Users of Sky Glass and Sky Stream can expect an update to their channel list starting June 13, 2023.
The streaming-based devices from Sky TV are adding several Freeview channels that were not previously available, including the Great! collection of nostalgic film and TV channels, and the Pop family of channels catering to kids’ content.
These channels are already available on Sky Q and on Freeview devices – but are now finally coming to Sky’s streaming devices.
This addition follows Sky’s efforts to align the availability of channels on Sky Glass and Sky Stream with Sky Q and Freeview, which has been hindered in the past due to different agreements with broadcasters.
The new channels are being added a few months after the latest Sky Glass / Sky Stream channel boost – when the QVC shopping channels were added.
Sky Glass (see my review), which was released in 2021, is a 4K TV set that features a QLED HDR display and a built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar with six speakers.
Sky Stream (see our review), which launched in late 2022, is a standalone streaming set-top box that works with any broadband provider.
Unlike Sky’s other devices in the UK, Sky Glass and Sky Stream don’t use a satellite dish – instead, they rely on broadband, and stream all the content to your TV, much like other streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV and Roku – or streaming services like Sky’s own NOW (see our Sky Glass VS Now comparison).
Even the live Freeview channels are streamed via broadband (Sky Glass does have a “backup” aerial port, but it’s only used in cases where there’s no internet connection. Sky Stream’s aerial port is disabled in the UK).
Therefore, customers with these devices can only watch the Freeview channels that have a streaming agreement with Sky – which is why some channels are still missing.
Great! Network Coming To Sky Glass And Stream
Back in the day, Sony had four free-to-air channels in the UK – Sony Movies, Sony Movies Classic, Sony Movies Action and the Sony Channel.
In 2021, they were sold to an American investment firm, and the names were subsequently changed to the Great! channels, with four channels that focus on classic, action and romance films, as well as old (as in… nostalgic?) TV shows.
The Great! Movies Classic channel was subsequently replaced with Great! Romance.
These channels are currently available on Freeview, Freesat, Sky Q and Virgin Media. They will be added to Sky Glass and Stream on June 13.
The new channel numbers on Glass and Stream are:
GREAT! Romance – Channel 317
Indulge in the enchanting realm of love with GREAT! Romance, featuring an array of timeless romantic films from old-school classics to modern masterpieces. Lose yourself in the magic of cinema’s most heartwarming stories.
GREAT! Movies – Channel 318
GREAT! movies is the hub for film lovers, offering free-to-air blockbusters, contemporary hits, and cult classics. Whether you’re in the mood for a recent sensation or a timeless favourite, this channel has something for every cinephile (and yes, lots of reruns).
GREAT! Action – Channel 319
Dive into non-stop thrill with GREAT! Action, a channel that embraces the exhilarating world of action movies. From high-octane chases to epic brawls, it’s the ultimate destination for adrenaline-pumping entertainment.
GREAT! TV – Channel 167
GREAT! TV is your gateway to nostalgia and riveting drama, combining a mix of scripted TV shows with classic gameshows. Sip the champagne of engaging storytelling as you relive the excitement of yesteryears.
POP! Channels Coming To Sky Glass And Stream
Owned by the same company as the Great! channels, the Pop TV network includes three channels for kids. On Freeview Play, they’re available as part of the Pop! streaming player.
The channels being added to Glass and Stream on June 13 are:
POP – Channel 213
Tune in for action and adventure with Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks, Miraculous, Pokémon, Talking Tom and Friends and more.
Tiny Pop – Channel 214
Tune in for worlds filled with imagination in shows like My Little Pony and Zafari. Plus family favourites such as PJ Masks, Super Wings, Molang and Masha and The Bear.
Pop Max – Channel 215
POP Max is the home of many favourite kids’ shows, including Grizzy and the Lemmings, Pokemon, Nate is Late and more.