Channel 4 Shows Coming to Disney+ in U.K. and Ireland

Starting in early 2027, Disney+ subscribers in the United Kingdom and Ireland will gain access to Channel 4’s main television channel. The partnership includes the live broadcast feed and a library of on-demand content. Viewers will not pay an additional fee for this access. It is built directly into their existing Disney+ subscription.

The deal brings specific titles to the streaming platform. New series such as the drama Maya and the comedy Stepping Up will be available on Disney+ at the same time they air on Channel 4. The reality format Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is also part of the agreement. Existing shows like Big Mood, Tip Toe, and 24 Hours in A&E will be included in the on-demand catalog.

Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra stated that the company aims to reach viewers in new places. She noted that audience habits are evolving as people seek content across multiple platforms. The partnership allows Channel 4 programming to appear within the premium Disney+ environment. Dogra emphasized that the Channel 4 brand will remain distinct within the service.

Disney Entertainment chairman Adam Smith described the move as part of a global strategy. He said local broadcaster partnerships are important for building content libraries. Smith noted that Channel 4 has created shows with strong appeal in the region. The deal pairs this local programming with the personalized streaming experience of Disney+.

Karl Holmes, general manager for Disney+ EMEA, called this the most ambitious deal in the region. He explained that local content is a key driver of growth. Disney+ has seen a 30 percent increase in subscribers in the EMEA region over the last 18 months. Holmes attributed part of this growth to more local originals and shows from free-to-air partners.

Data from the U.K. measurement firm BARB shows a clear difference in audience demographics. Channel 4 viewership is heavily skewed toward older age groups. Sixty-three percent of viewing hours come from audiences aged 55 and older. In contrast, only 11 percent of Disney+ viewing hours come from that same age group. Disney+ has a much larger share of younger viewers.

Holmes pointed to this demographic gap as a reason for the collaboration. He said the deal brings Channel 4’s biggest shows to a younger audience. This places the content in a premium environment where Disney+ is strong. The partnership leverages the distinct commissioning strategy of Channel 4 while utilizing Disney’s distribution reach.

Financial terms of the pact were not disclosed. The companies described the agreement as a landmark collaboration. It is the latest in a series of content deals Disney+ has struck with European broadcasters. Previous agreements include partnerships with ITV, RAI, ARD, ZDF, SIC, RTVE, and Atresmedia.

Both executives see room for the relationship to expand. Dogra mentioned that Channel 4 already licenses Disney programming. This includes titles such as The Simpsons and This Is Us. Holmes said the two sides would like to evolve the partnership further. Further details on launch timing and specific content availability will be released later.

Dogra clarified that the deal does not replace Channel 4’s owned services. The main channel and streaming service will remain the home for most programming. The Disney+ distribution is an additional way to reach potential new audiences. This information will help inform future commissioning strategies for the broadcaster.