Broadcaster 5 is launching its new channel, 5Drama, today, giving viewers a dedicated home for some of its biggest British drama hits, alongside a selection of popular US and Australian series.
The new channel replaces 5Select across major digital television platforms and will move up the electronic programme guide (EPG), making it easier for viewers to find.
The schedule will feature award-winning original dramas from 5, including All Creatures Great and Small, The Madame Blanc Mysteries and The Hardacres, alongside detective series such as Ellis and Dalgliesh. Viewers will also be able to enjoy box-set favourites from 5Streaming, including Gilmore Girls, A Million Little Things and Waterloo Road.
One of the channel’s major highlights will arrive soon after launch, when 5 begins airing Home and Away from its very first episode. The move celebrates the broadcaster’s long-standing association with the Australian soap, giving fans the chance to return to Summer Bay in 1988 and revisit classic characters including Alf Stewart and Sally Fletcher.
The programming line-up will combine nostalgic American drama with more recent box-set hits throughout the day. Evenings will begin with family favourites at 7pm and 8pm, followed by classic British drama at 9pm. A 10pm slot will offer another chance to watch some of 5’s biggest titles, including The Cuckoo, The Catch, Cold Call, The House Across the Street, The Au Pair, Number One Fan, The Rumour and The Fortune.
Each day will finish with a double bill of Australian drama, while Saturdays will be dedicated to crime-solving favourites, from Jessica Fletcher to Inspector Dalgliesh. Sundays, meanwhile, will feature British drama marathons.
5Drama joins the broadcaster’s existing portfolio of linear channels, which includes 5, 5Action, 5Star and 5USA.
The launch comes as 5 continues to expand its range of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, available through 5Streaming and other platforms, including Freely. These include 5Cops, 5Police Interceptors, 5Crime, 5A&E, 5Trucking Hell, 5Bargain Loving Brits, 5Medical, 5Yorkshire Vet, 5History, 5Movies, 5Christmas in Summer and Milkshake!.
The broadcaster is also strengthening its presence on YouTube with the launch of 5Docs, a new channel showcasing its factual programming and presenting talent. The service brings together travel programmes featuring Michael Palin, history with Dan Snow and wildlife content with Steve Backshall, with new episodes added every week.
5Docs joins 5Sport, live NFL coverage on the main 5 YouTube channel, as well as 5 News, Jeremy Vine & Daytime on 5 and Milkshake! across the platform.
Reemah Sakaan, President of 5, said award-winning drama was becoming an increasingly important part of the broadcaster’s offering, making this the right time to give it a dedicated channel.
She added that the expansion across multiple platforms was designed to sharpen the broadcaster’s channel identities and give audiences a clearer choice, whether watching traditional television, 5Streaming, Freely or YouTube.