Hunting for something free to watch on Sky just got a bit easier – for some: Eleven FAST channels have escaped the confines of the Xumo Play app and landed directly in the main TV guide – but only if you have Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
As of July 1, these ad-supported channels – dedicated to sports and entertainmnet – now have their own dedicated EPG numbers, meaning you can access everything from classic sports moments to property shows without diving into a separate application.
Sky’s Free Streaming Journey
Last July, Sky jumped into the free streaming game by launching Xumo Play on Sky Glass and Stream. This FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) app brought over 70 free channels and on-demand content to viewers, all supported by adverts rather than subscription fees.
Xumo Play was already a hit in the US before Sky (or rather, their parent company Comcast) brought it to UK shores. As part of that launch, Sky created six of its own branded FAST channels that lived exclusively within the Xumo Play app.
These Sky-branded channels included Sky Sports Classics, Sky Sports Vault, Sky Sports Stories, Pick Paranormal (now simply “Pick”), Emergency 24/7, and Sky Artist of the Year. They were joined by other channels and various themed content streams.
Which Free Channels Can You Now Find On Sky?
A year later, Sky has now transformed some of the channels from Xumo Play, into standalone streaming channels on Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
If you’ve got Sky Glass or Stream, you’ll now find these eleven channels sitting pretty in your regular TV guide:
- Sky Sports Classics (1001): Relive those “I was there” sporting moments without paying for a full Sky Sports subscription
- Sky Sports Vault (1002): Perfect for nostalgia buffs – classic darts, EFL and boxing content from the archives
- Sky Sports Stories (1003): Sports documentaries that go beyond the scorelines
- Pick (1004): A bit of everything for when you can’t decide what to watch
- Emergency 24/7 (1005): Edge-of-your-seat action with Highway Cops and Air Ambulance ER
- Sky Artist Of The Year (1006): Surprisingly addictive art competitions that’ll have you judging brushstrokes from your sofa
- NBC News NOW (1020): American news, 24/7 (take that how you will)
- Billiards (1021): Yes, an entire channel dedicated to cue sports – not everyone’s cup of tea, but pool fans will be chuffed
- Great British Menu (1022): For when you want to watch chefs stress out over elaborate dishes
- Homes Under The Hammer (1023): Property porn at its finest
- Crime and Justice (1024): True crime content for when you’ve exhausted Netflix’s murder documentary catalogue
Remember, these are all free to watch, but you’ll need to sit through adverts – the classic trade-off that’s powering the whole FAST revolution.
Sorry Sky Q Users – You’re Left Behind Again
In what’s becoming a familiar pattern, Sky Q users have drawn the short straw again. While Glass and Stream customers enjoy these channels directly in their guide, satellite-based Q boxes can only access them through the Xumo Play app.
For those not in the know, Sky Glass (the all-in-one TV with Sky built-in) and Sky Stream (the small streaming box) represent Sky’s internet-based future.
Unlike the satellite-dependent Sky Q, these newer platforms deliver all content via broadband, making them more flexible and easier to update.
This latest feature disparity is yet another sign that Sky is gradually shifting focus away from its satellite service. Sky Q, despite its loyal user base, is increasingly looking like yesterday’s technology as Sky prioritises enhancements for its streaming platforms.
What’s Next For Sky’s Free Channel Strategy?
By promoting these channels to the main TV guide, Sky may be acknowledging that we’re all feeling the pinch with subscription costs, while simultaneously making their platforms more attractive.
With living costs still high, having more free viewing options is welcome news. The content mix is decent too – from sports archives to reality shows and niche programming.
You won’t find the biggest matches or the latest blockbusters, but for casual viewing, these channels do add something to the mix.
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