Users of 5’s streaming service will gain access to new channels and hundreds of hours of on-demand programmes following a deal with Hearst Networks and an expanded partnership with AMC Networks International.
The new launches build on 5’s strategy to expand its streamed offering with curated partner content to sit alongside 5’s own drama originals, factual and kids’ programming, as well as content from parent company Paramount’s wider family of brands.
Starting later this month, AMC will added four streaming channels to 5: AMC Cupid, AMC Reality, Love After Lockup and True Crime UK. The latter is a joint venture between AMC Networks International and Paramount, the owner of 5. AMC already offers video-on-demand content on 5.
Hearst Network will add two new streaming channels: Inside Crime and Mystery TV during the first three months of 2026. Inside Crime shows are already available on-demand via 5. Mystery TV content will also become part of a new on-demand library in 2026, in addition to the launch of a Mystery TV streaming channel.
Overview of new streaming channels coming to 5
Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels coming soon to users of 5’s app and website.
AMC Networks International UK’s new live channels
Launching soon.
- AMC Cupid. A destination for everything wedding and dating related. Titles include My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, Match Made in Heaven and Million Dollar Matchmaker.
- AMC Reality. Featuring some of most popular reality TV shows, such as Love After Lock Up, Growing Up Hip Hop, Amazing Wedding Cakes, Million Dollar Matchmaker, LA Hair and many more.
- Love After Lockup is a streaming channel dedicated to the show that follows couples as they navigate love, trust, and second chances at every stage of incarceration.
- True Crime UK. The channel offers original true crime programming includes Murder by the Sea, Donal MacIntyre’s Killer Evidence, Wrongly Accused, Killers: Caught on Camera, Secrets of a Murder Detective, Cold Cases Reopened and Murder UK.
Hearst Network’s new live channels and on-demand libraries
Rollout will complete in the first three months of 2026.
- Inside Crime. Going behind the headlines of the UK’s most notorious crimes, opening the door to real-life crime scenes, police archives and courtrooms, inviting viewers to piece together the clues, examine the evidence and uncover the truth. The channel features series including Crimes That Shook Britain, Britain’s Darkest Taboos and What the Killer Did Next.
- Mystery TV. Delving into the world of the explained and the supernatural, featuring aliens, UFOs and more, and lifts the lid on government secrets, conspiracies and cover-ups. Featured titles include Weird or What? with William Shatner, Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified and Strangest Things.
The above channels join existing streaming channels on the 5 app and website, including 5 Cops, MTV Catfish and Milkshake!
Haven’t we been here before?
This announcement may come with a sense of Déjà vu for long-time media observers. Back when 5’s streaming service was known as “My5”, the bosses of Channel 5 struck streaming deals with AMC Networks International (2020) and one with A+E Networks, the predecessor to Hearst Networks (2017).
5 subsequently dropped partner content in 2022.
This week’s announcement effectively confirms 5 has done a U-turn and is re-embracing partnerships. It follows announcements from its main rivals, ITV and Channel 4, who have been signing new partnership deals. For example, Channel 4 has partnered up with UKTV to bring content from the U streaming service to its platform.
Eagle-eyed viewers will note that AMC currently also has a presence on ITVX, with some titles available on both ITVX and 5 streaming services.
Kiaran Saunders, Vice President of Distribution at 5, commented:
“Our partnerships with AMCNI UK and Hearst Networks represent a significant step in our strategy to deliver a deep, rich selection of content to audiences and advertisers. With these new FAST channels and on-demand collections, we continue to strengthen 5’s position as a leading destination for premium programming across a range of genres – particularly true crime where AMC and Hearst have a best-in-class offering.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: AMC VoD content on 5 [screenshot]