Channel 4 outgrowing every major streamer in 2026 whilst linear audiences thrive

Channel 4 is leading the way in 2026, outgrowing the biggest streaming platforms in the UK and increasing its linear commercial share ahead of the pack, driven by a compelling slate of original British programming.

Across January, Channel 4 streaming viewer minutes (individuals) increased by 25% year on year – growth ahead of BVOD platforms run by the BBC, ITV and 5, plus SVOD platforms operated by Sky, Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video and Apple TV.

Across its full portfolio of channels, Channel 4 posted market-leading linear commercial growth in January, with its share of commercial impacts (+14% year on year) growing ahead of its commercial peers. Linear commercial growth was secured across every demographic including +18% among 1634s – again ahead of its competitors. Meanwhile, views of full episodes of Channel 4 shows on YouTube grew 15% year on year.

In addition, Channel 4’s 1634 viewers streamed 50% of their overall Channel 4 viewing in January – more than any other commercial broadcaster.

Channel 4’s market-leading start to 2026 has been driven by a slate of distinctive British programming and original productions:

• In January, Patience was the number one drama across commercial BVOD since its return – with the first episode delivering a 28-day audience of 4.2million, and streaming viewing minutes up 38% year on year.
  
  
• The Great Pottery Throw Down streaming viewing minutes up 51% year on year in January, with its highest ever linear share for 1634s (19%).
  
  
• What Not To Eat - Channel 4’s highest rating new linear title this year with episode one attracting a 0 – 28-day audience of 1.9m million, and 55 million streaming viewer minutes across the series.
  
  
• Secret Genius episode one on linear brought in a consolidated 0 – 7-day audience of 1.8 million since launch – up 41% vs the Sunday evening slot average.
  
  
• Latest episode of Catching A Killer securing an audience of two million on linear.
  
  
• Eight out of the top twenty titles across commercial BVOD (1634 viewer minutes): 24 Hours In Police Custody, Africa Cup Of Nations, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Dance Moms, Gogglebox, the Great Pottery Throwdown, Patience, Four in a Bed.
• A 1.7 million peak audience for the Africa Cup of Nations final on E4 and 700,000 through Channel 4 streaming – resulting in E4’s biggest daily share for over 20 years.
  
  

Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer, Channel 4, said: “Last year Channel 4 led the way among commercial broadcasters in converting youth audiences to streaming while underlining the enduring power of linear TV. We’re continuing this and more into 2026 – outgrowing the market on both streaming and linear audiences. With old favourites like Taskmaster and The Great Pottery Throw Down flying and new hits like Patience, What Not to Eat and Secret Genius cutting through, today’s results show that our bold, singular slate of very British programming is resonating with audiences.”

• Data as measured by Barb
• Share of Commercial Impacts = measurement of share of ad viewing
• UK organic views for full episodes of Channel 4 programmes on YouTube (Channel 4 internal data informed by YouTube)