The move will allow soap fans to continue watching, regardless of schedule changes due to summer sports events.
From 27th June until 15th August, all four EastEnders episodes for the week will premier on the iPlayer each Monday. Streamers can then choose how they want to watch the episodes – all in one go or day-by-day.
It’s the second year running that the BBC has opted to premiere the soap online during the summer. Historically, soap fans have been disgruntled when live sport disrupts normal soap schedules, becoming a major source of complaints. Channel 4’s Hollyoaks moved to permanent online premieres earlier this year.
For those preferring to wait for each daily episode and watch on live TV, EastEnders moves to BBC Two for Wimbledon. After returning to BBC One, broadcasts will be affected by schedule changes caused by the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
Summer storylines
The Mitchells will be at the heart of the drama this summer as Phil makes a lethal enemy in prison leaving him wondering if this is the end. Meanwhile, Sam is settling back nicely into the Square but her true intentions will soon come into play with big consequences… Ben will also be struggling in the wake of his attack and despite Kathy’s support, his behaviour is set to spiral out of control.
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer says:
“With such a big summer of sport ahead, box setting all four episodes again this year feels like the perfect solution to enable EastEnders viewers to choose when and where they want to get their weekly fix from Albert Square. We have a big summer ahead so this is the perfect way to ensure that no one has to miss out.”
[Image: BBC]