Disney+ to include Channel 4 channel and shows for UK and Irish subscribers in 2027

The Walt Disney Co. and Channel 4 announced a new agreement that will place Channel 4's main broadcast channel and its on-demand video library inside Disney+ for customers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The integration is scheduled to begin in early 2027. Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro described the partnership as a landmark agreement that aligns with his goal of making Disney+ the digital center of the company's strategy.

Under the terms of the deal, Disney+ subscribers will gain access to Channel 4's linear high-definition channel. They will also receive hundreds of hours of scripted and unscripted content, including the drama Maya, the comedy Stepping Up, and the reality format Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. These titles will be available day and date, meaning they will appear on the streaming platform at the same time they air on Channel 4. The service will be accessible through a Channel 4-branded section within the Disney+ app and will not require an extra fee for existing subscribers.

Karl Holmes, general manager for Disney+ in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, stated that the collaboration is the most ambitious in the region. He noted that Disney+ has grown its subscriber base in the area by 30 percent over the last 18 months. Holmes attributed this growth partly to the addition of local content from free-to-air broadcasters. He said the next wave of growth for the service will be driven by local programming that appeals to younger demographics. Disney+ data indicates that 17 percent of its users are aged 4 to 15, compared to 3 percent for Channel 4. The 16 to 34 age group makes up 39 percent of Disney+ viewers but only 10 percent of Channel 4's audience.

Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra said the partnership allows the broadcaster to reach viewers who may not currently watch its content. She emphasized that the Channel 4 branding will be preserved alongside the programming. Dogra explained that the deal is part of a digital-first strategy designed to direct more revenue toward British content. She stated that the broadcaster's owned and operated services remain the primary home for its programming, but the Disney+ integration offers a way to reach potential new audiences.

This is the latest content deal between Disney+ and a major European broadcaster. The company has previously struck similar agreements with ITV in the U.K., RAI in Italy, ARD and ZDF in Germany, SIC in Portugal, and RTVE and Atresmedia in Spain. Financial terms for the Channel 4 pact were not disclosed. Both executives indicated they expect the partnership to expand over time, potentially involving more Disney content on Channel 4 and further integration of services.

The agreement reflects a broader shift in how European broadcasters and streamers collaborate. Holmes said the deal complements the existing Disney movie slate and Hulu-branded general entertainment on the platform. Dogra said the partnership will provide data on how audiences respond to shows, which will inform future commissioning decisions. The companies said further details on launch timing and specific content availability will be announced later.