Virgin Media Gets Reality TV Boost With 2 New Channels

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Virgin Media is kicking off 2025 with some fresh additions to its streaming lineup – and according to their latest survey, they couldn’t have picked a better time, with more than 1 in 5 Brits convinced they have what it takes to be reality TV stars.

The company is expanding its FAST channel lineup with two beloved shows that have kept viewers glued to their screens for years, while also launching a tempting streaming deal for film buffs. 

What Are FAST Channels?

Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a hybrid between traditional TV and modern streaming.

woman watching streaming on tv and tablet

These channels function like regular TV channels with scheduled programming, but they’re delivered via internet streaming and supported by adverts.

Of course, many of the major channels we’ve known for years – such as ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – are already free, ad-supported channels – but the ‘streaming’ part makes FAST channels easier to implement, therefore their popularity has grown.

Also, unlike regular streaming services where you choose what to watch, FAST channels follow a traditional TV schedule – but without any subscription fees.

So think of them as Freeview channels, but delivered over the internet instead of an aerial.

Virgin Media’s FAST Journey

Virgin Media first ventured into FAST channels back in July 2023, when they added 14 channels to their Electronic Programming Guide (EPG).

Virgin Media Stream new channels NOW

Throughout 2024, they continued expanding this offering, integrating these streaming channels seamlessly alongside traditional broadcast channels.

Virgin Media’s TV service underwent some changes in late 2024 when Virgin Media rebranded its Stream service to Flex (though the hardware is still called the Stream box).

While new Flex customers now pay £5 monthly for the basic service, they still get access to all FAST channels as part of their package.

Virgin Media Stream Box with TV
Virgin Media’s Stream Box

New Reality TV FAST Channels

The two new additions, which are available – starting today – on V6, Virgin TV360 and Stream boxes, focus on popular reality TV content:

Hell’s Kitchen (Channel 233) brings Gordon Ramsay’s intense cooking competition to viewers 24/7. The channel will feature round-the-clock episodes of the show that helped establish Ramsay as TV’s most notorious chef.

Hell's Kitchen gordon ramsay

Eggheads (Channel 253) lets quiz enthusiasts enjoy continuous episodes of the challenging quiz show, where amateur teams face off against some of Britain’s most formidable quiz champions.

The new channels will be added to Virgin Media’s existing lineup of 30 FAST channels, including Tipping Point and Deal or No Deal.

David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2 emphasised the social aspect of reality TV: “Reality TV doesn’t just entertain us, but tests our knowledge, gives us something to chat about for those water cooler moments, and most importantly, brings TV fans together.”

Limited-Time MUBI Offer

For film lovers, Virgin Media has launched a special offer with MUBI, the curated streaming service known for independent and international films.

Mubi streaming service
Photo: Deposit Photos / Rafapress

Until February 9, eligible Virgin TV customers who don’t currently have a MUBI subscription can get three months of access for just £1 – a significant saving from the usual £11.99 monthly fee.

The service currently features acclaimed films like Past Lives, Aftersun, and Priscilla, with new additions arriving regularly.

Customers can access the offer via a QR code in the MUBI app on their Virgin TV boxes.

Just remember that the subscription will auto-renew after the three months are up – so don’t forget to cancel if you don’t want to start paying full price.

Brits’ Reality TV Confidence

To coincide with the launch of these new reality TV channels, Virgin Media conducted a survey that reveals Brits are quite confident in their reality TV potential

Around 21% of UK adults believe they could win a reality show if given the chance.

The Traitors tops the list of shows people think they could win (31%), followed by The Great British Bake Off (30%). Respondents cited their social skills (45%) and authenticity (24%) as their key potential winning attributes.

The survey also revealed why we love reality TV so much: 51% find it relaxing after a long day, 36% enjoy getting invested in contestants’ stories, and 35% like seeing people react under pressure.

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