Freeview Updates: Upcoming Channel Closures And Moves

Two popular Freeview channels are switching places this week, two others are shutting down completely, and one is changing its name – and its availability for viewers.

The changes are set to take place on May 25, 2022, and as always, some viewers will need to retune their Freeview devices in order to keep the Electronic Programmes Guide up to date (though some devices do this retune automatically – see our recommended Freeview recorders here).

Minor Freeview changes are quite common – while earlier this year we saw a huge change, when more than 60 channels had to move around – this time the primary change relates to two popular Freeview channels – Horror and CBS Justice.

Freeview, which started its life back in 2002, is the United Kingdom’s terrestrial television platform. It provides free-to-air TV channels and radio stations (via a Freeview aerial – see the ones we recommend), including more than 80 standard and HD channels.

• See our full Freeview guide here

Here’s the full list of changes that will take place on May 25 (usually around midday) –

Horror Channel And CBS Justice Switching Places

Two long-running channels owned by Paramount (previously ViacomCBS) and AMC Networks International are switching their places on the Freeview EPG.

Despite its name, the Horror Channel, which is available on Freeview (and YouView), Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media, is not just about scary content – it also features science fiction and fantasy shows like Star Trek: The Original Series, The 4400 and more. 

CBS Justice is dedicated to crime and courtroom dramas, including CSI: Miami, JAG, Perry Mason and more.

Until now, Horror Channel was available on Freeview Channel 69, and CBS Justice was on Freeview Channel 41.

Starting May 25:

• Horror Channel will move to Freeview Channel 41
• CBS Justice will move to Freeview Channel 69

Both channels are also available on Freeview Play devices, where you can stream them via broadband.

Freeview Channel Closures

Two text service channels – the last two commercial ones remaining on Freeview – will be shut down on May 25.

The two channels which will cease to operate are:

• Kiss Chat and Date – Freeview Channel 252
• Proud Dating – Freeview Channel 253

Pop Max Channel Changes

Pop Max is a Freeview channel dedicated to children aged six to nine, with action and comedy shows such as Grizzy and the Lemmings, Sonic Boom and more. 

Until now, the channel was only available in Manchester, on Freeview Channel 208. 

Starting May 25, Pop Max is transferring over to Pop Player, which is a broadband-only channel/platform that’s already available on Freeview Play devices.

Pop Player requires a broadband connection and a compatible Freeview Play device, such as the Manhattan T3-R or the the Humax Aura.

In essence, this means the over-the-air version of Pop Max in Manchester and shutting down, and viewers in the area will no longer be able to watch it without an internet-connected device.

Retune Your Freeview Device

Once all these changes take place, you may need to manually retune your Freeview device, otherwise the channel numbers and names won’t be correct.

Some devices – but not all – do this retune automatically.

You can find more information on how to retune your device, on Freeview’s retuning help section.