Best shows to watch on Channel 4

Drama, documentaries, [adult swim], comedy, entertainment… Channel 4 has got it all, and there’s A LOT to choose from. But with so much to choose from we can here you asking “but what’s on Channel 4?!” Through the screen. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve trawled through the 1,000s of titles and box sets on offer to bring you the crème de la crème.

So, what are the best shows to stream on Channel 4? 

Short answer: A LOT. But that’s not enough is it? Keep reading for the best Channel 4 highlights!

Favourites | Comedy | Guilt free TV | Drama | Walter Presents | Documentaries

Undeniable favourites

If you’re not watching it every day, you’re definitely watching it every week.

Virgin Island  

Virgin Island is officially coming back on our screens! Following adult virgins who have travelled to a gorgeous Mediterranean retreat to take their very first steps in intimacy, all kindly guided through by specialists. It’s warm and super thought-provoking.  

Taskmaster Series 21

It’s backkkkk!! Trying to impress the Taskmaster, that is the one and only Greg Davies, are five new contestants: Amy Gledhill, Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, Joel Dommett and Kumail Nanjiani. We cannot wait to see the tomfoolery they get up to! 

Your Song 

A singing competition hosted by Alison Hammond?! Say no more, we’re in. Your Song is a joyful, big‑hearted new series that puts everyday people centre stage, all united by one powerful thing: the song that means the most to them. 

Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing 

Hosted by the legendary Jonathan Ross, this social experiment throws eight pairs of total strangers – with clashing beliefs, opinions and lifestyles - into the ultimate 24/7 endurance test: being handcuffed together. They’ll face challenges, disagreements and a lot of awkward moments, all in a bid to be in the running for the £100k jackpot! 

The Hunt: Prey vs Predator  

Imagine this: Hunger Games meets The Traitors. Dropped right into the deep, dark wilderness, this is a high-stake survival showdown between the predators who stalk the prey to try and snatch their money whilst prey scramble to stay hidden, allll for a massive £100,000 prize!  

Game of Wool

Olympic champion and knitting enthusiast Tom Daley host a brand-new competition showcasing ten talented knitters as they complete challenges to be crowned Britain’s Best Knitter.  Think a combo of Sewing Bee and the cosy chaos of Bake Off!

Want to know more!? Read our standalone article riiiight here: 

The Great Pottery Throwdown  

Craft afficionado’s are in luck, we’ve got another gem for you. And hey, even if you just really appreciate a good ceramic bowl, no judgement. Grab a brew whilst 12 skilled ceramicists carve and mould their way to be crowned Britain’s Best Potter. Siobhan McSweeny hosts with master potters Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller judging. Let’s juuust hope no one cracks under the pressure – or in the kiln! 

Celebrity SAS Who Dares Win 

Brace yourself and as 14 celeb recruits undertake brutal military-grade training drills. With series 8 just dropping, the DS (Directing Staff) barking orders have dropped a big ol’ twist. The contestants have been split into Team UK and Team Australia – may the best accent win. Some of the brave contestants include: Dani Dyer (Love Island), Graeme Swan and Ryan Moloney (Neighbours). We’ll be watching – well, peeking – from behind a blanket. 

Gogglebox

There’s something quite inception-like about turning on the TV to watch Britain’s best armchair critics reviewing a week’s worth of TV, but we just can’t get enough of it. It's the perfect blend of laughter and gossip.

 

The Great British Bake Off

It’s the sweetest escape into a world of flour, sugar, and scrumptious creations (where’s Smell-O-Vision when you need it?!). Britain’s best amateur bakers take on the ultimate baking contest with tricky challenges and showstoppers that we could NEVER make, but would happily eat. And don’t forget about the Bake Off: The Professionals and The Great British Bake Off for SU2C!

Junior Bake Off 

Who can forget The Great British Bake Off’s mini me Junior Bake Off. With series 11 whisking along nicely, catch up on the bakers in smaller aprons take on biscuit challenges to nightmare cakes. Hosted by the giggle-inducing Harry Hill, tune in to find out who will be crowned Britain’s best Junior baker! 

Hollyoaks

It all happens in this Chester village. And after almost 30 years later there’s never a dull moment.

Comedy

Big comedy that’s going to give you big laughs.

Big Mood 

Maggie (Nicola Coughlan, Bridgerton) and Eddie (Lydia West, It’s a Sin) return for season two of Big Mood in 2026 and things are about to get… complicated. It’s been a whole year since the former best friends last spoke (yikes). But when Eddie suddenly reappears for a wedding, she doesn’t come solo but arrives with a new spiritual healer, Whitney, in tow. Awkward. As old bonds are tested and new energies enter the mix, Maggie’s left wondering: is there still room for her in Eddie’s life or is this really goodbye? 

Nurse Jackie 

This comedy-drama will have you laughing so hard you’ll wonder if you need to go to the ER. Emmy-winning Edie Falco shines as the charming chaotic, pill-popping Manhattan nurse Jackie Payton. Watch on as she carefully balances sainthood and sin so to not flatline. And with 7 whole series to binge, consider us hooked. 

Stath Lets Flats 

Oh my gilly goodness, this BAFTA Award-winning comedy is an absolute gem. Jamie Demetriou stars as incompetent estate agent Stath for his father’s family business, Michael & Eagle Lettings. Expect bumbling awkward chaos as Stath shows clients burnt out-houses, employs unique pigeon removal techniques all whilst desperately trying to outshine the ambitious Carole (Katy Wix) for top-agent. This show would most definitely win the silly billy awards in our books. 

Hullraisers

There’s a reason why this hull-arious female-led comedy is BAFTA-nominated. Enter the chaotically funny world of three friends juggling life and love.

Derry Girls

Lisa McGee’s award-winning comedy is full of witty banter, quirky characters and 90s nostalgia. It's a coming-of-age comedy following the wild world of four teens living in Derry during The Troubles.

Chewing Gum

Michaela Coel’s bold hilarious comedy series about quirky 24-year-old Tracey complexities of love, sex, and adulthood in London. Guaranteed to leave you laughing and loud and craving more.

Peep Show

It’s a cult classic about the hysterically awkward lives of two mismatched roommates. Full of cringe-worthy inner thoughts, sharp wit and dark humour.

Friday Night Dinner

With a triple-threat of eccentric characters, absurd situations, and laugh-out-loud moments, Friday Night Dinner is a comedic gem if ever there was one. Two siblings gather at the parents’ for Friday dinners with inevitable chaotic consequences.

Guilt-free TV

It’s the good stuff that eeeeveryone’s talking about.

First Dates Beach Club 

Feeling the January blues? Let First Dates Beach Club fly you away to sun-soaked Spain. Think beachside cocktails, cheeky flirting and blind dates that you’ll totally get invested in. But there’s a twist!? These singletons won’t just go on ONE date but stay at the resort and meet a whooole line up of daters. And of course, trusty Fred Sirieix and Merlin Griffiths will be close by playing Cupid.  

Married at First Sight Australia (Season 13) 

Taking blind dates to a new extreme, Aussie singles get thrown into the deep end of matrimony, where they say "I do" to partners chosen by relationship experts, meeting for the first time at the altar. Will it be matrimonial bliss, or chaos reign supreme? Sounds juicy doesn’t it?

Looking for evennnn more reality TV to get lost in? Discover all the goss you could ever need for free. 

Celebs Go Dating

Your fave agency doors are swinging open once again as Celebs Go Dating returns for its 15th series, and the hunt for the one is officially back on! This series star-studded line up features: James Haskell, Colleen Nolan (Loose Women), Lucinda Light (Married at First Sight Australia), Gabby Allen (Love Island), and David Potts (Big Brother, Ibiza Weekender). We’re soooo ready for heart-fluttering chaos.  

Made in Chelsea Series 31  

Drama, heartbreaks and side-eyes are just a few of the antics you can expect from the socially elite 20-somethings living in some of London’s poshest postcodes. And of course we just can’t get enough of it…   

Dance Moms 

5,6,7,8! It’s not a drill, Dance Moms is streaming for free in the UK! Dance coach Abby Lee Miller puts her dance troop through their paces but it’s the mums who cause the real drama. With 9 whole series to work through, expect dazzling performances, meltdowns and a looooot of drama. 

Dance superstar alumni include: Maddie Ziegler, Mackenzie Ziegler and Jojo Siwa.  

Come Dine with Me

Imagine having random strangers come into your home to judge your cooking and hospitality, but not before having a look around while you’re in the kitchen… That could never be us, but we thoroughly enjoy watching it from the other side of the screen. 

Room for more? Channel 4 have treated us with a handful of special spin off series including Hollyoaks Does Come Dine With Me to celebrate 30 years of the iconic soap and a MAFS UK Does Come Dine With Me for a delicious reunion! We’re sat and ready at the table.  

First Dates Beach Club  

Dreaming of a holiday? Let First Dates Beach Club fly you away to sun-soaked Spain. Think beachside cocktails, cheeky flirting and blind dates that you’ll totally get invested in. But there’s a twist!? These singletons won’t just go on ONE date but stay at the resort and meet a whooole line up of daters. And of course, trusty Fred Sirieix and Merlin Griffiths will be close by playing Cupid.    

Can’t stop thinking of the beautiful Spain scenery? Freely have curated an ultimate list of the best travel shows to inspire your wanderlust! 
 

Drama Drama Drama

Good enough to be jaw-dropping and great enough to binge a few episodes at a time

A Woman of Substance 

Looking for a rags to riches story? You’re in luck! This fierce drama follows Emma Harte’s revenge story, beginning as an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest women. Leading the charge is Jessica Reynolds capturing young Emma’s relentless drive whilst Brenda Blethyn embodies Harte later in life as a formidable businesswoman at the height of her power! Consider us hooked. 

Want to know evennnn more about A Woman of Substance!? Discover all you need to know about Emma Harte's journey from maid to mogul. 

Dirty Business 

When two Oxfordshire locals uncover a huge pollution problem, they expose how regulators completely dropped the ball. The result is a powerful, anger‑fuelled true story that shines a harsh light on the failures of the UK water system.Heartbreaking, infuriating and impossible to look away, perfect for fans of Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Starring David Thewlis, Jason Watkins and Charlotte Ritchie. 

Looking for even more jaw-dropping true story dramas? Discover gripping dramas that are impossible to look away from. 

The Copenhagen Test 

Simu Liu stars as Alexander Hale, an intelligence analyst stuck behind the scenes at a top‑secret agency, until he realises he might be the mole they’re hunting. Say what!? With his digital life hacked and reality starting to blur, Alexander plays along to uncover the truth before it allll unravels. This espionage thriller is sure to have you hooked. 

Trespasses 

Adapted from Louise Kennedy’s novel, this heart-staking drama is set in the 1970s Northern Ireland during The Troubles. Following the forbidden love affair between a Catholic schoolteacher (Lola Petticrew) and a married Protestant barrister (Tom Cullen) this story is delicate and revolutionary. If you had plans this weekend, consider them cancelled!   

Say Nothing 

In this chilling drama, based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s acclaimed novel, dives into the abduction of Jean McConville in the shadows of The Troubles. Expect nail-biting tension from this one with standout performances from Lola Petticrew, Anthny Boyle, and Maxine Peake.   

Patience

It’s official a second series is allll prepped to press play. 

Based on the extremely popular Astrid: Murder in Paris series, Patience takes things to a whole new level. This six-part police drama is set in York, where young autistic Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis) works in the criminal records department of the Yorkshire police. After forming an unlikely duo with detective Bea Metcalfe (Laura Fraser), a brand-new door opens for Patience. With an instinctive eye for crime scenes – as well as a knack for problem-solving – Patience quickly finds all eyes on her!

All Eyes on Get Millie Black 

When Millie-Jean Black trades in her Scotland Yard DI badge for the Jamaican Police Force back home in Kingston, she expects missing person cases. Instead, she stumbles into a tangle of old wounds, including her estranged sister, and a whoooole swarm of conspiracy theories. Chyna Mcqueen’s outstanding performance in this crime drama, only went and earnt her a BAFTA award nomination!! 

House 

This gritty medical drama follows House (yes that is his name) and his team treat bizarre diseases that no one else can solve. But House (Hugh Laurie) is veryyy different to your average care-worker, being that caring is not a natural quality of his. Instead, he’s a bit of an antisocial jerk but an absolute medical maverick.  

The Couple Next Door

When a young couple befriends their new suburban neighbours, their seemingly close bond raises suspicions: is their friendliness genuine or something more? Watch if you want a drama filled with desire, secrets betrayal.

It’s A Sin

Russell T Davies' powerful and heartfelt drama about five friends bravely embracing life and love in the face of discrimination and the looming shadow of AIDS.

Truelove

Defying ageist stereotypes with a core cast in their 70s, Truelove offering twists, humour, and romance in all the right places, while tackling the heaviest of questions – “is it ever right to help end a life?”.

Walter Presents

The good stuff just got better! Channel 4 have a whole range of international, foreign language dramas handpicked by TV Producer Walter Iuzzolino (known for The Couple Next Door and Professor T). There are loads to sink your teeth into, but here are a couple of our faves to get you started:

Astrid: Murder in Paris

If you love crime thrillers with a twist, Astrid: Murder in Paris is calling your name! Follow the brilliant yet socially anxious criminal analyst Astrid Nielsen as she teams up with no-nonsense detective Raphaëlle Coste to crack the most mind-bending murder cases in Paris — all while navigating the complexities of friendship, neurodiversity, and justice!

What makes it even better is that you can binge-watch series 1-5 now, because trust us, once you start, you won’t want to stop!

Arcadia

Step into a not-so-distant future in this chilling dystopian drama… Arcadia takes place in a society where every citizen’s life is governed by a strict social credit system — and one family's carefully curated existence begins to unravel when long-buried secrets come to light.

What can you expect? Political intrigue, family betrayal, a tightly controlled society on the brink, and a suspenseful ride that will have you questioning just how far you'd go to protect the ones you love. Want to find out more?

Documentaries and Factual Stories

No stones are left unturned with documentaries on Channel 4. From true crime and award-winning Dispatches to documentaries unpacking famous interviews and even the Depp V Heard (and the wild ride that was) stream it all in 4K. We have an entire section dedicated to documentaries if you want even more suggestions!

24 Hours in Police Custody 

Fancy yourself as a detective, or just a bit nosy? This gripping true-crime documentary drops you right into the action, following real police detective cases around the clock as they work day and night to crack some major cases. We’re so here to not do any paperwork! 

Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey 

Join national treasure Lorraine Kelly in this three-part doc, as she traverses beautiful Norway. From stunning fjords and volcanoes, local culture and exploring old Norwegian tradition, this doc has it all. Be prepared to add Norway onto your travel bucket list! 

Catching a Killer 

True crime lovers, get ready to lock into your new favourite binge. Catching a Killer goes behind the scenes with the police as they investigate range of grisly murders and missing person cases. This series will have you glued to your sofa.  

Jamie’s Feast for a Fiver 

In this brand-new series, Jamie Oliver is backkk and serving up budget dishes that taste far more expensive than they have any right to be. Think chicken hotpot, French-toast crumpets and a cracking curry. Prepare to rewrite your shopping list.   

Nasa, Nazis and the Space Race

This documentary delves deep into the story of Operation Paperclip, one of the most controversial operations to happen in the 20th century in which 1,600 former Nazi scientists were pardoned and taken to America at the end of the war. If you want to discover the true story behind the 1969 space landings, then add this to your My List.

Films

We can’t forget about all the films and free-to-view premiers on Film4, and you can see them in the film section on Channel 4. You want action? No problem. How about sci-fi, or maybe you’re looking for thriller? There’s something for everyone! And if you want to check-out the latest films on Freely, we've got youuuu!

If allll of that is still not enough, there's plenty of new and shiny shows on TV at the moment. Sign up to the Freely Press to be the first to hear all about it!