A completely free streaming platform that brings together Britain's biggest broadcasters has celebrated a major milestone, surpassing one million weekly users over the festive period. The service, named Freely, is being hailed as an ideal solution for watching live television without the need for subscriptions, aerials, or satellite dishes.
What is the Freely service?
Freely acts as a unified platform for the UK's leading terrestrial channels, described as an assembly of British broadcasters in one place. The service provides access to content from BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, alongside numerous other popular UK channels. It requires only a smart TV and a broadband connection, offering a streamlined alternative to traditional broadcast methods.
The platform's CEO, Jonathan Thompson, stated that reaching the million-user mark during the Christmas week of 2025 "signals that there is audience demand for a simple way to stream live British TV and discover great on demand shows – all in one place." The service is entirely free, with no monthly bills or subscription fees.
How to access Freely and what can you watch?
Unlike Freeview or Freesat, Freely delivers channels directly over the internet. It is integrated into smart TVs from manufacturers including Panasonic, Hisense, TCL, Amazon, and Toshiba. Once set up with a WiFi connection, viewers can immediately start streaming.
The platform boasts over 70 different channels and more than 70,000 hours of on-demand content. In October 2025, Freely announced new channel additions for 2026, expanding its library with a focus on true crime and film. Recent additions include dedicated channels like TRUE CRIME UK, Evidence Of Evil, and Bloodline, as well as reality content such as Love After Lock Up and AMC Reality.
Popular shows over the festive period highlighted the service's broad appeal, featuring titles like The Hunting Wives, Red Eye, The Night Manager, and classic series such as The Inbetweeners and Midsomer Murders.
Exclusive content and future offerings
Freely also hosts exclusive streaming channels unavailable elsewhere. In December 2025, Channel 4 launched three new channels – 4Reality, 4Homes, and 4Life – exclusively on Freely.
The service continues to expand its on-demand library. January 2026 sees new arrivals like Film Club starring Aimee Lou Wood and Nabhaan Rizwan, Riot Women from Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, and dramas including Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue and Celebrity Traitors.
With its combination of free access, live TV aggregation, and extensive on-demand library, Freely is positioning itself as a significant player in the UK's crowded streaming landscape, proving there is substantial appetite for a cost-free, consolidated viewing experience.
