HGTV’s linear channel will shut down just six years after launching. Its owner, WBD is making its TLC channel available on Freeview instead, with a new focus on comedy.
- HGTV shows will appear on Really and Discovery+
- TLC will be revamped with new shows as it comes to Freeview and Freesat.
- Changes come ahead of planned split of Warner Bros Discovery in 2026.
Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) is revamping its free-to-air channel line up in the UK, in a move that sees TLC re-launch as a free-to-air channel with a greater focus on comedy. To make way for TLC, HGTV (Home & Garden TV) will disappear from TV channel lists in January 2026, just six years after the brand arrived in the UK.
The changes will have a knock-on effect across WBD’s portfolio of free-to-air channels and what you’ll be able to stream on discovery+ from next year.
What this means for viewers from 2026
Following January’s changes, there will be a more clear cut difference between WBD’s free-to-air channels. Notably, TLC relaunches with a focus on comedy and the closure of HGTV enables Really to take over some of its programmes, which have overlapped in the past.
WBD’s free-to-air line up
- Really will absorb some HGTV property shows. WBD says Really’s new line-up will include Celebrity IOU with the Property Brothers, Home Town and My Lottery Dream Home. It’s unclear what will happen with the range of UK-made shows currently on HGTV, but WBD says all HGTV favourites will be available on discovery+.
- TLC will be revamped as it goes free-to-air with an array of comedy shows joining the channel. TLC is currently best known for its US reality shows, including Dr Pimple Popper and My 600 Lb life, plus 90 Day Fiancé. WBD says those shows will continue to be available, but TLC’s schedule will soon feature The Big Bang Theory and spin-offs Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, plus Mike & Molly. TLC will also debut a new-look Mock The Week, reinvented with a new format.
- Quest Red is the home of crime reality programmes with shows like Judge Rinder’s Crime Stories and Murder on CCTV. WBD hasn’t announced any changes to the channel in 2026.
- Quest retains its factual focus, gaining new episodes of The Yorkshire Auction House and its spin-offs (which are currently also showing on Really), plus all new Guz Khan’s Custom Cars and a new series featuring Francis Bourgeois & Chris Harris restoring a diesel locomotive.
- Food Network retains its focus on great food shows from the UK and USA. New shows for 2026 includes Adam Richman Eats Italy.
- DMAX continues with a current range of factual shows.
WBD’s current UK and Ireland linear television channel offering will continue to be in place for the remainder of 2025.
How will the launch of TLC affect Freeview and Freesat?
Once an exact date in January is confirmed, details about any technical changes will emerge. This may include details about any channel number changes that take place at the same time as the channel update.
If you have Freeview, you may need to retune to ensure you can continue to receive all available channels in your area, including TLC. If you have Freesat, your device should automatically add TLC when it launches.
Until then, nothing changes.
How will this affect Freely users?
WBD’s channels are currently only available on Freely if your device is plugged into an aerial. They are not currently part of Freely’s internet-only line-up of channels.
When plugged into an aerial, a Freely TV will pick up all available Freeview channels in your area. Ensure your device is stays connected to an aerial and look out for a channel update during January when WBD makes changes.
Context: all change at WBD
WBD is currently in the process of splitting into two different companies (unless a potential takeover changes things): Warner Bros and Discovery Global.
The free-to-air channel revamp boosts what is currently still due to become part of the new Discovery Global business, which will inherit WBD’s traditional linear TV channel business. A stronger line-up of UK channels puts Discovery Global in a better position as a standalone company in terms of its British division.
TNT Sports UK and HBO Max are currently destined for the new Warner Bros company. HBO Max is due to launch in the UK soon.
By: Marc Thornham | Updated: 22/10/2025 following confirmation from WBD that it is reviewing its planned split. The last section has been revised to reflect this.