Rewind TV, the retro-focused television channel that launched on Sky earlier this year, is set to expand its reach by joining the Freeview platform later this month.
The channel, which has been broadcasting a mix of classic British TV shows on Sky since May, will soon be available to a much wider audience without the need for a subscription.
Freeview viewers can look forward to tuning into a variety of vintage programmes, from cult classics to rarely-seen gems.
Offering content from various decades, Rewind TV’s lineup includes well-known series like The Prisoner and Drop the Dead Donkey, alongside lesser-known shows such as The Tony Hancock Show from 1963.
This expansion to Freeview marks a significant step for the independent channel, potentially bringing nostalgic telly to millions of additional UK households.
From Sky to Freeview
Rewind TV first burst onto our screens in May 2024, offering a curated selection of vintage shows and films on Sky’s satellite platform (Channel 190).
At the time, we noted that the channel wasn’t available on Sky’s streaming platforms – Sky Glass, Sky Stream, or NOW – and that is still the case, unfortunately.
However, fast forward a few months, and it seems the channel’s founders have made good on their promise to expand.
Rewind TV is, therefore, set to debut on Freeview Channel 95 on September 18, 2024 (which is also Freeview’s monthly updates day, when you will need to retune your devices).
In an era dominated by on-demand viewing, it seems Rewind TV is taking a different approach: the channel offers a linear viewing experience with traditional broadcasting schedules – and without a streaming library.
What’s on Rewind TV?
Rewind TV aims to bring back the “golden age of television” with a mix of iconic series, documentaries, and cinematic classics, such as:
The Prisoner (1967-1968): This cult classic stars Patrick McGoohan as a former secret agent trapped in a mysterious village. Its surreal themes and allegorical storytelling have influenced countless shows since.
The Tony Hancock Show (1963): Not seen since its original broadcast, this rare gem showcases the comedic talents of Tony Hancock, one of Britain’s most influential comedians.
Drop the Dead Donkey (1990-1998): A satirical sitcom set in a fictional newsroom, known for its sharp wit and timely political commentary.
Clive James meets…: A series of insightful interviews conducted by the witty and erudite Clive James, featuring conversations with some of the 20th century’s most fascinating personalities.
Dick Turpin (1979-1982): Starring Richard O’Sullivan, this series, which blends historical drama and swashbuckling action, follows the romanticised adventures of the infamous 18th-century highwayman.
The lineup also includes well-known favourites like The Beiderbecke Affair, Jason King, and Worzel Gummidge Down Under, alongside lesser-known series that might become your new old favourites.
However, while the focus is on classic content, Rewind TV isn’t solely living in the past.
The channel has announced plans for fresh commissions this autumn, including exclusive profiles of beloved TV icons. First up is Michael Aspel, whose primetime career spanned over seven decades.
Riding the Retro Wave on Freeview
Rewind TV isn’t the only one tapping into the nostalgia market on Freeview. The platform has seen success with other retro-focused channels in recent years.
That’s TV, which launched as That’s TV Gold in 2021, has expanded to include That’s TV 2 and That’s TV 3 (formerly known as That’s Memories), offering a mix of classic British TV series, movies, and music programming.
Meanwhile, Talking Pictures TV has carved out a niche for itself with its selection of vintage British films and TV shows, proving that there’s a healthy appetite for nostalgic content among Freeview viewers.
The success of these channels suggests that Rewind TV might find a receptive audience on the platform. However, seeing how it differentiates itself in a somewhat crowded retro TV landscape will be interesting.
Oscar Beuselinck and Jonathan Moore, the independent founders behind Rewind TV, expressed their excitement about the channel’s expansion:
“We are delighted by the response to Rewind TV since its launch this spring. It’s wonderful to see today’s audiences’ enthusiasm for the golden age of television.”
With its upcoming launch on Freeview, Rewind TV is set to reach a significantly larger audience. It remains to be seen whether the channel will eventually expand further, possibly to Sky’s streaming platforms, Virgin Media TV, and maybe even Freesat.
It’s also worth noting that the Rewind TV channel is a UK operation, so it should not be confused with the US “Rewind TV” brand that is owned by the Nexstar Media Group.
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Absolute nonsense, there are some gems out there which many of us want to see and don’t want them all grabbed by the pay channels.
No need for another “Repeats” channel….BBC 1,2 and 4 full of repeats.