Freeview has completed the final channel update of the year, with minor changes affecting hybrid streaming services broadcast on the platform.
The update, which took place at 11:00 on Wednesday 10 December, implements Narrative Entertainment’s removal of children’s channel POP as a traditional linear channel and the closure of the POP Player service, previously available either on channel 208 in some parts of the UK and as a red button service on POP.
Following a retune, the previous version of POP on channel 205 is replaced by a hybrid streaming service of the same name.
Hybrid streaming services are channels that require your TV to be connected to both an aerial and internet connection. Without one or the other, you can’t access the channel from the Freeview TV guide.
Wednesday’s update effectively reverses a decision earlier this year to make POP available as a traditional broadcast channel once again on Freeview. The associated on-demand service POP Player has also been pulled. As a result of the change, the version of POP on Freeview 205 is now once again identical to the version of the channel carried on online platforms like Pluto TV and Samsung TV Plus.
A version of POP and sister channel Tiny POP are currently still broadcasting as regular broadcast channels via Sky satellite.
Nolly Africa
Fans of premium Nollywood movies, series, talk shows, and original African content may need to retune to continue watching Nolly Africa on channel 287.
The hybrid streaming channel has changed frequencies and may not be available in all areas.
For viewers unable to access the channel via Freeview, it’s also available online, including via Rakuten TV.
Next updates
Updates scheduled for January 2026 include changes to WBD services, with the arrival of TLC. HGTV will cease broadcasting as a linear channel.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Everyone TV