David Farnor | On 12, Sep 2018

Channel 4 and Sky will share box sets, series and Walter Presents titles in a first-of-its-kind content deal between the two broadcasters.

The deal will see selected Channel 4 and Walter Presents drama series released on the Sky and NOW platforms in one go, allowing customers to binge on all episodes, while Sky will allow its original programmes to be broadcast on Channel 4.

The agreement kicks off this week with No Offence Season 3 being released all-at-once on Sky and NOW for subscribers. Paul Abbott’s award-winning comedy-drama, which averaged over 2.5 million viewers in 2017, will air weekly as normal on Channel 4, with episodes available on All 4 following their broadcast.

Later this year, meanwhile, Sky’s Tin Star, starring Tim Roth, will air on Channel 4, with episodes available on All 4 following their broadcast. The broadcast will give non-Sky customers the chance to catch up with the drama before it returns to Sky Atlantic for Season 2 in early 2019. The revenge thriller drew in an average audience of more than 1.7 million for each of its 10 episodes when it was released on Sky in November 2017.

The exact Walter Presents box sets that will be added to Sky and NOW will be confirmed at a later date.

As part of the deal, Sky and Channel 4 have also reached a new agreement on Formula 1 rights. Highlights of Formula 1 and live coverage of the 2019 British Grand Prix will be shown on Channel 4. Sky will show all other races exclusively live on its dedicated Sky Sports F1 channel.

Alex Mahon, Chief Executive Officer of Channel 4, says: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to establish such an exciting and innovative partnership with Sky which will ensure that the British Grand Prix and highlights of the 2019 Formula 1 Championship remain available on free-to-air television for UK viewers.”

Stephen van Rooyen, Chief Executive Officer of Sky UK & ROI, adds: “Today’s partnership is the start of a new era of collaboration between Sky, Channel 4 and, we hope, other British broadcasters. Not only will this innovative partnership benefit viewers, watching via Sky or free-to-air, but it will further strengthen the ecosystem of UK broadcasters and British originated content.”

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