@magres
I reckon Freeview are playing hardball with the TV manufacturers in 2021, with apps coming as part of Freeview Play or nothing.
Notably, this affects Sony and (I believe) Samsung TVs, but not LG, who do have Freeview Play this year.
If you asked about the catchup apps at the time of purchase, then you were missold, and can return it for a refund. But be careful to ensure the manufacturer of any other TV you might choose isn’t facing the same issue
Sony keep assuring us they will get these apps back this year, but the time they need to come good in is narrowing daily.
If you want to keep the Sony TV, though, twist the retailer’s arm for a Roku Express or an Amazon Firestick, free or discounted, and get the apps that way.
You will also no doubt shortly get a suggestion to cast the apps from your mobile phone, which has the merit of not needing any more money spent. I’m sure that would work for some people, and perhaps it would for you, but I find it way too much of a faff.
My favourite bedtime reading is a Sony product manual…
