5Drama logo / © 5
5 has announced the launch of a new linear channel, 5 Drama, showcasing the best of the broadcaster’s original and acquired drama from the UK, US and Australia.
The new station will replace general channel 5Select on October 21 and will be available on Freeview, Freesat, Freely, Sky and Virgin Media – and in general it will be promoted up the respective EPGs, swapping places with the 5Action channel.
The schedule for the new channel includes 5 staple soap Home and Away from the very first episode, broadcast in February 1989, as well as originals such as All Creatures Great and Small, The Hardacres and Ellis.
5Drama will also show programmes available as boxsets on 5Streaming, including Waterloo Road – original from the BBC – cult US drama Gilmore Girls and A Million Little Things.
A weekday schedule will typically feature “nostalgic US drama” in the afternoons, followed by boxset hits in the early evening. Primetime comprises “5 family favourites” in the 7pm and 8pm hours, big drama titles in the 9pm and 10pm hours, then a double bill of Aussie drama.
On Saturdays the channel will be themed around super sleuths, while Sundays will be dedicated to UK drama marathons.
Reemah Sakaan, President of 5, said: “Award-winning drama is increasingly at the heart of what 5 offers viewers, so it’s the right time to give it a dedicated home. This, and the expansion of our portfolio across multiple platforms, is about sharpening our channels and giving viewers a clear offer wherever they’re watching – on linear, 5Streaming, Freely or YouTube.”
5Drama joins existing linear channels 5, 5Action, 5USA and 5Star as well as growing number of FAST channels including the likes of 5History, 5Movies, 5Cops, 5A&E and 5Medical.
5Drama channel numbers:
- Freeview/EE TV – 33
- Freesat – 132
- Freely – 26
- Sky satellite – 150
- Sky Stream/Glass – 165
- Virgin Media – 130
