Paramount's 5 to Launch Dedicated Drama Channel Featuring British and American Series
Paramount UK's network 5 is launching a new linear channel called 5Drama on October 21, replacing 5Select. The channel will feature British originals like 'All Creatures Great and Small' in peak slots, and American imports such as 'Gilmore Girls' and 'Columbo' in afternoons. Australian soap 'Home and Away' will also air from its first episode.
The new channel positions British programming as its evening anchor, with the All Creatures Great and Small reboot serving as a flagship title. That series already carries transatlantic recognition through its PBS Masterpiece broadcast in the United States, giving the network a proven draw for peak-time slots.
Afternoon scheduling leans heavily on established American catalog titles, including Gilmore Girls, Columbo, and A Million Little Things. The Australian soap Home and Away will begin its run from the very first episode, offering longtime viewers a chance to revisit the show's origins. The launch marks a strategic shift for Paramount's UK free-to-air portfolio, replacing the existing 5Select service.
The launch suggests linear television retains viability when paired with recognizable catalog content. Viewers who prefer scheduled viewing may gain a dedicated drama destination, while the mix of British, American, and Australian programming could broaden exposure to international storytelling. However, its success may depend on whether audiences continue choosing appointment viewing over on-demand alternatives, and whether advertisers see lasting value in a niche drama-focused demographic.