Some of the UK’s most popular free-to-air channels will be renamed on 16 July as part of a major shake-up of Freeview, Freely, Sky TV set-top boxes and Virgin TV 360. UKTV, the British brand behind Dave, W and Yesterday, will be renamed each channel in its programming.
Starting this week, Dave, Yesterday, DramaAnd Lwill be renamed U and Dave, U&Yesterday, U&DramaAnd U&WChannel numbers will not be changed as part of this reshuffle.
In addition to the new U-heavy names, U (née UKTV) has promised an additional 1,500 hours of content, bringing the total to 8,500 hours on Freeview’s free-to-air channels, newly launched FreelyGlass of the sky, Sky currentSky Q, EE TV, Virgin Stream, Virgin TV 360 and other popular set-top boxes.
Exclusive new shows, including an all-new Jimmy Carr game show and a reboot of Bergerac, are included in U.S.’s hundreds of hours of new incoming content.
Freeview always recommends that users re-set their devices to ensure that all changes have been applied. Some Freeview devices will automatically readjust themselves as soon as an update is available.
You won’t do it need one of those boxes to watch the latest shows, docuseries and movies from UKTV’s multitude of channels, as everything is available to stream from its new website — u.co.uk.
UKTV channels will be rebranded under a new, all-encompassing U brand, with all channels reworked to match the new naming convention
UKTV PRESS OFFICE
UKTV was launched in the 1990s as a joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Thames Television. It was designed to exploit the BBC’s archives to bring classic programming to a new audience.
Channels like Dave, which quickly gained popularity on the strength of their catalogue, were regularly mocked on shows like I have news for you And Top speed for the barrage of decades-old reruns that filled its schedule.
In recent years, UKTV has decided to focus on more original programming. Hits like Tyrant were launched exclusively on free-to-air channels like Dave before being acquired by Channel 4.
The free broadcaster is facing increased competition, with players such as Tubi is now available in the UK with thousands of movies and series available to stream on demand for free.
UKTV also offers a number of premium offerings — Goldwhich is dedicated to classic British comedy, Alibiwhich focuses on police drama series, and Edenwhich offers a programming packed with docuseries on nature and science, available only on paid platforms like Sky Q, Sky Stream, Sky Glass and Virgin Media TV 360.
These will not to be renamed as part of the latest overhaul.
However, the four additional ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels UKTV launched on its mobile and TV app late last year will be rebranded as part of the move to U next month. British TV Hero will become U&Real Heroes, UKTV plays laughs will be renamed U&Laughs, UKTV is playing at full speed will change for U&Transportand finally, UKTV Play revealed will be known as U and the past.
These channels will remain accessible via FAST platforms, such as the Samsung TV Plus service integrated into all Samsung smart TVs, Freevee on Fire TV Stick devicesthe Pluto TV platform, as well as Virgin Media decoders.
Commenting on the shake-up, UKTV’s Marketing Director, Penny Brough said: “The launch of U on 16 July is a significant milestone for UKTV, marking our era of transformation. U will introduce our viewers to an extraordinary range of quality free-to-air content, enabling them to connect the streaming service with our family of TV channels.”
Some of the exclusive new shows commissioned by UKTV for its new U branded channels will include Battle in the box — a comedy game show hosted by Jimmy Carr, a second series of Pearl of Whitstable, and a reinvention of the classic detective series Bergerac which will premiere on U&Drama in 2025.
Andrea Amey, UKTV’s digital director, said: “U will deliver almost 8,500 hours of free content, including new programmes, exclusives, award-winning originals and world-class acquisitions. We look forward to giving our viewers even more choice and an easy-to-use service, so they can enjoy our varied and free offering.”
How to reset Freeview
- press the Menu button on your Smart TV or streaming box remote control
- Move towards Configuration > Installation > UpdateThe exact wording of these options may vary slightly between manufacturers, but should be relatively similar.
- If you are asked for a password to start the update process, the default codes are “1234” or “0000”
- Select Complete readjustmentsometimes called First installation, Return to factory settingsOr Default settings depending on the brand of your kit
- Hit him ALL RIGHT button on your remote control – and that’s it
Your box may check if you agree to have existing channels removed as part of the tuning process. This is normal since the box will need to clear the existing TV guide before it can replace it with the new and renamed channels.
Freeview is the UK’s most popular free-to-air content provider, with 16 million households watching content through its service on smart TVs and streaming boxes.