BRITS are about to get a major TV upgrade – as a channel behind a Sky subscription is becoming completely free to watch.
TLC, the channel once locked behind Sky TV and Virgin Media subscriptions, is going completely free next year from January 2026.
For the first time, you’ll be able to tune into TLC on Freeview and Freely without paying a thing – though you’ll have to wait a few months for the switch to flick on.
The move comes as Warner Bros. Discovery gives the much-loved channel a makeover, turning it into a free-to-air entertainment hub packed with hit US sitcoms and juicy British reality shows.
Fans can look forward to The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, and its new spin-off Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, as well as Mike & Molly joining the comedy line-up.
Brits will also get a homegrown boost with a revamped Mock the Week, hosted by comedians Roisin Conaty and Sara Pascoe, who’ll head off to the world’s worst-reviewed destinations in a hilarious new format.
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Of course, TLC’s cult classics aren’t going anywhere – you’ll still be able to binge Dr Pimple Popper, My 600lb Life, and all the 90 Day Fiancé spin-offs, including the UK edition.
But it’s not all expansions – HGTV will vanish from UK screens next year, with fan-favourite home and garden shows moving to Really instead.
Meanwhile, the company will focus on six main free channels: Quest, Quest Red, Food Network, DMAX, Really, and the revamped TLC.
Warner Bros. Discovery hasn’t revealed TLC’s new channel number or its launch-night schedule yet, but promises more details before the big switch in January.
And that’s not all – the media giant is also gearing up to launch Max, its mega streaming service, in early 2026, featuring smash hits like The White Lotus, House of the Dragon, and The Last of Us.
New kids channel
Also, a brand new channel has landed on Freeview for kids just in time for the half-term.
There are some fresh faces for millions of watchers across the UK as of Wednesday.
The first is Cartoon Classics, which can be found by tapping 214 on your remote.
As the name suggests, you can see some retro animated shows, such as Danger Mouse, Count Duckula and The Smurfs.
Other new channels
The other big new arrival for Freeview is Wedotv Movies.
This airs some lesser-known films and older titles from over the years, and it sits in the TV guide at number 98.
Both channels are hybrid, meaning you’ll need a broadband connection to your TV for them to work, and you’ll also need to rescan your box or TV too.
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Another noteworthy change to Freeview this month is Gems TV.
The long-running jewellery shopping channel has been renamed to Gemporia, but it sits in the same spot as before, at number 45.
