For many UK satellite viewers, That’s TV had become a familiar destination for classic British television, nostalgic entertainment and archive programming. However, at the end of July 2026, the channel disappeared from both the Sky and Freesat electronic programme guides, leaving many viewers wondering what had happened.

While That’s TV has not disappeared completely, its departure from satellite marks another significant change for a broadcaster that has evolved considerably since it first launched.

What is That’s TV?

That’s TV is operated by That’s Media Group, a UK broadcaster originally established to run local television services across England.

When local television licences were introduced in the early 2010s, the company acquired a number of local TV stations with the aim of providing locally-produced news, community programmes, weather, events and regional information.

Like many local television operators, however, producing original local programming proved expensive. Over time, That’s TV shifted its focus towards networked programming, reducing locally-produced content while expanding its schedule of classic television series and archive entertainment.

What programmes did That’s TV show?

In recent years, That’s TV became known as a nostalgia channel, offering viewers a wide selection of familiar television programmes from previous decades.

Its schedules regularly featured classic sitcoms, dramas and entertainment shows, including favourites such as Minder, The Bill, The Sweeney, Taggart, Mr Bean, Cheers, Golden Girls and many other well-known British and American series.

Alongside these programmes, the broadcaster also operated several themed music channels over the years, including That’s 60s, That’s 70s, That’s 80s, That’s 90s, That’s Melody and That’s Oldies. Many of these channels were later rebranded or closed as the company streamlined its operations.

For viewers looking for familiar television rather than brand-new productions, That’s TV carved out a loyal audience.

Why has That’s TV left Sky and Freesat?

On 30 July 2026, That’s TV ceased broadcasting via satellite, resulting in its removal from both the Sky and Freesat platforms.

The broadcaster has not published a detailed explanation for ending its satellite service. However, the decision is widely seen as part of a broader effort to reduce operating costs and concentrate on terrestrial and internet-based distribution.

Satellite broadcasting remains one of the most expensive methods of television distribution. Leasing capacity on an Astra satellite involves significant ongoing costs, particularly for channels that rely largely on advertising revenue.

As viewing habits continue to shift towards Freeview, Freely and streaming services, smaller broadcasters are increasingly reviewing whether satellite transmission remains financially viable.

That’s TV had already begun reducing its portfolio earlier in 2026, with several of its dedicated music channels closing before the main channel eventually left satellite altogether.

Is That’s TV still available?

Yes — but not on Sky or Freesat.

The channel continues to operate on selected terrestrial platforms, including Freeview and Freely, where it still broadcasts its familiar mix of classic television programmes and archive entertainment.

For satellite viewers, however, the closure means another reduction in the number of free-to-air entertainment channels available on Astra.

What does this mean for satellite viewers?

The loss of That’s TV continues a wider trend affecting UK satellite television.

In recent years, several broadcasters have reduced their satellite presence as audiences increasingly consume television via broadband services and connected TVs. While major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 remain committed to satellite for now, smaller commercial channels face much tougher economic decisions.

For viewers who enjoyed That’s TV’s mix of classic comedy, drama and entertainment, the closure on Sky and Freesat will be disappointing. Although many of the programmes continue to appear on other channels and streaming services, That’s TV had become a convenient home for nostalgic television.

Its departure also serves as another reminder of the changing television landscape. As broadcasters balance rising transmission costs against changing viewing habits, satellite viewers may continue to see smaller niche channels migrate to terrestrial platforms or online-only services.

While That’s TV itself continues elsewhere, its exit from Sky and Freesat marks the end of another long-standing free-to-air satellite channel and reflects the continuing evolution of UK television distribution.