Channel 4 Moves Entire Broadcast Service to Disney+ in U.K. and Ireland

The Walt Disney Co. and Channel 4 will merge the British broadcaster’s primary television channel with its Disney+ streaming platform starting in early 2027.

The agreement, described by both parties as a landmark collaboration, integrates Channel 4’s linear HD feed with its on-demand library for viewers in the U.K. and Ireland. This move represents the largest content deal Disney+ has signed in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. No additional fees will be charged to current Disney+ subscribers to access the new content.

Channel 4’s main broadcast channel will operate within a dedicated section of the Disney+ interface. This section will retain the specific navigation and user experience elements associated with the Channel 4 brand. Simultaneously, hundreds of hours of scripted and unscripted programming will be available for on-demand viewing. Specific titles included in the initial rollout feature drama series Maya, starring Bella Ramsey, and comedy Stepping Up, featuring Denise Welch. Reality format Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is also part of the package. Disney+ stated that multiple Channel 4 shows will be added to the platform on a day-and-date basis, meaning they will premiere on Disney+ at the same time they air on the linear channel.

The partnership builds on existing agreements Disney+ has secured with other major European broadcasters. Previous deals include ITV in the U.K., which was later extended to Hulu, Italy’s RAI, Germany’s ARD and ZDF, Portugal’s SIC, and Spain’s RTVE and Atresmedia. Financial terms for the Channel 4 pact were not disclosed. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has previously outlined a vision to position Disney+ as the digital centerpiece of the company’s operations.

Priya Dogra, CEO of Channel 4, stated that the deal aligns with the broadcaster’s digital-first strategy. She explained that audience habits are shifting toward multiple content platforms. This agreement allows Channel 4 to reach viewers who may not typically tune into its owned and operated services. Dogra emphasized that the main channel and streaming service remain the primary home for the majority of Channel 4 programming. The Disney+ integration serves as a complementary channel to reach a wider demographic.

Karl Holmes, general manager for Disney+ in the EMEA region, noted that local content drives subscriber growth. He reported that Disney+ subscriber numbers in the region increased by 30 percent over the last 18 months. Holmes attributed this growth to local originals and partnerships with free-to-air broadcasters. He described the Channel 4 deal as the most ambitious collaboration to date. The strategy aims to bring distinctive British programming to Disney+’s younger audience base.

Data from U.K. measurement firm BARB illustrates the demographic difference between the two platforms. Currently, 17 percent of Disney+ viewing hours come from viewers aged 16 to 34, compared to 10 percent on Channel 4. Conversely, 63 percent of Channel 4 viewership comes from audiences aged 55 and older, while only 11 percent of Disney+ viewing comes from that age group. The partnership seeks to bridge this gap by exposing Channel 4’s programming to Disney+’s younger users.

Adam Smith, chairman of direct-to-consumer at Disney Entertainment, said local broadcaster partnerships are central to building content libraries. He noted that Channel 4 has produced shows with strong appeal to U.K. and Irish audiences. The agreement allows Disney to integrate this local programming into its global streaming service. Both executives indicated that the partnership may expand further, with potential for additional Disney content to air on Channel 4. Dogra noted that the broadcaster already licenses programming from Disney, including The Simpsons and Disney films. She stated that the team will continue to discuss future opportunities with Holmes as the integration progresses.