Roku Retires Aquatic Life Screensaver to Reel Viewers Into Roku City - CNET
Aquarium animation gives way
Roku users who favor the Aquatic Life screensaver will soon see it replaced by Roku City. The switch is scheduled for Dec. 1. Roku City, the platform’s signature purple skyline, includes digital billboards with brand sponsorships and pop-culture Easter eggs. One past appearance featured Jimothy, a short-spined raccoon from Seattle.
Other fish screensaver options
Aquarium choices remain available through several third-party Roku wallpaper apps. Viewers who want the specific Aquatic Life animation can also find a YouTube version, which runs for nearly three minutes. For users sticking with screensavers provided on Roku streaming boxes, the change means moving to an option that includes advertising.
Comment and company changes
CNET Senior Editor Ty Pendlebury said the switch may help Roku generate revenue or engagement through Roku City. A Roku representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Fox purchased Roku for $22 billion in June. The deal, expected to close in 2027, would place the streaming platform under the same ownership as Fox’s Tubi and Fox One channels.
Key points
- Roku plans to replace Aquatic Life with Roku City on Dec. 1.
- Third-party apps still offer aquarium screensavers, and a YouTube version remains available.
- Roku City includes sponsored digital billboards and pop-culture references.
- Fox bought Roku for $22 billion in June; the deal is expected to close in 2027.