Distribution & Consumption

Warner Bros. Discovery to revamp TLC as free-to-air channel in UK and Ireland

Warner Bros. Discovery has unveiled plans to launch a new-look TLC as a free-to-air entertainment channel in the UK and Ireland.

From January 2026, TLC will host scripted content, such as Mike & Molly, as well as The Big Bang Theory and its spin-offs, Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage.

TLC will also include a new-look Mock the Week, the satirical celebrity panel show, produced by Angst, and Zero Stars, produced by CPL, which sees comedians Roisin Conaty and Sara Pascoe journey across the globe, experiencing places with only the funniest and worst reviews.

As part of the overhaul, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will close its HGTV cable channel in the UK and Ireland. From January 2026, WBD’s free-to-air channel Really will include HGTV shows such as Celebrity IOU with the Property Brothers, Home Town, and My Lottery Dream Home.

shutterstock_2375926847.jpg
Credit: JHVEPhoto. Source: Shutterstock.com

After the changes, WBD’s UK free-to-air (FTA) portfolio will consist of six channels with Quest, Quest Red, Food Network, and DMAX, alongside TLC and Really.

The FTA line-up complements WBD’s pay-TV channels in the UK – including the Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network, and TNT Sports – totalling more than 20 linear channels.

Graham Lafferty, Senior Vice President (SVP) of Content Strategy and Networks at WBD UK and Ireland, said: “Through TLC, we are excited to commission and curate a broad entertainment channel that spans both scripted and unscripted content, including award-winning shows like The Big Bang Theory, through to a new-look British comedy staple like Mock the Week.”

Warner Bros. Discovery is to split into two publicly traded companies, separating its cable TV networks from its studios and streaming businesses. Discover more here.

Latest News
Barry John will take up the Technology Director role on 1 November 2026

Channel 4 launches instant advertising platform

Channel 4 Sales has launched Instant Re4ch, an advertising proposition intended to offer prioritised planning across Channel 4 Sales' portfolio, guaranteeing peak spots across Channel 4, Paramount, and UKTV channels on the same evening.

Read more

Netflix lays off 6% of workforce

In its biggest round of cuts since 2022, Netflix has axed approximately 6% of its employees, including big hitters like Carolina Garcia, Director, Original Series, Netflix, who has been with the streamer for 10 years and oversaw The Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things.

Read more
Favourites:

Registered users only: Login

Share this:
Other themes: