Channel 5’s new streaming service offers more choice as new streaming service rolls out across devices.
- Channel 5 and My5 come together as ‘5’ on Wednesday.
- But updated app already available on many device platforms.
- New streaming channels offer free content from Channel 5 and MTV
Channel 5 has unveiled 15 streaming channels that are available to users of its revamped 5 app that’s rolling out across devices ahead of its official launch this Wednesday.
The 5 app replaces My5 as Channel 5 follows Channel 4 is bringing its main linear channel and streaming service under one brand – simply called ‘5’.
Users of the updated app can access all five of Channel 5’s existing live channel family, including 5USA, 5STAR, 5ACTION and 5SELECT, plus 15 new services.
They include channels dedicated to some of Channel 5’s favourite factual shows in addition to MTV reality shows. Meanwhile, Channel 5’s pre-school TV strand Milkshake has its own 24 hour channel.
Some of the streaming channels are already available on other streaming platforms including Pluto TV and Samsung TV Plus, but now will be included on Channel 5’s streaming service, as the broadcaster creates a new destination that includes all of its online content in one place for the first time.
The inclusion of Channel 5 services previously available on Pluto TV in the UK isn’t a surprise. Channel 5’s owner Paramount originally planned to merge My5 and Pluto TV, before shelving the idea last year.
FULL LIST: New streaming channels on 5
Live channels may not be available on all devices, according to Channel 5. You may need to update your device to the latest version of the app, if it is already available on your device platform.
- 5 Cops
- 5 Police Interceptors
- 5 Trucking Hell
- 5 Crime
- 5 A&E
- 5 GP’s Behind Closed Doors
- 5 Yorkshire Vet
- 5 Bargain Loving Brits
- 5 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly
- 5 History
- MTV Catfish (from 9pm)
- MTV Geordie Shore (from 9pm)
- MTV Reality
- MTV Teen Mom
- Milkshake!
Plus existing channels:
- Channel 5
- 5ACTION
- 5SELECT
- 5STAR
- 5USA
How does Channel 5 compare with other main broadcasters?
For the all the hype about streaming meaning the end of linear channels, various streamers now offer viewers an array of linear channels that you can drop into at any time.
With 15 streaming channels, in addition to its existing live linear channels, Channel 5 pulls ahead of ITVX, which runs up to 13 streaming channels (the number fluctuates as certain services including ITV News and ITV Sport operate on a temporary pop-up basis). The BBC offers some curated live streams via the iPlayer, but these are not prominently displayed alongside its main live TV channels. Channel 4 has experimented with streaming channels, but it notably behind other streamers.
The 5 app also offers a full schedule for the next few days on its streaming channels. Many rival platforms only provide limited schedules for their online-only live TV services.
No way to skip ads?
Unlike ITVX and Channel 4 Streaming, the new 5 app doesn’t come with an option to pay extra to avoid ads. Therefore, if you’re catching-up with Channel 5 shows, be prepared to sit through quite a number of ads before the programme you want starts.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Channel 5