Channel 4 and UKTV are giving viewers even more reasons to stream, with UKTV’s U service set to feature thousands of hours of free, unmissable and bingeable British content, now available on Channel 4 streaming.
The launch provides Channel 4 viewers with the ability to stream UKTV originals and BBC classics – both catch up and boxsets – alongside Channel 4’s acclaimed programming, enhancing viewer choice and convenience, while ensuring fans can enjoy hit series and discover new ones in one place.
The U service on Channel 4 streaming features hundreds of hit shows, including:
- The Office – Ricky Gervais as the inept David Brent
- Red Dwarf – Cult sci-fi comedy
- QI XL – panel show where guests tackle quirky questions with banter
- Bergerac - Modern re-imagining of the crime drama, set in Jersey
- Would I Lie To You? – Celebrities bluff and banter through outrageous stories
- Birds of a Feather – Two sisters navigate life, love, and laughs
- Not Going Out – sitcom following the life and antics of Lee and his friends
- Have I Got A Bit More News For You – version of the satirical news quiz
- Mock The Week – Comedians riff on the week’s news
- Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable – Celebrities confess their “unforgivable” sins
- Masterchef Australia – the competitive cooking programme goes Down Under
- Spooks - Drama about the British Security Service
- Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over – Stacey spends 72 hours with extraordinary people
- Big Zuu’s Big Eats - the grime artist and self-taught chef hits the road to cook up
- Outrageous – The true story of the Mitford sisters
- David Mitchell’s Outsiders – Comedians prove they can thrive in the great outdoors
- Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake - TOWIE star immerses himself in Basildon’s Dogs Trust
- State of Play - Drama exploring the murder of an MP’s young researcher
- Whitstable Pearl - drama about a restaurant owner who sets up a detective agency
- The Chelsea Detective - crime drama set in Chelsea
- Marlow Murder Club - adaptation of Robert Thorogood's best-selling novel
With even more U content landing on the service in the coming weeks, these additions complement Channel 4’s comprehensive and Altogether Different lineup including Gogglebox, The Great British Bake Off, Married at First Sight UK and 24 Hours in Police Custody, distinctive content such as The Piano and The Jury: Murder Trial, acclaimed dramas such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Patience, side-splitting comedies from Big Boys to Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping, hard hitting documentaries including To Catch A Copper, plus talked-about reality including Virgin Island.
Jonathan Allan, Interim CEO, Channel 4, said: “Bringing UKTV’s much-loved shows together with Channel 4’s award-winning programmes means more fantastic choice for everyone. Viewers can expect us to continue making it easier to enjoy the programmes they love.”
Marcus Arthur, CEO, UKTV said: “With our U service now also available on Channel 4 streaming, UKTV’s popular and award-winning shows can reach new audiences and Channel 4 viewers get even more choice. It’s the perfect partnership, built on putting viewers first.”
ENDS
About Channel 4
Channel 4 exists to create change through entertainment. Publicly owned yet commercially funded, Channel 4 generates significant and sustainable cultural, economic and social impact across the UK – at no cost to the taxpayer.
The broadcaster’s distinctive remit is set by Parliament, and it has a role to represent unheard voices, challenge with purpose and reinvent entertainment. For more than 40 years, it has been a British success story, engaging generation after generation of young people. Working with hundreds of creative companies every year, Channel 4 makes a major contribution to the local, regional and national economy, creating and supporting thousands of jobs and businesses across the country.
In 2024, Channel 4 launched its Fast Forward strategy to accelerate its transformation into an agile and genuinely digital-first public service streamer by 2030. It is designed to ensure Channel 4 embraces the generational shift in TV viewing, elevates its impact across the UK and stands out in a crowded market.
From its bases in London, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow, Channel 4 is fully committed to harnessing the power of its regional structure to increase its impact across the UK. Through its training and development initiative 4Skills is opening up opportunities in broadcasting, with a particular focus on disadvantaged young people and addressing skills gaps across the Nations and Regions. 4Skills invests £10m in training, development and learning opportunities annually.
Through Film4 Productions, Channel 4 also invests in British filmmakers to huge critical acclaim, producing 43 Oscar wins and 97 BAFTA wins in its history.
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love.
Its leading brands – U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&GOLD, U&alibi and U&eden – span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform.
UKTV’s content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media.
UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity and we are committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers. UKTV is part of BBC Studios, the UK's most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the world's leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.