Big news for Freely users today – The UK’s streaming-focused TV platform Freely has launched eight new channels, including PBS America’s acclaimed documentaries and True Crime’s real-life investigations – all now available without needing an aerial.
It’s one of Freely’s biggest expansions since launch, bringing its total streaming channel count to over 40, with the new additions covering everything from factual entertainment to shopping channels.
The platform is also beefing up its On-Demand section with new streaming apps, as it continues its gradual evolution towards becoming an alternative to Freeview and Freesat.
What Exactly is Freely?
For those of you still scratching your heads wondering what Freely is (and we don’t blame you – it’s still quite new), here’s a quick recap:
Freely launched in April 2024 as the broadband-based successor to Freeview and Freesat.
It’s being developed by Everyone TV – yes, the same folks who brought us Freeview and Freesat – as their answer to our streaming-dominated future.
At its heart, Freely is trying to solve a common telly-watching headache: having to juggle between different apps and interfaces to watch your streaming channels.
And, even more importantly, the platform brings together live TV channels and catch-up content from various UK broadcasters in one place, all without requiring an aerial or satellite dish (well, for the channels that are available via streaming, at least).
Similar to Freeview Play, Freely features a united Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), that seamlessly blends live channels with on-demand content.
So when you’re browsing through channels, you’ll see both what’s playing live and what’s available to stream from services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4.
But, in Freely’s case – even the live channels are streaming to you via broadband, instead of over-the-air – which is great for people with bad reception around their house.
The platform had quite a modest start – launching with just the five main broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and STV) and a somewhat limited channel selection.
Things started picking up when UKTV joined the party in autumn 2024, bringing popular channels like U&Dave and U&Drama to the streaming lineup.
There’s just one rather significant catch – you can only get Freely on certain 2024 and 2025 TV models.
It works on some Hisense sets, various Vestel-made TVs (that’s your Bush, Toshiba, and Sharp models), and some Amazon Fire TV-powered televisions.
But if you’ve got an older telly or were hoping to use it with a streaming stick or even a Freeview Play box like the new Manhattan T4-R – you’re out of luck for now.
Freely Gets A Channels Boost
Today’s expansion brings several interesting additions to Freely’s streaming lineup.
The addition of these eight channels was announced back in December, and today, they’re finally here.
Here’s what you can now watch without needing an aerial:
- TRUE CRIME (Channel 37) – The channel formerly known as CBS Reality, bringing you documentary deep-dives into real-world mysteries and investigations
- LEGEND (Channel 38) – Your new destination for action programming and classic entertainment
- PBS America (Channel 49) – Home to award-winning documentaries and thought-provoking factual shows
- TRUE CRIME Xtra (Channel 50) – More true crime content for when you can’t get enough of the main channel
- LEGEND Xtra (Channel 51) – Additional programming from the LEGEND entertainment library
- GB News (Channel 304) – The news and opinion channel joins BBC News in Freely’s news section
- QVC (Channel 451) and QVC 2 (Channel 453) – For when you fancy a bit of retail therapy from your sofa
The update isn’t just about live channels either. Freely’s on-demand section is getting beefed up with PBS America and Watch Free UK (AMC’s free streaming service) joining the lineup.
GB News catch-up and QVC+ are also making their way to the platform, giving you even more ways to watch what you want, when you want.
The full list of Freely streaming channels now available in England:
Channel | Number |
---|---|
BBC One | 1 |
BBC Two | 2 |
ITV/STV/UTV | 3 |
Channel 4/S4C | 4 |
Channel 5 | 5 |
ITV2 | 6 |
ITV3 | 7 |
BBC Three | 10 |
BBC Four | 11 |
Film4 | 13 |
E4 | 14 |
More4 | 15 |
4seven | 16 |
U&Dave | 19 |
U&Drama | 20 |
ITV4 | 21 |
ITVBe | 22 |
5STAR | 25 |
5ACTION | 26 |
U&Yesterday | 27 |
U&W | 28 |
5USA | 29 |
5SELECT | 30 |
TRUE CRIME (new) | 37 |
LEGEND (new) | 38 |
PBS America (new) | 49 |
TRUE CRIME Xtra (new) | 50 |
LEGEND Xtra (new) | 51 |
BBC News | 301 |
BBC Parliament | 302 |
GB News (new) | 304 |
CBBC | 351 |
CBeebies | 352 |
QVC (new) | 451 |
QVC 2 (new) | 453 |
Today’s channel expansion comes right after yesterday’s launch of the new My List feature (which lets you save up to 50 of your favourite shows in one place), showing that Freely is picking up some steam as we head into 2025.
However, despite having over 40 streaming channels now, quite a few familiar Freeview faces are still missing from the streaming-only lineup. For complete access to all free-to-air channels, many viewers will still need to keep that aerial connection handy.
But it’s encouraging to see the platform making steady progress towards its goal of becoming a proper internet-based alternative to traditional TV viewing.
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Can you record programmes like freesat?
I am looking for a larger new television compatible with freely and live in France and I am not sure I can do everything on freely.
As freesat is free and freely will cost 20€ a month is it worth it?
Freely is free, hence the name.
There is no recording.
No idea if it’s available in France.
No freely isn’t free as you must pay for WiFi inernet connection. It appears to be available in France with the right television compatible set but you still failed to answer my question as to whether with freely you are able to record programmes to watch later as you can with freesat which is completely free!
Freesat is not free, in the same way you must pay for a WiFi connection for Freely, you must pay for the electricity to run a Freesat box.
I think your question was answered: there is no recording facility on Freely.
Are all those streamed channels HD like on Sky stream ?
It might be “picking up some steam” but until they get the software on a set top box, stick or Apple TV they might as well be on the moon: great service but few people can get it down here.