FIVE new free channels are confirmed to join Freeview in a major update – with the exact number to unlock them revealed.
Hearst Networks has expanded its UK presence for free ad-supported television – also known as FAST.
It sees five new channels launched on Trailblazer TV, which is a platform operated by Go See TV.
Mystery TV, Inside Crime, History Hunters, Deal Masters and World War TV are all now available to stream on Trailblazer TV.
In particular, these channels are carried on Freeview Channel 253.
According to Julie Mitchelmore, VP Product and Commercial Partnerships at Hearst Networks, the company’s FAST channels are built around “curiosity, authenticity and pace”.
HOME & AWAY
Iconic tech firm nears COLLAPSE as it runs out of money putting gadgets at risk
6-GEE!
Huge mobile tech brand used by millions issues major update on super-fast 6G
She then continued by describing Trailblazer TV as a good fit for this purpose.
Other Tech News
It comes as a major TV upgrade can see over 16 million Brits unlock a new TV channel for free.
This is despite the channel in question formerly only being included in a Sky subscription.
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.
TLC will also be airing Zero Stars, which is to be hosted by comedians Roisin Conaty and Sara Pascoe.
It will see the pair visit the world’s worst-reviewed destinations in a hilarious new format.
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.
Other Freeview channels
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.
The other big new arrival for Freeview is Wedotv Movies.
FOOTBALLER GONE
Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle
CHA-CHA-CHAOS
Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her
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.
