**15 New Live Channels Launching as Channel 5 ‘Disappears’**
Channel 5 and its streaming platform My5 have amalgamated and rebranded as ‘5,’ unveiling a plan that will introduce 15 new live channels. The platform will showcase a variety of content, including drama originals, factual programming, children’s shows under the Milkshake! brand, and content sourced from Paramount, such as BET, CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV. Additionally, viewers can expect to access live and on-demand content from Paramount+ and a wide array of boxsets like Dexter, The Good Wife, and The Following. The 15 new live channels will offer a diverse range of shows including Police Interceptors, 5 Cops, Bargain Loving Brits, and more, with additional channels slated for release later in the year.
Within this expansion, viewers can anticipate new shows like The Forsytes, a six-part period drama starring Francesca Annis, The Trial, a one-off drama exploring a near future where parents are held accountable for their children’s actions, and Dan Walker On Death Row, which delves into the topic of capital punishment in the US. Factual programming will also see the introduction of The Sentence: You Be The Judge, a social experiment hosted by Anne Robinson, where viewers will participate in reconstructing real sentencing hearings to determine appropriate sentences for convicted criminals. Renowned travel presenters Jane McDonald and Sir Michael Palin will return in new shows like Michael Palin In Venezuela and Jane McDonald: From Pole To Pole. Moreover, popular TV personalities like Alexander Armstrong are set to feature in Alexander Armstrong In India.
Sarah Rose, president of 5 and UK regional lead at Paramount, expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “This is the start of a new and exciting era for 5 as we bring together our linear and streaming services under one clear brand…” The relaunch aims to merge the best aspects of Channel 5 with a plethora of content from Paramount and beyond, promising a fresh user experience. The platform will also showcase shows like Rich Times, Poor Times, hosted by TV judge Rob Rinder and historian Ruth Goodman, offering insights into transformative historical moments and behind-the-scenes perspectives of British Army recruits in Platoon.
New natural history programmes such as The Secret Life Of Bees and The Language Of Trees will be featured, alongside series like All Creatures Great and Small, Madame Blanc, and The Good Ship Murder. Ben Frow, chief content officer at 5, highlighted the audience-centric approach of the rebranded platform, emphasizing the commitment to UK produced content and a substantial increase in original drama commissions. The upcoming months will witness the expansion of ‘5’ across various platforms and devices where My5 is currently available, ensuring wider access to the diverse range of content.
In a bid to cater to evolving viewer preferences, the relaunch of ‘5’ underscores a strategic move to offer a seamless viewing experience that aligns with the preferences of modern audiences. The marriage of Channel 5 and My5 under the unified ‘5’ brand reflects a step towards enhanced accessibility and engagement, presenting viewers with an expansive content library across multiple genres and formats. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the relaunch of ‘5’ signifies a commitment to innovation and adaptability in serving the ever-changing needs of audiences in an increasingly digital era.