Freely, the successor to Freeview, is expanding its offerings with 16 new channels from ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, bringing modern streaming capabilities to Smart TVs across the UK. This significant update, built by the same team behind Freesat and Freeview and supported by major broadcasters including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, represents a shift towards a future of free-to-air television delivered over Wi-Fi.
Unlike traditional systems that require an aerial connection, Freely utilizes your home’s internet connection (requiring a minimum speed of 10Mbps) allowing for greater placement flexibility for your flatscreen TV. This also unlocks features typically found on subscription services like the ability to pause and restart live television.
The addition of these channels will bring Freely’s total offering to over 55 live channels, accompanied by more than 70,000 hours of on-demand content—surpassing other UK streaming platforms. More channel additions are anticipated in the coming months.
Highlights of the new additions include:
- Channel 4’s exclusive channels: 4Reality (showcasing reality shows like “Married at First Sight”) and 4Homes (featuring content on renovation, interior design, and property).
- Eleven channels from Channel 5, including popular programs such as “5 Police Interceptors,” “5 Cops,” and “5 A&E.” Five of these will be exclusive to Freely and the 5 streaming service.
The complete channel lineup includes:
- ITV: The Chase Saturday Night
- Channel 4: 4Reality, 4Homes, 4Life
- Channel 5: 5 GPs Behind Closed Doors, 5 Bargain Loving Brits, 5 The Yorkshire Vet, 5 History, 5 Crime, Milkshake!, 5 Police Interceptors, 5 Cops, 5 Trucking Hell, 5 A&E, 5 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly
Industry leaders have expressed enthusiasm for the platform’s potential:
“The launch of new streamed channels further accelerates our transformation into the streaming age and will help keep our trusted, brand safe content free for everyone,” said Grace Boswood, Director of Technology & Distribution, Channel 4.
Akhila Khanna, ITV Director of Distribution added: “At ITV we’re proud to be part of Freely and making these channels available to the Freely TV Guide reinforces our commitment to delivering fantastic, free content through this innovative platform.”
Kiaran Saunders, Channel 5’s Vice President of Distribution concluded: “We’re excited to bolster Freely’s offering with eleven new live channels… committed to offering diverse, high-quality content that’s free and accessible to everyone.”
Crucially, Freely is not a software update for existing Freeview devices or set-top boxes. It requires newer Smart TVs built to support the platform.
Brands like Hisense, Bush, Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic, and Metz have already integrated Freely support into their 2024 television lineups. The service is also being rolled out on select Amazon Fire TVs.
Beyond channel availability, Freely integrates catch-up services (BBC iPlayer, ITVX, etc.) allowing viewers to rewind live broadcasts and access entire boxsets directly within the Freely interface.
While Freeview isn’t being discontinued immediately, experts predict a decline in its usage as manufacturers increasingly prioritize Freely. This shift, while hailed as an opportunity for collaboration by Everyone TV as “the first time all four of Britain’s public service broadcasters have come together to launch a streaming proposition,” has also raised concerns about accessibility for some viewers.
