Sky Sets New Channel Brands in the U.K.

In a significant overhaul of its lineup in the U.K., Sky is replacing its flagship Sky One brand with Sky Showcase and rolling out a new channel, Sky Max, effective September 1.

The linear-only Sky Showcase will curate content from across the platform’s portfolio of channels, delivering shows from Sky Witness, Sky Documentaries, Sky Crime, Sky Nature, Sky Arts, Sky Max, Sky Comedy, Sky HISTORY, Sky Kids, SyFy and E!, plus highlights from Sky Cinema and Sky Sports. The launch slate for Sky Showcase includes the new original drama Wolfe, U.S. imports like Young Rock and SWAT and factual highlights such as Hawking, The Bambers: Murder at the Farm and Shark with Steve Backshall.

Sky Max, meanwhile, will be both linear and on-demand and will serve as the new home for shows such as A Discovery of Witches, COBRA, A League of Their Own and Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Original comedies previously on Sky One, such as Code 404 and Hitmen Reloaded, move to Sky Comedy, which will also deliver U.S. imports such as The Office and PEN15.

HBO and Showtime shows, as well as original dramas like Gangs of London, will remain on Sky Atlantic.

“In this golden age of television, the sheer volume of incredible programming can be overwhelming,” said Zai Bennett, managing director of content at Sky UK and Ireland. “Over the last 12 months, we’ve been making it easier for people to find what they want to watch. From September those looking for the very best of Sky will find it at the top of their program guide on Sky Showcase, while Sky Max will become the new home of blockbuster entertainment joining the host of genre-led channels launched in the past year—so whether you’re in the mood for true crime, a documentary or just a laugh there’s always a channel to suit. And if you’re not sure what to watch Sky Showcase will curate some of the highlights from our line-up so you can find something new to watch.”

The channels will be available to Sky customers at no extra charge. They will also launch on streaming service NOW and on Virgin and BT.