Either Slackware or Red Hat Linux 5, can’t remember. I do remember that when I first installed RH5 I used “Hick” for my language.

You’ve never used find have you? Let’s not even get started on the config file syntax for sendmail either.

Valid point, didn’t think of that.

Kodi is what you are looking for.

Run it on Pi 4 or a NUC. We use Disney+ and Netflix on ours, although Prime video does not work (although it should, I just have not made any effort yet).

You have basically just described Kodi.

Look into “digital signage” panels.

Not cheap, but they are basically a 49"+ computer monitor that is rated for 24/7 usage.