Channel 4 Broadcasts Join Disney+ in 2027

The Walt Disney Co. and U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 announced a deal to integrate Channel 4’s main broadcast channel and on-demand content into Disney+ for customers in the U.K. and Ireland. The partnership, set to launch in early 2027, allows Disney+ subscribers to access the linear HD channel and a catalogue of scripted and unscripted programming without paying additional fees.

The agreement includes a day-and-date release for multiple Channel 4 series on the streaming platform. Titles available on launch and throughout the year will include the drama Maya, starring Bella Ramsey; the comedy Stepping Up, featuring Denise Welch; and the reality show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. The on-demand library will also feature series such as Big Mood, Tip Toe, and 24 Hours in A&E. The content will be housed in a dedicated Channel 4-branded section within Disney+, maintaining the same navigation and user experience as the rest of the service.

Karl Holmes, general manager for Disney+ Europe, Middle East, and Africa, described the deal as the company’s most ambitious in the region. He noted that Disney+ has seen a 30 percent increase in subscribers in EMEA over the last 18 months, driven in part by local content from free-to-air partners. Holmes stated that the next wave of growth will be driven by local programming, aiming to bring Channel 4’s high-profile shows to Disney+’s younger demographic. Data from U.K. measurement firm BARB shows that 17 percent of Disney+ viewers are aged 16 to 34, compared to 10 percent for Channel 4.

Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra said the collaboration allows the broadcaster to reach viewers in new places while preserving its branding. She explained that the deal complements Channel 4’s owned and operated linear, digital, and streaming services, which will remain the home for the majority of its programming. Dogra emphasized that the partnership is part of a digital-first strategy designed to direct revenue toward distinctive British content.

Disney has previously struck similar content agreements with European broadcasters including ITV, Italy’s RAI, Germany’s ARD and ZDF, Portugal’s SIC, and Spain’s RTVE and Atresmedia. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has positioned Disney+ as the digital centerpiece of the company’s strategy. Adam Smith, chairman of direct-to-consumer at Disney Entertainment, said the deal pairs high-quality local programming with a personalized streaming experience.

Financial terms for the Channel 4 and Disney+ pact were not disclosed. Both executives indicated the partnership could expand, with Dogra noting that Channel 4 already licenses Disney properties such as The Simpsons and The Avengers. Holmes and Dogra said they would continue discussions as the partnership develops, with further details on launch timing and specific content to be released later.