Channel 4 to be based on Disney Plus in landmark deal

Channel 4 is set to join Disney+ in the UK and Ireland from early 2027, giving subscribers access to the broadcaster’s live HD channel, hundreds of hours of on-demand programming and selected new shows at no additional cost.

• Launch date: Early 2027 in the UK and Ireland.
• Live TV: Channel 4’s linear HD channel will be available directly on Disney+.
• New shows: Selected Channel 4 programmes will arrive on Disney+ day and date with their Channel 4 release.
• On-demand library: Subscribers will gain access to hundreds of hours of scripted and unscripted content.
• No extra subscription fee: Channel 4 programming will be included in existing Disney+ subscriptions.

Channel 4 and Disney+ join forces in major UK streaming agreement

Channel 4 and The Walt Disney Company have announced a landmark partnership that will bring the British broadcaster’s distinctive programming to Disney+ in one of the streaming platform’s most significant international collaborations involving a local broadcaster.

The agreement will expand the range of content available to Disney+ customers while giving Channel 4 programmes a new platform to reach audiences across the UK and Ireland. The partnership builds on the companies’ existing relationship and brings Channel 4’s public service programming into Disney+’s established streaming environment.

From early 2027, subscribers will be able to watch Channel 4’s live HD channel alongside an extensive on-demand catalogue featuring hundreds of hours of programming. The collection will span drama, comedy, reality television and factual entertainment, with titles including Big Mood, Tip Toe and 24 Hours in A&E.

New Channel 4 shows to arrive on Disney+ alongside their original release

A key feature of the agreement is the inclusion of selected Channel 4 programmes on Disney+ at the same time they are released through Channel 4.

The arrangement will bring multiple new shows to Disney+ each year as part of customers’ existing subscriptions. Confirmed titles include Maya, featuring Bella Ramsey; comedy Stepping Up, featuring Denise Welch; and reality series Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The deal will give Disney+ subscribers access to a wider selection of British television without requiring a separate payment for Channel 4 content. Programming will be presented in a dedicated, Channel 4-branded section within Disney+, using the platform’s existing navigation and viewing experience.

Channel 4 sees new opportunities to reach audiences

The partnership represents a significant step in Channel 4’s efforts to make its programming available to audiences through additional distribution channels. By bringing selected shows and its main television channel to Disney+, the broadcaster will be able to connect with viewers who increasingly watch content through streaming platforms.

Priya Dogra, Chief Executive, Channel 4, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Disney+ to give audiences even more ways to discover and enjoy Channel 4’s brilliant shows. Channel 4 is home to some of the UK and Ireland’s most talked about and trusted programming, and this new service will help those shows reach viewers in new places. This exciting step shows how collaboration between broadcasters and streamers can create more choice and value for audiences.”

The agreement also reflects the growing importance of partnerships between traditional broadcasters and global streaming services, as companies look for new ways to distribute established programming and attract audiences across different platforms.

Disney+ expands its investment in local programming

For Disney+, the deal adds a substantial collection of UK-produced content to its existing library while strengthening its focus on programming that reflects local audiences and viewing habits.

Adam Smith, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment, said: “Local broadcaster partnerships are very important as we build our content libraries and serve fans around the world. Channel 4 has created shows with strong appeal to audiences in the UK and Ireland, and we’re excited to bring some of those favourites to Disney+. This agreement is the latest example of our global strategy, pairing high-quality local programming and cultural relevance with a complementary audience and more personalised streaming experience on Disney+.”

The collaboration is one of the most significant agreements Disney+ has made globally to bring local content to subscribers in markets around the world. Integrating Channel 4’s programming into the service is expected to offer viewers a broader range of entertainment within a single subscription.

When will Channel 4 launch on Disney+?

Channel 4 is expected to become available on Disney+ in the UK and Ireland from early 2027. Subscribers will be able to access the broadcaster’s live HD channel, a selection of on-demand programmes and multiple new titles each year.

The service will be available at no extra cost to existing Disney+ subscribers. However, the companies have yet to confirm the precise launch date or provide a complete list of the programmes that will be available when the service launches.

Further details on launch timings and content available will be confirmed in due course.

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