Channel 5 and its free streaming service, My5, are set to undergo an exciting transformation in 2025, uniting under a single brand: 5. This unified identity will streamline access across linear TV, streaming, and digital platforms, making it easier than ever for audiences to enjoy Channel 5’s award-winning programming whenever and wherever they choose.
As part of this relaunch, the streaming service will be completely revamped with a user-friendly interface designed to elevate the viewing experience. The platform’s content library will also expand significantly, adding to Channel 5’s beloved UK drama originals and unscripted shows. Viewers can look forward to a rich selection of premium content from the broader Paramount family, including reality TV, drama, factual series, films, and true crime offerings from MTV Entertainment Studios, CBS, and Comedy Central. Plus, there will be opportunities to sample some of Paramount+’s biggest hits. Families and children will have plenty to enjoy with leading content from Milkshake! and Nickelodeon, alongside new box sets from various content partners.
For the first time, the streaming service will introduce a range of specially curated FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels. Personalization features will ensure viewers get more of the content they love, while enhanced data-driven advertising will provide more targeted and relevant ads.
This new unified brand and enhanced streaming service are slated to launch in Q1 2025, building on several years of strong growth for both Channel 5’s linear channels and My5. In the first half of 2024 alone, My5 saw an impressive 40% increase in viewership, outpacing all other public service streaming services.
Sarah Rose, President of Channel 5 and UK Regional Lead at Paramount, shared her enthusiasm: “We’ve seen record growth in My5 viewing over the past three years. As more of our audience embraces streaming, now is the perfect time to bring our linear and streaming services closer together. The exciting new content and FAST channels coming to 5 in 2025 will only add to the amazing array of homegrown Channel 5 hits that our audience already loves.”
Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Paramount UK, echoed this excitement: “The success of our Channel 5 shows on platforms like Netflix has shown us there’s a huge demand for our content in the streaming world. As we relaunch as 5, our streaming service will offer much more than My5 ever did, with a greatly expanded range of new series and box sets across reality, drama, factual, and kids programming from the Paramount family.”
The relaunched 5 will complement Paramount’s other streaming services in the UK. Pluto TV, a global leader in FAST, will continue as a standalone service, while Paramount+, the UK’s fastest-growing subscription video-on-demand service, will keep delivering brand-new originals, blockbuster movies, and iconic shows to British viewers.