Channel 4 and UKTV have signed a multi-year carriage deal that will see thousands of hours of UKTV’s U programming added to Channel 4 streaming from January 2026.
The partnership marks the first time Channel 4’s streaming platform will host a third-party service, expanding its library with hit UKTV titles including Outrageous, Bergerac, Big Zuu’s Big Eats, Bangers & Cash and Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake. Viewers will also gain access to classics such as The Office, Red Dwarf, QI and MasterChef Australia.
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Channel 4, which has major bases in Leeds and Manchester, said the agreement “enhances the depth and range of programming” on its streaming service while widening the reach of UKTV’s U platform, which remains available as a standalone app.
Jonathan Allan, interim CEO at Channel 4, said: “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.”
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UKTV CEO Marcus Arthur added: “Following record viewing to our U streaming service last year, I’m delighted to be expanding our relationship with Channel 4 through this carriage deal… This opportunity demonstrates the power of media companies collaborating to drive sustained growth.”
The deal supports Channel 4’s “Fast Forward” strategy to strengthen its position as a public service streamer. Channel 4 said viewer minutes on its streaming platform grew 13% year-on-year in 2024 — faster than key international SVOD rivals — while UKTV reported a 40% rise in on-demand viewing across its platforms last year.
