Rebecca Cook
Published January 15, 2026 5:13pm
Updated January 15, 2026 5:13pm
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Freely probably already has a lot of your favourite shows already on there (Picture: Laurence Cendrowicz/Bad Wolf/Sony Pictures Television)
This streaming service is totally free and surpassed one million weekly users over the festive period.
While it might feel like the only streaming services we have to choose from are either Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, there’s a new kid on the streaming block – and it’s ideal for watching live TV.
Aptly named Freely, the streaming service is essentially an Avengers Assemble of all the British broadcasters into one place.
The service includes everything from the BBC and ITV to Channel 4 and Channel 5, as well as other popular UK channels.
And there’s no aerial or satellite dish needed, meaning you can get hassle-free entertainment through your smart TV.
Freely reached its big milestone over the Christmas week and their CEO, Jonathan Thompson, said it ‘signals that there is audience demand for a simple way to stream live British TV and discover great on demand shows – all in one place.’
The service is a joint venture with the British broadcasters (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry)
There are over 70,000 hours of content waiting on Freely (Picture: Netfix/Lionsgate)
In October Freely announced they were adding new channels to the subscription-free streaming platform for 2026, touting a mix of true crime and film for avid watchers.
The UK-based streaming service counts more than 70 different channels to its name, with the latest additions including TRUE CRIME UK, Evidence Of Evil and Bloodline crime shows. And if that’s not your thing, they’ve got Love After Lock Up and AMC Reality – so there’s certainly a big range of stuff here!
If that’s piqued your interest in how exactly you can get your remote to take you to Freely, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Freely?
Freely is described as ‘the new way to stream the best live and on demand content, all in one place, for free’ – sounds pretty good.
Yes, it’s a lot of content we can already access on other platforms, with the likes of BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, but it puts it all in one place.
The Freely website explains: ‘Freely is a completely free TV service that provides access to more than 40 channels, including those from the UK’s biggest broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5.’
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Previous Page Next PagePlus, there are no bills or monthly subscriptions, so it’s never been easier to watch all your favourite shows for free and in one place.
How to watch Freely?
Freely might sound familiar to those who have Freeview or Freesat, but it has channels that are streamed over the internet rather than through an antenna or satellite dish. So it’s a bit like a free version of Sky Glass or Virgin TV Stream.
But how do you get it? Well, there are several TV manufacturers who now have it incorporated into their televisions. So if you’re on the lookout, it can be accessed on TVs from Panasonic, Hisense, TCL, Amazon and Toshiba.
So your Freely TV can be popped up anywhere you’ve got a decent WiFi connection and then you can get streaming.
What to watch on Freely?
One of the shows on offer is The Inbetweeners (Picture: Channel 4)
What are the most popular shows on Freely?
Over the festive period, the most popular shows on Freely included…
- The Hunting Wives
- Red Eye
- The Night Manager
- The Traitors
- The Inbetweeners
- Midsomer Murders
- All Creatures Great and Small
What Freely has to offer could be described as a TV buffet. There’s a lot going on.
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Freely has over 70,000 hours of on-demand content, so you could, if you so chose, sit and watch TV for almost eight years without moving, as the service’s website boasts. Is there any better way to pass the time?
There’s certainly a lot on there to keep you occupied, with an impressive array of shows arriving this month alone. We’re talking about brand-new shows and some new seasons for existing tele fans.
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Plus, there are even channels on offer which you can’t get anywhere but Freely. Channel 4 last month launched three new streaming channels – 4Reality, 4Homes, and 4Life – exclusively on the service.
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