Freeview and Freely viewers will miss out on new Channel 4 comedy shows as broadcaster announces shake-up
If you watch Channel 4 through Freeview or Freesat, you’ll miss out on the latest comedy shows from the British broadcaster. That’s because the newest addition — called A Comedy Thing by Channel 4 — will only be accessible on YouTube later this month, not via a more traditional, terrestrial channel.
A Comedy Thing by Channel 4 will publish 20-30 minute shows on YouTube, with clips from these longer-form programmes shared on TikTok and Instagram.
Channel 4 has paired up with Strong Watch Studios, who are backed by Hat Trick Productions, to launch this new venure and produce the first wave of new formats for the broadcaster.
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A Comedy Thing by Channel 4 will feature an ensemble cast of emerging comedians — the perfect chance to discover new talent. These comics will appear across every show on the new YouTube channel, covering a range of comedy genres, from podcasts and crowd work to quick-fire gags and panel shows.
This isn’t the first time that Channel 4 has turned to YouTube to host its latest shows. The British broadcaster launched a food-focused channel, called Channel 4 Served, on YouTube earlier this year.
This shift to YouTube-first content is part of a larger overall strategy within Channel 4 to move away from traditional audiences and find new viewers. Announced last year, its Fast Forward strategy aims to transform the traditional broadcaster into a digital-first public service streamer by the end of the decade.
It’s part of the motivation behind the decision to launch an Apple Vision Pro app for Channel 4 — the first broadcaster to support the £3,499 Spatial Computer from Apple.
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The Fast Forward strategy emphasises a digital-first approach for all new commissions, with resources focused on genres proven to drive streaming growth, such as high-quality dramas, documentary series, comedy, and reality TV.
Don’t expect to see a flood of new content from Channel 4 HQ though. According to the company, it wants a “ruthless focus on cut-through with fewer, stronger new titles that generate more scale and impact”.
In other words — it’s quality over quantity.
Channel 4 is also committed to improving its streaming platform through outsourced technology to enhance user experience. And it wants more people to pay for that bolstered streaming experience, with the broadcaster setting itself the goal of doubling paid subscribers by 2030, with its ad-free Channel 4+ service currently priced at £3.99 monthly or £39.99 annually.
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Discussing the launch of A Comedy Thing by Channel 4, Sacha Khari, Head of Digital Commissioning at Channel 4, said: “Channel 4 has a long history of shaping British comedy, and with A Comedy Thing by Channel 4, we’re bringing that legacy into pixels. It’s built for a community who get their laughs online first but still love the buzz of a live gig.
“Whether you’re discovering your next favourite comic on YouTube or catching them on stage later, this channel delivers straight to your feed. We’re teaming up with Strong Watch Studios and a brilliant line-up of sharp, standout comics to create original formats, perfectly suited to digitally savvy audiences who just want to be entertained whilst playing along.
“The kind of content you’ll send to the group chat, stick on the big screen, or show up for in real life when you’re ready to lock in for a laugh.
“Our digital shows are already building loyal fanbases and getting real recognition and A Comedy Thing by Channel 4 is the next step. A proper home for the next wave of British comedy, made for the way modern audiences are choosing to watch. The next few months are going to be big and very funny.”