UK TV channels: a guide

TV channels in the UK

The first regular TV service in the UK began in 1936 when just one channel, the BBC, was available. Today, there are more than 450 channels spread across different networks. You can watch them on a range of platforms including free-to-air channels such as the BBC and ITV, subscription services including Netflix and Apple TV, as well as contract-based packages from Sky and BT Sport.

What is Freeview?

Freeview is a platform that lets you watch free-to-air channels. In the UK, this includes all the digital terrestrial channels that you would expect to be able to watch when you buy a television set and that had been available previously as analogue channels.

There are approximately 70 free-to-air channels in the UK that you can watch ‘live’ as shows are scheduled. Core providers such as the BBC and ITV target a national audience but there are also channels aimed at specific regions (although some are also available nationally).

What channels do you get with Sky TV?

As well as TV content, you should also consider Sky broadband deals and telephone services that you can bundle together in one package. Alternatively, you can watch Sky TV channels by signing up to a TV-only contract and paying a monthly fee.

You will be able to choose from various packages that include Sky Entertainment (Sky’s ‘basic’ package) plus options such as Netflix, Sky Cinema, Sky Sports, BT Sport or kids TV. On top of these pre-bundled packages, you’ll have the chance to add extra channels. Cost will ultimately depend on the channels you choose but as a general rule, the more channels you have (or the more premium they are), the more you can expect to pay.

You do not necessarily need a Sky satellite dish to watch Sky shows. Instead, you could opt for Sky streaming services that you can access with a Sky Q box. You can also now have Sky integrated into your TV with Sky Glass but you will need a compatible TV set.

Additional, you can ‘bolt on’ the following Sky packages to your deal:

• Sky Sports, which includes Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Golf.
• Sky Cinema, which includes Sky Cinema Premiere, Sky Cinema Hits, Sky Cinema Greats, Sky Cinema Disney and Sky Cinema Family.
• Sky Kids, which includes Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

You’ll also be given the option of upgrading to Sky HD (high definition), though this upgrade won’t be necessary to watch Sky Sports or Sky Cinema as these packages come with HD as standard.

What channels are on BT TV?

BT TV offers different packages that include BT Sport, NOW TV, Netflix, Prime Video and BritBox. You can choose whichever bundle suits you with the option of switching bundles whenever you want.

As a subscription service, you can only watch BT TV by paying for it on a monthly basis. One of the main highlights of its offer is BT Sport, which has rights to a number of major competitions and events including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Premiership Rugby and Champions Cup rugby. The list of channels available on BT TV includes:

• BT Sport
• BT TV Store (to buy or rent latest film releases)
• NOW TV (with the option to add Sky channels such as Sky Atlantic, Sky Sports and Sky Cinema)
• Freeview channels including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5
• AMC
• Asian Mix (channels include Utsav Plus, Zee TV, Zee Cinema)
• Subscription streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video and BritBox (if you’re already signed up)

What channels are on NOW TV?

NOW TV is a streaming service with the option of watching with no contract, though you will still need to pay on a daily or month-to-month basis to watch it. You’ll be able to choose from four different packages: Entertainment, Cinema, Sports, Hayu. You can change your package as often as you like.

You can access NOW TV on smart TVs, where it’s usually included as an app, or you can buy a NOW TV set-top box or smart stick to plug into your TV. One of the benefits of NOW TV is that you can access Sky channels without committing to a contract with Sky. The list of channels available on NOW TV includes:

What channels are on Virgin TV?

Virgin TV is another subscription-based service from Virgin Media. TV channels and shows are accessed via its TV 360 set-top box. Although Virgin TV doesn’t offer any exclusive channels, it offers a wide selection including access to Sky. Virgin TV is a little more prescriptive in what you can choose as its TV packages are pre-determined and you won’t be able to add extras like you can with Sky, for example.

Its packages are split into ‘Big, Bigger, Biggest’ bundles and an ‘Ultimate Volt Bundle’, for example:

• Big Bundle, which includes more than 100 free-to-air channels including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
• Big Bundle + Drama and Documentaries, which includes more than 100 channels including Sky One.
• Bigger Bundle, which includes more than 190 channels including Sky channels and BT Sport.
• Biggest TV Bundle, which includes more than 210 channels including Sky and BT Sport.
• Ultimate Volt Bundle, which includes more than 230 channels including BT Sport, Sky and a standard Netflix subscription.