After years of waiting (and numerous questions from our readers), Channel 5’s full streaming app – My5 – is finally launching on Sky Q next month.
The timing is interesting, as it comes just weeks before Channel 5 plans to retire both the My5 and Channel 5 brands, combining them under the simpler name ‘5’.
Until now, Sky Q users have only had access to Channel 5 shows through Sky’s built-in on-demand section – quite different from Sky Glass and Stream users, who’ve had the full My5 app since April 2023.
Sky Q has been seeing apps arrive rather late to its platform in recent years – the Channel 4 streaming app only landed on Sky Q in December 2023, after being available on Sky Glass and Stream for over a year.
With Sky now focusing primarily on its streaming devices (Glass and Stream), and gradually moving away from satellite broadcasting, these late app arrivals on Sky Q aren’t entirely surprising – though they’re still frustrating for the millions of Sky Q users across the UK – but better late than never.
Kiaran Saunders, VP Distribution, Paramount UK said: “Our expanded distribution across Sky Q marks an important milestone in My5’s ongoing growth, enabling us to reach more homes than ever before.”
Jon Simkin, Managing Director, Content Partnerships, Sky, said: “Adding to the extensive range of content and apps already available on Sky Q and through our on-demand library, My5 gives viewers greater flexibility to enjoy their favourite shows all in one place while building on the fantastic Channel 5 content already available to Sky Q customers.”
The Numbers Behind The Launch
My5 had a strong 2024, with viewing minutes up by 53% compared to 2023 – higher than BBC iPlayer (24%), ITVX (22%), and Channel 4 (15%).
Several programmes helped drive these numbers up, including My Wife, My Abuser, which became My5’s most-watched show ever, along with dramas like All Creatures Great and Small and The Teacher.
What’s Coming With The ‘5’ Rebrand
When My5 transforms into ‘5’ in March, it won’t just be a name change. The streaming service is getting completely overhauled, with:
- A new interface
- Content from MTV, CBS and Comedy Central
- New linear streaming channels with adverts (similar to Pluto TV)
- Select shows from Paramount+ (but not the full service, obviously)
- Kids’ programming from Milkshake! and Nickelodeon
Interestingly, this is quite different from what was originally planned – back in 2023, Channel 5’s parent company – Paramount – announced they would merge My5 with Pluto TV.
That plan has since been quietly dropped.
The Rebranding Trend
Channel 5 isn’t alone in going for a shorter name – we’ve already seen All4 become ‘Channel 4’, UKTV Play change to ‘U’, and NOW TV drop the ‘TV’.
This trend of shorter names has already caused some confusion among viewers – after all, how do you tell someone to watch something “on Channel 4” when both the TV channel and streaming service share the same name? Adding ‘5’ to the mix probably won’t help matters.
For now, it’s worth noting that My5 is already available on most other major platforms – including Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Freeview Play boxes, smart TVs, streaming sticks, and game consoles.
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