first year as the network established its footing in the competitive lifestyle genre. Post-rebrand, FYI navigated industry-wide challenges, including accelerated cord-cutting after 2020, which contributed to broader declines in linear cable viewership across A+E Networks' portfolio amid the rise of streaming services. As a 50/50 joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Corporation since 2012, FYI's content has been increasingly integrated into Disney's streaming ecosystem, with select programming made available on Hulu to reach cord-cutters and hybrid viewers. In response, A+E announced a 2025 programming refresh, expanding the Home.Made.Nation lifestyle block with over 100 hours of new original content across A&E and FYI, emphasizing DIY projects, home renovations, and practical lifestyle tips to bolster multiplatform engagement. This initiative reflects ongoing adaptations to viewer migration, prioritizing accessible, short-form digital extensions alongside traditional broadcasts.

Programming

Format and genres

FYI's programming underwent a core format shift in 2014 during its from the Bio channel, transitioning from documentary-style biographical content to unscripted centered on everyday life, self-improvement, and cultural exploration. This evolution aimed to reflect modern lifestyles by inspiring personal creativity through a less prescriptive and more adventurous approach to aspects like taste, space, social interactions, and personal style. The network's philosophy emphasizes authentic, relatable narratives that blend entertainment with practical insights, targeting younger, upscale audiences active in digital spaces. The primary genres encompass programming, including home renovation and food-related content, competitions, and docu-series that explore real-world challenges and transformations. Episodes typically structure around 30- to 60-minute formats, allowing for in-depth within constrained time slots common to cable unscripted series. Production styles prioritize low-budget authenticity, featuring relatable casts from diverse backgrounds to foster viewer connection and highlight attainable self-improvement. A unique element of FYI's approach lies in its "FYI" branding, which incorporates educational hooks—such as practical tips and informational takeaways—integrated into contexts, distinguishing it from competitors like that focus more on pure entertainment and step-by-step instruction. This inspirational tone encourages viewers to adapt ideas to their own lives rather than following rigid guidelines, aligning with the channel's goal of serving as an "inspiration engine" for personal and cultural growth.

Current and upcoming programs

FYI's current programming emphasizes lifestyle, home improvement, and culinary content under the Home.Made.Nation banner, with flagship series focusing on innovative builds and easy cooking solutions. Tiny House Nation, hosted by John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin, continues to air new episodes showcasing compact home constructions tailored to diverse lifestyles, including the spin-off Tiny House Nation: Memory Lane, which premiered its first season on February 18, 2025, and recaps memorable builds while highlighting problem-solving techniques. The series, which debuted in 2014, remains a cornerstone with ongoing seasons emphasizing creativity over size in housing. In the culinary space, The Chef's Garden explores sustainable farming and innovative dishes, premiering on January 27, 2025, and featuring Farmer Lee Jones collaborating with chefs at the Culinary Vegetable Institute to transform farm-fresh produce into gourmet meals, such as episodes on peppers aired February 24, 2025. Similarly, Jake Makes It Easy returned for season 2 on July 7, 2025, with host demonstrating accessible recipes blending classic and heritage-inspired flavors, like raspberry-based desserts, aimed at simplifying home entertaining. The Columbia Coast, a travel program that premiered on November 8, 2025, delves into the Pacific Northwest's landscapes, history, and vacation spots along the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean intersection. In March 2025, A+E Networks announced expansions to the Home.Made.Nation block with over 100 hours of new original programming across FYI and A&E, including additional DIY home renovation series and lifestyle content set to roll out through 2026. This slate builds on recent additions like expanded episodes of Rachael Ray's cooking shows, with production beginning in fall 2025 for 2026 airings.

Former programs

The Bio era of the channel, prior to its 2014 rebranding to FYI, saw the conclusion of several flagship true-story programs as programming shifted toward lifestyle content. The series I Survived..., which documented personal accounts of survival from traumatic events, aired its final original episodes on Bio in 2012 after six seasons, with a spin-off titled I Survived... Beyond and Back concluding earlier that year. The long-running Biography documentary series, a cornerstone of the channel since its origins as The Biography Channel, wrapped up its run on Bio in 2012, though select episodes continued to air into 2013 before the network's full transition. Following the rebranding to FYI, several early original programs were discontinued or relocated to sister networks amid evolving viewer preferences and strategic alignments within A&E Networks. Married at First Sight, a dating experiment that premiered on FYI in July 2014 for its first season, aired seasons 2–4 on FYI (with seasons 3–4 simulcast on A&E) before transferring to Lifetime starting with season 5 in 2017, reflecting network synergies to better target demographics. Zombie House Flipping, which debuted on FYI in January 2016 and followed renovation experts revitalizing abandoned properties, shifted to A&E after its second season in 2017 and continued until 2022, when it ended alongside a broader wave of series cancellations driven by market saturation. Similarly, Tiny House Hunting, launched on FYI in December 2014 to showcase prospective buyers touring compact homes, produced episodes through October 2017 before concluding, as the network streamlined its lifestyle slate. Overall, FYI's former programs often faced discontinuation due to declining cable viewership post-, with total cable audiences dropping amid trends, or through reallocations to higher-performing A&E Networks outlets like Lifetime and A&E for continued viability.

International versions

Bio adaptations

The Bio brand was adapted for international markets following the U.S. rebranding in 2007, with versions tailored to regional audiences through localized programming and content partnerships. These adaptations emphasized true stories, biographies, and real-life narratives, often blending U.S. imports with region-specific productions to appeal to local viewers. Launches occurred across , , , , and , but many channels faced closures due to strategic shifts by A&E Networks toward lifestyle and history-focused brands. In the and , Bio launched in 2007 as a dedicated channel for true stories, featuring localized content such as British historical figures and European celebrities alongside international biographies. Available on platforms like and , it targeted audiences interested in personal narratives and documentaries. The channel ceased operations on November 4, 2013, at 6 a.m., and was replaced by Lifetime, which shifted focus to women's entertainment. The Canadian version of Bio emerged in February 2008 through a of The Channel, which had originally launched in as a spin-off emphasizing biographical content. Operated by Rogers Media under license from A&E Networks, it combined U.S. imports like profiles with local Canadian productions, including stories of national icons and regional events to foster cultural relevance. The channel maintained this mix until 2014, when considerations for alignment with the U.S. rebrand were explored, though it ultimately continued as Bio before a full transition to in 2016. In , Bio launched in 2007 as The Biography Channel before adopting the Bio branding, serving audiences across the region via cable and satellite providers. It offered a blend of dubbed U.S. series and localized adaptations, such as Latin American historical biographies and stories, distributed through A+E Networks Latin America in partnership with Ole Communications. The channel operated until July 2014, when it was replaced by H2, a history-focused network, as part of A&E's portfolio realignment to prioritize complementary genres amid competitive cable markets. Australia's Bio adaptation began as The Biography Channel around 2004 on Foxtel, rebranded to Bio by 2010 to align with global updates, and focused on profiles of global icons, musicians, and royals with some Australian-centric content like local entertainment documentaries. It reached subscribers through and , emphasizing "great people watching" narratives. The channel closed at 4 a.m. on November 1, 2015, ceasing transmission as part of A&E Networks' global re-alignment of international brands to streamline operations and redistribute content. Post-closure, select programs migrated to channels like Arts, History, and Lifestyle YOU, citing strategic efficiency over standalone viability. These international Bio adaptations generally struggled with audience retention in fragmented markets, leading to closures driven by low viewership metrics and A&E's emphasis on synergistic brands like and Lifetime. For instance, representative viewership data in regions like showed modest engagement compared to mainstream entertainment channels, prompting content redistribution rather than renewal. The shifts underscored A&E's global strategy to consolidate around high-impact genres, with localized efforts providing temporary boosts but ultimately yielding to broader portfolio optimizations. Some planned adaptations, such as in , did not materialize as separate channels.

FYI adaptations

The FYI brand, launched in the United States in 2014 as a lifestyle-oriented network, saw limited international adaptations through licensing agreements with regional broadcasters. These versions emphasized lifestyle content such as culinary, home improvement, and personal makeover programming, often incorporating local productions or adaptations to appeal to regional audiences. However, most international FYI channels operated for short periods before discontinuation amid shifting market dynamics and corporate restructurings. In , FYI launched on , , as a rebranding of Shaw Media's Twist TV channel under a licensing deal with A+E Networks. The channel focused on programming, including series on , home renovation, and makeovers, with a mix of imported U.S. content and Canadian originals to meet local content requirements. Notable localized shows included Epic Meal Empire, a culinary series featuring over-the-top Canadian-inspired recipes from the viral web duo, and makeover program B.O.R.N. To Style, set in with host Jonathan Berto. This adaptation aimed to blend FYI's core genres of taste, space, and look with Canadian cultural elements, such as urban transformations. The channel ceased operations on December 31, 2019, as part of Corus Entertainment's (Shaw's successor) strategy to eliminate underperforming specialty services amid financial pressures. Southeast Asia's FYI feed, operated by A+E Networks Asia, rebranded from Bio. in October 2014 and targeted audiences across countries like , , , , and (excluding ). It featured U.S. FYI exports adapted for regional tastes, emphasizing lifestyle genres such as cooking shows with Asian culinary twists, home design series incorporating local aesthetics, and travel content highlighting Southeast Asian journeys. Programming included over 300 hours of annual content in categories like taste and space, with examples of adaptations such as fusion recipes blending American techniques with regional ingredients in culinary segments. The channel ended transmission on July 1, 2019, in most markets (June 30 in some), after 11 years since its Bio. origins, with its slot repurposed for other A+E properties. Other limited FYI adaptations included a in , FYI TV18, launched on July 6, 2016, by Network18 and A+E Networks, which offered programming tailored to Indian viewers, such as , , and wellness shows with local hosts and cultural integrations. This version shut down on July 8, 2020, due to post-pandemic market challenges faced by Network18. As of 2025, no active international FYI channels remain operational; remnants of the brand have been integrated into broader A+E global blocks or fully discontinued, reflecting a focus on U.S.-centric streaming and reduced linear TV expansions.

Streaming and digital platforms

FYI launched its official website, fyi.tv, and companion in alongside the channel's , providing users with access to full episodes, video clips, program schedules, and exclusive content from its lifestyle and reality programming. The platform supports streaming on multiple devices, including , Android, , and , allowing authenticated viewers via participating TV providers to unlock additional episodes and seasons. Episodes from FYI are available for on-demand streaming through several live TV services, including , (with the Lifestyle Extra add-on), and + Live TV, as part of broader distribution agreements facilitated by parent company A+E Networks. Free promotional clips and highlights are also distributed on and the channel's channels to drive engagement. In 2025, expanded its digital presence through Home.Made.Nation, a cross-platform hub offering DIY tutorials, tips, and interactive project ideas tied to shows like , enabling viewers to engage with content beyond traditional broadcasts via web-based tools and video resources. This initiative integrates with the app and website to foster community-driven participation in lifestyle topics.

Sister networks and synergies

FYI operates as part of A+E Global Media, a between and , sharing ownership with key sister networks including A&E (focused on unscripted crime and reality programming), (specializing in documentaries and historical content), Lifetime (targeting women with dramas and reality series), LMN (lifestyle movies for women), and (youth-oriented documentaries). These networks leverage shared production resources through A+E Studios for scripted content and A+E Factual Studios for unscripted series, enabling collaborative talent pools and cost efficiencies in content creation. A prominent example of inter-network is the Home.Made.Nation programming block, launched as A+E Global Media's cross-network hub for lifestyle content that spans A&E, , and the company's FAST channels. In 2025, this initiative expanded with over 100 hours of original programming, including shared series like Zombie House Flipping and new entries featuring talents such as and , distributed across platforms to unify DIY, , food, and travel themes. Such collaborations facilitate cross-promotions, where content from one network informs or extends to another's audience, enhancing viewer engagement through integrated apps and websites. As A+E's dedicated lifestyle outlet, FYI plays a strategic role in the portfolio by diversifying unscripted offerings amid cord-cutting trends, with 2025 consolidations pooling resources across siblings to sustain linear and digital distribution. This approach supports joint ventures in global content sales and co-productions, reaching over 200 territories and amplifying the networks' collective impact.

References

  1. https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/ae-lifetime-history-cable-sale-disney-hearst-1236449196/
  2. https://www.fyi.tv/
  3. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/fyi-network-sets-first-slate-683307/
  4. https://www.thewrap.com/ae-networks-rebranding-bio-channel-lifestyle-channel-fyi/
  5. https://nationalmediaspots.com/stats-us-cable-broadcast-tv-network-rankings/
  6. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ae-global-media-pursuing-up-for-sale-merger-deal-1236308947/
  7. https://www.fyi.tv/channelfinder
  8. https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/16/business/a-e-to-create-2-digital-ready-spinoff-channels.html
  9. https://capitalgroupenterprises.com/fyi/
  10. https://thedesk.net/2025/02/hearst-television-ceo-letter-a-e-network-struggles/
  11. https://support.fyi.tv/hc/en-us/articles/216776567-What-TV-providers-support-the-FYI-app
  12. https://thestreamable.com/channels/fyi
  13. https://deadline.com/2025/07/disney-and-hearst-exploring-sale-of-ae-global-media-cable-tv-1236451721/
  14. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2025/03/05/apluse-global-media-expands-homemadenation-lifestyle-block-with-over-100-new-hours-of-original-programming-coming-to-aande-and-fyi-566310/20250305aande04/
  15. https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/a-e-biography-spinoff-wins-malone-s-blessing-1117488113/
  16. https://www.prweek.com/article/1232664/a-e-24-hour-digital-launches
  17. https://worldscreen.com/author/admin/page/2609/
  18. https://www.satellitetoday.com/uncategorized/2000/08/09/biographys-first-european-launch/
  19. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/a-e-rebrands-bio-as-665036/
  20. https://www.leroyandclarkson.com/work/bio-rebrand
  21. https://deadline.com/2013/12/ae-networks-bio-renamed-fyi-as-it-converts-into-lifestyle-network-650661/
  22. https://www.tvweek.com/in-depth/2013/12/ae-networks-to-launch-new-netw/
  23. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/FYI_%28United_States%29
  24. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/a-e-unveils-fyi-rebrand-707175/
  25. https://www.aegm.com/article/ae-networks-fyi-channel-unveils-primetime-lineup-july-premiere
  26. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2025/01/02/2024-was-another-tough-year-for-cable-television/
  27. https://www.aegm.com/article/ae-global-media-expands-home-made-nation-lifestyle-block-with-over-100-new-hours-of-original-programming-coming-to-ae-and-fyi
  28. https://www.c21media.net/news/rebranded-ae-global-media-sets-2025-26-slate-development-pact-with-tyler-perry-and-pantheon/
  29. https://www.fyi.tv/shows/tiny-house-nation-memory-lane
  30. https://www.fyi.tv/shows/tiny-house-nation
  31. https://www.fyi.tv/shows/the-chefs-garden
  32. https://www.fyi.tv/shows/jake-makes-it-easy/season-2
  33. https://www.fyi.tv/shows/columbia-coast
  34. https://mortystv.com/blog/2025/03/05/ae-global-media-expands-home-made-nation-lifestyle-block-with-over-100-new-hours-of-original-programming-coming-to-ae-and-fyi/
  35. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2025/10/16/apluse-global-media-and-rachael-rays-free-food-studios-cook-up-expanded-programming-partnership-with-over-100-new-episodes-ordered-468512/20251016aande01/
  36. http://thefutoncritic.com/showatch/i-survived-beyond-and-back/
  37. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/biography/1030205013/
  38. https://www.tvinsider.com/1173685/married-at-first-sight-renewed-peacock-leaving-lifetime/
  39. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/zombie-house-flipping/
  40. https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/network-ratings-2020-top-channels-fox-news-cnn-msnbc-cbs-1234866801/
  41. https://media.info/television/channels/lifetime
  42. https://about.rogers.com/news-ideas/say-goodbye-to-the-biography-channel-and-hello-to-great-people-watching-on-bio/
  43. https://tvtonight.com.au/2015/09/bio-channel-to-close-on-foxtel.html
  44. https://globalnews.ca/news/1487354/new-fyi-channel-debuts-in-canada-on-sept-1/
  45. https://playbackonline.ca/2014/08/06/fyi-shows-and-a-launch-date-are-out-for-the-new-channel/
  46. https://blog.fagstein.com/2014/06/04/twist-mystery-rebrand/
  47. https://rally.ca/corus-to-termiate-fyi-service/
  48. https://sayitnessie.wordpress.com/2014/09/23/fyi-coming-to-asia-in-fall-2014/
  49. https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/network18-to-discontinue-lifestyle-channel-fyi-tv18-from-july-8-105213.html
  50. https://www.adgully.com/network18-s-fyi-tv18-fyi-tv18-hd-channels-to-cease-ops-from-july-8-93712.html
  51. https://www.aegm.com/brands/fyi
  52. https://www.fyi.tv/apps
  53. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aetn.fyi.watch&hl=en_US
  54. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fyi-tv-passionate-enthusiasts/id887597381
  55. https://www.philo.com/player/channel/Q2hhbm5lbDo2MDg1NDg4OTk2NDg0Mzk1MjQ
  56. https://agoodmovietowatch.com/cord-cutting/watch-fyi-without-cable/
  57. https://flixed.io/channels/fyi
  58. https://www.youtube.com/user/fyi
  59. https://www.aetv.com/home-made
  60. https://www.aegm.com/article/aes-home-made-nation-block-brings-two-perspectives-on-the-pressures-of-buying-a-home-with-property-virgins-and-48-hours-to-buy-premiering-saturday-ma
  61. https://www.fyi.tv/shows
  62. https://www.aegm.com/who-we-are/
  63. https://www.aegm.com/article/home-made-nation-heats-up-this-july-with-all-new-episodes-of-food-and-lifestyle-programming
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