Exciting news for all Trekkies out there – ITVX, the streaming platform from ITV, is about to take you on a journey across the universe that spans generations, galaxies, and grand adventures.
Normally, all of Star Trek (including the films and the TV shows) is available on Paramount+. But next month, nine iconic films from the Star Trek franchise are making their grand debut on ITVX – and you’ll be able to watch them all for free (with adverts – unless you have ITVX Premium).
From the onset of Starfleet to the thrilling voyages of the Next Generation, here’s your chance to relive, rediscover or embark on your first exploration of the beloved series.
But the Star Trek films are just the beginning. July brings a treasure trove of content to ITVX. Along with these sci-fi classics, you can expect a wide variety of films, TV shows, and more – from action blockbusters to critically-acclaimed dramas and new seasons of popular shows (see more of what’s coming to ITVX in July 2023 below).
ITVX, which launched in 2022, is a free-to-watch (with adverts) service that’s replacing the long-running ITV Hub app as a full-fledged streaming destination.
In addition to the on-demand content, you can also stream all of ITV’s live channels via the app, as well as several “themed” ad-supported live channels that are dedicated to a single series or theme (but not on Freeview Play devices and TVs).
ITVX is available on most of the streaming devices and Smart TVs sold in the UK (except for several older boxes and TVs, though last month ITVX was finally added to Manhattan’s Freeview boxes), as well as on Virgin Media’s TV boxes, Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q as well.
While ITVX is a free streaming service first and foremost (with adverts), it also has an optional Premium tier that removes all the adverts – and also gives you access to most of the content from BritBox.
As we previously reported, BritBox no longer offers standalone subscriptions to new subscribers, and is instead sending people to ITVX’s Premium tier.
In addition, ITVX recently added Studio Canal Presents to its Premium tier – with 400+ films and TV shows.
ITVX Premium normally costs £5.99/month or £59.99/year.
Star Trek Beaming Into ITVX
While the newer J.J. Abrams Star Trek films won’t be coming to ITVX (for now), you’ll find the nine original ones there, from July 1, 2023:
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
The cinematic journey of Star Trek began with this film.
In it, viewers see the original crew of the USS Enterprise, including the unforgettable duo of Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Spock (Leonard Nimoy), as they face off against a powerful entity on a collision course with Earth.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Regarded by many as one of the greatest Star Trek films, The Wrath of Khan brings Captain Kirk face-to-face with his nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalbán).
A genetically engineered superhuman from the 20th century, Khan is driven by revenge, and the resulting clash is as explosive as it gets.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
In the aftermath of The Wrath of Khan, the crew of the USS Enterprise returns to the forbidden Genesis planet to retrieve a beloved comrade.
The Search for Spock is an emotional ride, touching upon themes of sacrifice and the enduring bonds of friendship.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
The Voyage Home is a unique entry in the series (and one of its funnier ones) as the Enterprise crew time travels to Earth in the 1980s to save the planet’s future.
This film is a charming blend of science fiction drama and heartwarming humour, often remembered as “the one with the whales.”
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
Directed by William Shatner himself, The Final Frontier sees the Enterprise crew confronting a renegade Vulcan who harbours a secret that could shake the Federation to its core.
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
As a farewell to the original crew’s journey, The Undiscovered Country delves into the Federation’s diplomatic relations with the Klingon Empire.
With a narrative serving as a metaphor for the end of the Cold War, this film paints a poignant picture of peace and reconciliation.
Star Trek Generations (1994)
The first Star Trek movie featuring the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the film is a symbolic passing of the torch from the original crew.
The film brings together Captain Kirk and Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) as they unite to thwart a villainous scientist threatening entire star systems.
Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
First Contact introduces the crew of Star Trek: The Next Generation to one of their most formidable foes, the Borg.
In an exhilarating time-travel narrative, Captain Picard and his team find themselves at a pivotal moment in human history.
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
In Insurrection, Captain Picard and his crew defy Starfleet’s orders to protect the inhabitants of a mysterious planet. This film presents a gripping conflict between duty and morality, adding depth to the adventures of the TNG crew.
The 10th Star Trek film, Star Trek: Nemesis, won’t be coming to ITVX for some reason (maybe because it’s… not very good) – but you can still catch it on Paramount+.
More Shows And Films Coming To ITVX In July
Alongside the arrival of the Star Trek films, ITVX is also set to introduce a host of additional new shows and films in July that cater to a diverse range of interests and tastes.
Starting from July 1, ITVX will also be launching other prominent films including Atomic Blonde (2017) starring Charlize Theron, Bad Lieutenant (1992) starring Harvey Keitel, Battle Los Angeles (2011) starring Aaron Eckhart, Empire State (2013) starring Dwayne Johnson, Chicago (2002) starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Requiem for a Dream (2000) starring Jennifer Connelly.
A brand new film that’s coming on July 6 is the comedy-drama The Effects of Lying by Bonaparte Films. This “delightfully chaotic” film focuses on the character of Naveen, played by Ace Bhatti, who must come to terms with the small lies he’s allowed to build his life upon. And today’s the day it all comes crashing down…
In terms of TV shows, Olivia Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich Season 2 will make a triumphant return following the success of its first season. In each episode, Attwood will take viewers on a journey into the ever-evolving and creative world of the sex industry, providing an intimate perspective on how people are boosting their bank balances in 2023.
Boris Becker: Game Set and Match is a brand new series offering an insider’s look at one of the world’s greatest sporting stars and how he ended up in Wandsworth Jail. This series promises exclusive interviews with those who know the Wimbledon legend best and will delve into the story of the three-time Wimbledon champion’s rise and fall.
All American Season 5 will continue the journey of Spencer and his friends as they navigate young adulthood, bringing with it a fair share of drama, hard lessons, and an abundance of parties.
Laura Whitmore Investigates will introduce viewers to a new side of Laura as she uses her journalistic skills to delve into a range of controversial issues, providing fresh insights on subjects that impact our lives.
For younger audiences, ITVX Kids (the new home of CITV) will launch new content throughout July and August.
This includes additional episodes of Lego Dreamzz and The Gamers 2037, as well as the launch of Friendzspace and Tara Duncan. ITVX Kids will also feature the first series of All Round Champions and American Ninja Warrior Junior.
Coming To BritBox in July 2023
In July, BritBox UK and ITVX Premium subscribers can look forward to the acclaimed police drama The Responder starring Martin Freeman, pre-apocalyptic crime drama Hard Sun starring Agyness Deyn and an adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s gothic romance novel Jamaica Inn starring Jessica Brown Findlay.
BritBox will also be offering additional classic kids series including Paddington and Fireman Sam.
It would be nice if all the Star Trek Films were on Paramount+ for start.