The service formerly known as My5 now uses the single brand 5. It combines Channel 5 catch-up, live channels, box sets and a growing group of free advertising-supported streaming channels, including factual, crime, reality and Milkshake! children's programming.
By MainBuyer Editorial Team · Published 14 July 2026 · Reviewed 14 July 2026
5 is an easy recommendation as a free supplementary service. It is especially useful for Channel 5 factual programmes, crime, reality, imported drama and children's viewing. It is not a direct substitute for Paramount+ even though the businesses are related: the free 5 catalogue and paid Paramount+ catalogue remain different propositions.
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Service structure and features checked on 14 July 2026. Prices, catalogues, bundles and promotions can change.
The free service provides recent Channel 5 catch-up, box sets and selected archive programmes.
Best for: Channel 5 factual, drama, reality and documentary viewers
Consider: Advertising is included and availability windows differ by programme.
Plan note: Registration and UK location requirements apply to parts of the service.
Watch 5Supported live channels can be watched within the service alongside catch-up content.
Best for: Viewers following Channel 5 and related channels live
Consider: Live viewing requires a TV Licence and streams can be delayed.
Plan note: Channel availability depends on rights, device and region.
View live on 5Themed free channels provide continuous programmes without requiring the viewer to select each episode.
Best for: Background viewing, factual marathons and themed channels
Consider: FAST channels include adverts and schedules are chosen by the provider.
Plan note: The available channel line-up changes over time.
Browse 5 channelsChannel 5 unified its broadcaster and streaming identity under the name 5. Older device menus, articles or household language may still refer to My5, but the current service should be searched for as 5.
This matters when installing apps or following support instructions because an older My5 listing may no longer represent the current software.
The service combines conventional catch-up with box sets and themed streaming channels. These continuous channels are useful for casual viewing but do not provide the control of choosing any episode from a complete permanent archive.
Advertising funds the service. Viewers wanting an ad-free premium catalogue should compare a separate paid platform rather than expecting a subscription tier within 5.
Channel 5 and Paramount+ share corporate ownership, and some brands or programmes can overlap, but the services are not interchangeable. A title visible on Paramount+ is not automatically available free on 5.
Check both catalogues before subscribing, particularly for Nickelodeon, MTV, Paramount films or imported US series.
Yes. Channel 5 unified its broadcaster and streaming service under the 5 brand in 2025.
Yes. It is a free advertising-supported streaming service.
No. Paramount+ is a separate paid service, although some brands and programmes may overlap.
A licence is required when watching live television. Non-live on-demand viewing does not have the BBC iPlayer-specific rule.
This is a research-based assessment using official provider information and MainBuyer editorial judgement. Streaming catalogues are dynamic and the page does not claim that MainBuyer has watched every title or completed laboratory testing of every app.
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