Second change for free-to-air channel in less than four years, as ViacomCBS prepares to reuse Paramount brand for its streaming service.
For viewers, little will change: the rebranded 5ACTION channel will continue to show the same mix of police reality shows, movies and wrestling. The change will happen on 19th January 2022.
The 5ACTION channel will initially appear on the same channel numbers as Paramount Network. However, a Freeview channel reshuffle affecting multiple broadcasters is planned for early 2022.
The latest change prepares the way for the UK launch of premium streaming service Paramount Plus, avoiding potential viewer confusion between the two services. Paramount Plus is coming in 2022, with a deal to integrate the service on Sky already in place.
This is the second time the Paramount name is being withdrawn from a TV channel in the UK. The brand was previously used for the comedy channel now known as Comedy Central.
Paramount Network UK: a brief history
Launch 4th July 2018
A free-to-air channel showcasing a selection of US action, drama and comedy. The original schedule included CSI:NY, Lip Sync Battle US, Suits and The X Files. Over time, the channel focused more on showcasing movies.
Revamp 7th January 2020
Took over both the broadcast slot of 5Spike and most of its programmes. The change saw Paramount Network UK featuring a greater number of shows made for the UK market, such as Traffic Cops and Police Interceptors.
This was a result of ViacomCBS retiring the Spike brand in the UK. In the USA, Spike became Paramount Network in 2018.
Rebrand 19th January 2022
Operationally always part of Channel 5’s family of channels, the connection becomes clearer to viewers with the rebrand to 5ACTION.
From a viewer’s point of view, it will be the same channel with same programmes but with a different name.
Like the 2020 changes, the UK rebrand follows changes in the USA. In September 2020, ViacomCBS announced it would be turning the US version of Paramount Network into a movie network, moving away from the mix of action and reality that continue to dominate the UK channel now to be known as 5ACTION.
Where to find Paramount Network / 5ACTION
Freeview terrestrial
32
(also YouView/Netgem/BT TV)
Sky satellite
150
Virgin Media cable
150 (HD) 187 (SD)
Freesat satellite
132
Sky Glass IPTV