Channel 5's 5Drama drops Oct 21, uniting Gilmore Girls & Home & Away

Paramount UK’s Channel 5 has announced the launch of a new drama‑focused channel, 5Drama, set to debut on October 21. The service will replace the existing 5Select line‑up and will feature a blend of original productions, American imports, and Australian series.

This move signals the network’s ongoing commitment to linear television amid a broader shift toward streaming platforms.

At the heart of 5Drama’s schedule is the reboot of All Creatures Great and Small, which also airs on PBS Masterpiece in the United States.

Weekend evenings will carry popular U.S. dramas such as Gilmore Girls, Columbo, and ABC’s A Million Little Things, while weekday afternoons will showcase the long‑running Australian soap Home and Away from its first episode onward.

The channel also secures rights to the first ten seasons of BBC’s Waterloo Road, covering its original run from 2006 to 2014.

Reemah Sakaan, head of programming at Channel 5, said in a statement that award‑winning drama is “increasingly at the heart of what 5 offers viewers, so it’s the right time to give it a dedicated home.” She added that the launch “is about sharpening our channels and giving viewers a clear offer wherever they’re watching – on linear, 5Streaming,

Freely or YouTube.”

## Background & Context

Channel 5’s new drama network joins a linear portfolio that already includes the flagship 5 channel, 5Action, 5Star, and 5USA. In recent years it has been the only UK broadcaster to grow its linear audience share, regularly outperforming rivals Channel 4 and BBC Two in overnight viewership.

The network’s focus on linear programming comes at a time when the BBC is slated to close at least one channel under content chief Ben Frow, yet 5 remains committed to traditional broadcasting.

The announcement arrives amid discussions of Paramount‑Warner’s $110 billion merger, which includes potential divestitures of American linear networks such as BET, VH1, and Comedy Central. While the deal has not yet specified its impact on UK operations, Channel 5 appears to be protected from immediate changes.

How the merger will ultimately reshape international linear assets remains unclear.

## Programming Lineup & Strategy

5Drama’s schedule will feature a mix of 5 originals, American imports, and Australian series. The evening lineup is anchored by the All Creatures Great and Small reboot and will include U.S. dramas like Gilmore Girls, Columbo, and A Million Little Things.

Afternoon slots will focus on Australian content, with Home and Away airing from its first episode onward.

Rights to the first ten seasons of Waterloo Road allow 5Drama to offer a complete archive of the BBC school drama’s original run. This addition expands the channel’s appeal to fans of long‑running British serials and complements its broader strategy of delivering diverse, high‑quality drama across multiple time slots.

The channel’s emphasis on linear television reflects 5’s broader strategy to maintain a strong broadcast presence while simultaneously expanding its digital footprint. By concentrating award‑winning drama on a dedicated channel, the network seeks to differentiate itself in a crowded market.

## Implications & Future Moves

The launch of 5Drama aligns with Channel 5’s broader digital push, which includes a new YouTube channel dedicated to documentaries. This move dovetails with recent expansions into sports, news, and children’s content on the platform, offering viewers a clear and consistent brand experience across linear and online channels.

With 5Drama’s arrival, Channel 5 strengthens its position against competitors by offering exclusive and nostalgic drama titles that attract both traditional viewers and those who prefer on‑demand access.

While the Paramount‑Warner merger introduces uncertainty for some linear networks, 5’s current protection suggests that its new channel may thrive in the near term.

The network will launch 5Drama on October 21, providing viewers with a dedicated drama destination on linear television, while continuing to broaden its presence across streaming and social media platforms.