Disney+ to add Channel 4 content in the UK and Ireland starting in 2027

Date:
Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:28:35 +0000

Description:
Disney will start showing programming from the British broadcaster Channel 4 in early 2027.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Disney+ will be bringing
Channel 4 content to its streaming platform in early 2027 The collaboration aims to expand Channel 4's content on Disney+, while enhancing the British broadcaster's audience reach ITV joined forces with Disney+ in 2025 for a similar partnership The Walt Disney Company has announced a new Disney+ content agreement that will bring Channel 4 into its roster of broadcasting partners in early 2027.

The partnership, which a press release claimed is a "first-of-its-kind collaboration", will see a number of Channel 4 titles become available on-demand each year on Disney+ in the UK and Ireland at the same time as airing on Channel 4. That means Disney+ subscribers can expect upcoming
shows, including drama series Maya , comedy show Stepping Up , and popular reality series Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, to be available to stream, alongside Channel 4's main live TV channel. But given you can already stream Channel 4 content for free on its own All 4 service, what's the purpose of
the partnership? For both parties, its all about expanding their audiences and it could have ramifications for the proposed 'YouTube tax' changes to the BBC licensing fee . Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

For Disney+, it gets to expand its library of on-demand content for existing subscribers, combining quality public service programming with a premium streaming experience. At the same time, the partnership is designed to
enhance Channel 4s audience reach, giving Disney+ subscribers who dont use public service broadcasting platforms a taste of what Channel 4 has to offer.

"Local broadcaster partnerships are very important as we build our content libraries and serve fans around the world," said Adam Smith, chairman of direct-to-consumer at Disney Entertainment. "Channel 4 has created shows with strong appeal to audiences in the UK and Ireland, and were excited to bring some of those favourites to Disney+", he added. You may like UK government considers extending BBC license fee to streaming services Disney announces
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Priya Dogra, Channel 4s chief executive, is also naturally excited by the partnership, saying. "Were thrilled to be working with Disney+ to give audiences even more ways to discover and enjoy Channel 4s brilliant shows," she said.

When the collaboration launches early next year, programming will be listed
in a Channel 4-branded section of the Disney+ app, distinguishing it from other content on the platform. In addition to new and upcoming shows, subscribers will also have access to some of Channel 4s existing popular titles, including Big Mood, Tip Toe , and 24 Hours in A&E all at no extra cost. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Disney+
has secured similar collaborations with broadcasters across the EMEA region, including ARD and ZDF in Germany and RAI in Italy, but this isnt the first time a UK broadcaster has linked up with the streaming platform to increase audience reach.

In July 2025, the streaming giant partnered with ITV to bring select Disney+ titles to the free ad-supported ITVX streaming platform. The Taste of Disney+ section allowed viewers to access a small handful of Disney+ shows for free without having to sign up for a subscription. At the same time, Disney+ launched the Taste of ITVX collection on its own service, bringing a number
of popular ITVX titles to the platform and expanding the free platforms audience reach. However, as it stands, the deal between Disney and Channel 4 won't see Disney+ content shown on Channel 4, like it did with ITV. What does this mean for the rumored 'YouTube tax'? (Image credit: BBC iPlayer) As British broadcasters increasingly partner with US streaming giants like Disney+, the UK government's proposal to expand the TV licence fee to include platforms like Netflix and YouTube could gain support. What to read next Disney+ brings 4K streaming back to European customers, but HDR is still on the to-do list Disney responds to ads on Disney+ ad-free tiers rumor amid growing fan fury Disney's new TikTok partnership proves real fans beat AI every time

After all, it could allow more people to access a live public broadcast channel while being able to avoid paying the licence fee, as it would be harder to police who is watching what inside a third-party app. It also becomes tougher to argue that British public television and streaming
services are two different beasts.

But critics already argue this so-called ' YouTube tax' is merely a bailout for the BBC's funding shortfalls. Because many UK households intentionally ditched traditional broadcasters for streaming, this proposal would force consumers to effectively pay twice. With networks like Channel 4 and ITV proving they can independently negotiate major commercial deals, the justification for a broader streaming tax will, for many, become even weaker. As for when exactly Disney+ subscribers can expect Channel 4 content to be integrated into the platform, it doesnt have an exact launch date yet. But
the broadcaster says "further details on launch timings and content available will be confirmed in due course". Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/entertainment/disney-plus/channel-4-is-coming-to-dis ney-as-the-uk-government-considers-a-youtube-tax-on-streaming-services


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