I just installed a different launcher to our NVIDIA Shield. One that has two big icons for Smart tube an Plex, nothing else.

Here's a list:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/nkboqd/list_of_a...

I have 2 Sony TVs with Android/Google TV and there is an "apps only" mode that you can choose in the settings, which reduces the clutter. I've dabbled with alternate launchers like ATV Launcher and Projectivity, but have had quirky behavior. I find the "apps only" mode to be just fine without needing the third party launchers.

Instructions: https://support.google.com/googletv/answer/10070784?hl=en&sj...

I don't know if it would work on Sony TVs but a while ago I switched to Projectivy launcher on a Philips android tv and I am quite happy with it

Alternatively you can reset your TV to factory settings and then disable auto updates for TV and google play. You will probably want to check google play from time to time and manually update the apps you are using though (just don't update things like "home screen" or whatever that will put ads backs). I was doing that but I was not comfortable leaving my TV unupdated

I don't have one to test but if their history with the PlayStations is any indication you'll have good luck with https://duckduckgo.com/?q=jailbreak%20sony%20tv&ia=web