A MAJOR free streaming service is receiving a major overhaul next week – and with it some new channels are expected.
Virgin Media customers will be among the many platforms to receive the newly updated app which is set to feature more binge-worthy TV and more.
Viewers will be able to sample content from Paramount+ for free too[/caption]
The changes will come to Sky devices as well, starting from Wednesday.
Channel 5 is revamping its streaming app My5.
And as part of that, it’ll take on a new name and logo – which is simply 5.
The TV channel is also planning to be called 5 going forward too, as part of a unification of the two services.
5 owner Paramount is plotting a boost to the amount of shows you can watch with a “significantly expanded content offer”.
This will mean more programmes from its premium sister brands including MTV, CBS, Comedy Central, as well as Nickelodeon for kids.
It’s due to span from reality and drama, to factual, films and true crime.
Viewers will have the chance to sample some of the biggest hits from Paramount+ too for free.
Plus, there will be a load of new streamed TV channels to watch.
Android users have apparently already started seeing the updated app early on their phones.
The platform has gone through several names in the past, starting out as Five Download in the early days of digital catch-up, before becoming Demand 5.
5 says its streaming service grew at its fastest ever rate in 2024, with shock documentary My Wife, My Abuser its number one most watched single title.
Original dramas including All Creatures Great and Small, Blindspot, The Teacher and Ellis have also helped it increase in popularity.
For Virgin Media customers the move comes just days after two other streamed channels were added to their boxes at no extra cost.
Wonder is the first, where viewers can find programmes on groundbreaking engineering, innovative technology, and scientific exploration.
And the second is Red Bull TV, which shows motorsport, biking, snowboarding, and more.
They can be found at channel numbers 238 and 556 respectively via Virgin TV 360, Stream and V6 boxes.
What to expect from the new 5 streaming service
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Channel 5 is owned by US media giant Paramount, which also owns free streaming service Pluto TV.
And I believe Pluto TV offers some hints of what we can expect from the new 5 app.
Given Paramount’s extensive family of brands, there’s a lot of good quality archive content to use.
My5 already does this with some shows like Geordie Shore but not others like Catfish, 16 and Pregnant, South Park and many more.
So I’m sure we can expect more of this.
And let’s not forget Paramount’s extensive back catalogue of movies, some of which may well make an appearance – though the lion’s share will no doubt remain paid on Paramount+.
