Sky will be making changes to its entertainment channels on the 1st September, marking the end of its first entertainment channel, Sky One.
Sky One’s channel slot will be replaced by Sky Showcase, a new channel featuring the best of Sky’s entertainment programmes. In the same way that Sky Sports Main Event picks coverage from various Sky Sports channels, Sky Showcase will include various arts and entertainment highlights from across Sky’s entertainment portfolio. It will also air “selected content” from Sky Cinema and Sky Sports.
A second new channel, Sky Max, will become the home of many of Sky One’s favourite entertainment shows, including A League Of Their Own and all new Never Mind The Buzzcocks, plus Sky original dramas including COBRA.
Sky Comedy will absorb Sky One’s comedy-drama series, including Code 404, plus Hitmen Reloaded.
There will be no content changes on other Sky entertainment channels, although some channel numbers will change.
Sky entertainment channels from 1st September
- Sky Showcase – 106 (new; takes over from Sky One)
- Sky Max – 113 (new)
- Sky Witness – 107 (unchanged)
- Sky Atlantic – 108 (unchanged)
- Sky Comedy – 114 (moves from 113)
- Sky Documentaries – 121 (moves from 114)
- Sky Crime – 122 (moves from 121)
- Sky History – 123 (unchanged)
- Sky Nature – 124 (unchanged)
- Sky Arts – 130 (from 122)
- E! – 151 (unchanged)
- SyFy – 152 (unchanged)
Variations to channels 108-114 apply in Wales.
Other pay TV services & on-demand
Sky Showcase and Sky Max will also be available to Virgin Media, BT and NOW subscribers.
All of the above linear channels will be linked to their own on-demand section on Sky. There will be no changes to subscription packages or prices as a result of the channel revamp.
Commenting on the channel shake-up, Sky’s Zai Bennett said:
“In this golden age of television, the sheer volume of incredible programming can be overwhelming. Over the last 12 months we’ve been making it easier for people to find what they want to watch. From September those looking for the very best of Sky will find it at the top of their programme guide on Sky Showcase, while Sky Max will become the new home of blockbuster entertainment joining the host of genre-led channels launched in the past year – so whether you’re in the mood for true crime, a documentary or just a laugh there’s always a channel to suit. And if you’re not sure what to watch Sky Showcase will curate some of the highlights from our line-up so you can find something new to watch.”