hannel 5 has significantly expanded its presence on the Freely streaming platform by launching 11 new streaming channels, giving viewers even more free content to watch over broadband internet. The move is the latest step in Channel 5’s strategy to grow its digital audience as more viewers move away from traditional terrestrial television and towards streaming services.

The new channels are available free of charge on the Freely TV Guide, allowing viewers with a compatible Freely television or streaming device to browse and watch them just like traditional TV channels.

What Are the New Channels?

The additional channels are themed around some of Channel 5’s most popular programming and include:

• 5 History
• 5 Crime
• 5 Cops
• 5 A&E
• Milkshake!
• 5 GPs Behind Closed Doors
• 5 The Yorkshire Vet
• 5 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly
• Plus several other dedicated streaming channels featuring popular Channel 5 content.

Many of these channels already exist within Channel 5’s own streaming service, but integrating them directly into Freely means viewers can discover them from the familiar TV guide without needing to open a separate app.

What is Freely?

Freely is the UK’s newest free television platform, developed by Everyone TV, the organisation behind Freeview and Freesat.

Unlike Freeview, which relies on a TV aerial, Freely delivers live television and on-demand content entirely over a broadband internet connection. It combines services from the UK’s major public service broadcasters—including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5—into a single programme guide that feels familiar to anyone used to watching traditional television.

Freely is now available on televisions from manufacturers including Hisense, Panasonic, Sharp, TCL, Toshiba, Bush and Amazon Fire TV models, as well as compatible streaming devices.

Why Are Streaming Channels Becoming So Popular?

The new services are examples of FAST channels (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television).

Rather than offering programmes on demand, FAST channels stream content continuously, just like a conventional television channel. Many focus on a single subject or programme, allowing viewers to dip in at any time.

For example, instead of searching through an on-demand catalogue, viewers can simply switch to a channel dedicated to programmes such as The Yorkshire Vet or Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly and watch whatever is currently being shown.

This approach combines the simplicity of traditional television with the flexibility of internet streaming.

What Does This Mean for Viewers?

For Freely users, the expansion means a wider choice of free entertainment, documentaries, children’s programming and factual content without paying a subscription.

It also demonstrates how broadcasters are adapting to changing viewing habits. Rather than relying solely on traditional broadcast channels, broadcasters are increasingly creating specialist streaming channels that can be added quickly and updated whenever new content becomes available.

Because the channels are streamed over the internet, there is no need for additional broadcast spectrum, allowing broadcasters to launch niche services much more easily than on Freeview or satellite.

The Future of Free TV

Channel 5’s latest additions are another sign that Freely is becoming much more than simply an online version of Freeview.

Since its launch, the platform has steadily expanded with new streamed channels from the UK’s major broadcasters, alongside new features designed to make switching between live and on-demand viewing seamless. As broadband-connected televisions become more common, services like Freely are expected to play an increasingly important role in how people watch free television.

The addition of 11 new channels from Channel 5 strengthens Freely’s growing content line-up and gives viewers even more choice without any monthly subscription. For anyone with a compatible Freely-enabled TV or device, it’s another reason to explore what’s available beyond the traditional TV channel list.