Channel 4 strikes Disney+ deal
October 27, 2026

By Colin Mann



UK commercial PSB Channel 4 and The Walt Disney Company have announced an agreement that will bring Channel 4’s linear HD channel and a range of on-demand content to Disney+ in the UK and Ireland.

The agreement includes multiple Channel 4 shows being made available on Disney+, at the same time as their release via Channel 4. These include psychological thriller Maya featuring Bella Ramsey, comedy Stepping Up featuring Denise Welch, and reality format Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins – plus Channel 4’s main TV channel and additional on-demand content.


The pair say the collaboration will bring “high-quality, local content to customers in markets around the world”.

From early 2027, Disney+ customers will be able to watch Channel 4’s linear channel, plus hundreds of hours of its scripted and unscripted content through its on-demand catalogue, at no extra cost via a Channel 4-branded section featuring the same navigation and user experience as the rest of Disney+.

Adam Smith, Chairman Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment, commented: “Local broadcaster partnerships are very important as we build our content libraries and serve fans around the world. Channel 4 has created shows with strong appeal to audiences in the UK and Ireland, and we’re excited to bring some of those favorites to Disney+. This agreement is the latest example of our global strategy, pairing high-quality local programming and cultural relevance with a complementary audience and more personalised streaming experience on Disney+.”

Priya Dogra, Chief Executive, Channel 4, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Disney+ to give audiences even more ways to discover and enjoy Channel 4’s brilliant shows. Channel 4 is home to some of the UK and Ireland’s most talked about and trusted programming, and this new service will help those shows reach viewers in new places. This exciting step shows how collaboration between broadcasters and streamers can create more choice and value for audiences.”

Further details on launch timings and content available will be confirmed in due course.

Reacting to the news, Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight said: “[This is] a landmark deal — and a strong example of how partnerships can help broadcasters stay relevant as audiences move to streaming.”

“This partnership is designed to extend reach, not simply add another outlet. Disney said around 40 per cent of its engagement comes from 16–34-year-olds. Channel 4 sees relatively limited audience overlap, making Disney+ a complementary way to reach younger viewers […] For Channel 4, the deal diversifies revenue and could support further investment in distinctive British storytelling. For Disney+, it adds a recognisable local brand and programming. Disney+ will clearly brand and promote Channel 4 content.”

“Alongside the ITVX partnership, this strengthens Disney’s position in the UK as a distribution partner for broadcasters. Disney now has more than 10 local-content partnerships live across EMEA, with each deal shaped around its broadcaster partner. The opportunity is to combine complementary strengths — local programming and advertising expertise with streaming reach, audience insight and platform scale — creating more value for viewers and a more sustainable future for broadcasters,” added Pescatore.