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...