Watch thousands of TV shows for FREE as major deal adds 'loads of brilliant British content' to streaming app

hand holds a TV remote control with a selection of UKTV streaming shows in the background

From January 2026, you will be able to stream hit TV shows, documentaries, and reality telly made in Great Britain by UKTV without leaving the Channel 4 streaming app

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GETTY IMAGES | UKTV | GB NEWS

Taylor Bushey

By Taylor Bushey, 


Published: 11/11/2025

- 11:17

Updated: 11/11/2025

- 12:50
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Get the popcorn ready

  • Channel 4 will add "loads of brilliant British content' from rival broadcaster
  • New deal has been struck between Channel 4 and UKTV
  • It will see thousands of new TV shows added to the Channel 4 app
  • Marks first time Channel 4 has hosted another broadcaster’s content
  • Channel 4 is ad-supported and available across multiple devices

Open the Channel 4 app on your Smart TV, phone, or tablet in the coming weeks, and you'll find thousands of brand-new British TV shows to stream at no cost. Yes, starting from January 2026, viewers will be able to stream television shows from UKTV’s U streaming service within the existing Channel 4 app.

This marks the first time Channel 4 has ever hosted another broadcaster’s content and promises to add thousands of hours of new shows, documentaries, and reality television to your existing streamer. This multi-year partnership means thousands of hours of homegrown entertainment will now sit side by side, giving audiences one destination for the best of British television, the broadcasters claim.

a tile of tv show previews with the new U brand name

You can start enjoying new programs beginning in January 2026. These will include The Office, Red Dwarf, Outrageous, and more

| UKTV PRESS OFFICE

“This bold new deal strengthens Channel 4’s streaming proposition,” said Jonathan Allan, Channel 4’s Interim CEO. “Loads of brilliant British content from U will complement our own bold, noisy shows, and UKTV will benefit from tapping into our younger streaming audience.”

The collaboration arrives as Channel 4’s streaming service continues to soar, with viewer minutes up 13% in 2024 — outpacing international rivals and boasting the youngest commercial audience in the UK. UKTV’s on-demand viewing jumped 40% last year, making U the country’s fastest-growing streaming service.

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So what can you expect? Plenty of variety.

For instance, comedy lovers can dive into The Office, Red Dwarf, and quiz favourite QI. Drama fans will find The Count of Monte Cristo, while reality enthusiasts can tune into MasterChef Australia. U’s growing slate of originals — including Outrageous, the new Bergerac, and Big Zuu’s Big Eats will also be available.

For a dose of nostalgia, there’s Bangers & Cash, and pet fans can enjoy Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake. These titles will stream alongside Channel 4 hits such as Gogglebox, The Great British Bake Off, and Married at First Sight UK, with both catch-up and full box sets on offer.

an example of the channel 4 streaming app is pictured on a smartphone with the channel 4 logo in the background

This is the first time Channel 4 has ever hosted another broadcaster’s content

| CHANNEL 4 PRESS IMAGE | GETTY IMAGES | GBN

UKTV’s CEO Marcus Arthur called the deal “an exciting opportunity” that shows “the power of media companies collaborating to drive sustained growth.”

“Following record viewing to our U streaming service last year,” Mr Arthur said, “I’m delighted to expand our relationship with Channel 4 and give audiences even more opportunities to enjoy U’s rich mix of content.”

The U service will continue to run independently, meaning fans can still access it through its own platform.



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