Sky One: why have TV bosses given channel a 'rebrand' - and what can viewers expect from Sky Showcase?

The channel has played host to shows such as A Discovery of Witches, The Flight Attendant and the Friends Reunion in the last year
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

After almost 40 years on our TV screens, Sky One is set to be replaced by two new channels.

The channel has played host to shows such as A Discovery of Witches, The Flight Attendant and the Friends Reunion in the last year, and was the UK’s home of The Simpsons since the 2000’s.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here’s all you need to know about why Sky One has faced the chop.

Sky One logo (Sky)Sky One logo (Sky)
Sky One logo (Sky)

Why has Sky One been scrapped?

Sky One has faced the axe after a shake-up of the broadcaster's linear channel options.

The channel was first launched in 1982 and has been the home of everything from new episodes of The Simpsons to big budget american specials like The Flight Attendant.

Sky One’s 106 linear channel slot will be replaced by Sky Showcase from September 1 2021.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking to Variety, Sky’s director of program strategy, Jamie Morris, said: We’d like to think of it as a bit of a time for a reset. It’s been a really successful year [for Sky One], so the content is stronger than ever. We just want to make our portfolio offering as clear as possible to customers.”

He explained the vision for Sky Showcase is to “bring in content from across our portfolio. And it’ll be curated, so at any one point you can see a documentary sat side by side with an arts program side by side a comedy or a drama. So it will be literally all of our [hero] content across Sky in one destination.”

“Showcase is a very explicit name,” he added of the new moniker. “You know what it is, which is showcasing the best of Sky.”

Zai Bennett, MD of Content Sky UK & ROI, said: “In this golden age of television, the sheer volume of incredible programming can be overwhelming. Over the last 12 months we’ve been making it easier for people to find what they want to watch.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"From September those looking for the very best of Sky will find it at the top of their programme 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.”

Read More
What happened in Love Island last night? Latest news as things heat up in Casa A...

What is Sky Showcase and Sky Max?

Sky Showcase is set to launch on September 1 2021. It will be found on channel 106.

The channel will be a curation of the top shows across Sky’s output including Sky Witness, Sky Documentaries, Sky Crime, Sky Nature, Sky Arts, Sky Max, Sky Comedy, Sky History, Sky Kids, SyFy and E!.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sky Max will become the new home of the broadcaster’s blockbuster entertainment programmes.

The channel will host shows such as Russell Howard Hour and DC Superheroes as well as original dramas like A Discovery of Witches and COBRA.

Sky Max will also host the revival of Never Mind the Buzzcocks, which will be hosted by Greg Davies while Noel Fielding and Daisy May Cooper as team captains.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.