Staff Reporter | On 24, Jan 2021

It’s happened. It’s here. BBC Three transformed from an old-fashioned linear channel into a hip, happening online channel on 16th February 2016, as the BBC both tries to cut costs and embrace the changing viewing habits of younger audiences.

What can you expect from the channel? Well, it promises a mix of both long and short content, with broadly the same kind of programming as before, from documentaries to comedy – as well as a continuing focus on nurturing new talent.

“There will be as much contemporary British drama from BBC Three as ever before,” confirmed Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, upon the channel’s launch.

“When we were developing BBC Three, we kept everything focused on what our audience told us they wanted,” he added. “Different types of content they could dip into during the day that kept them informed and entertained, and comedy and documentaries they could binge watch at their convenience. That’s basically the idea behind The Daily Drop [daily updates such as image galleries or short films] and The Best Of [BBC Three’s new, original programming]. Snackable daily updates for when you’re on the bus and longer programmes and other content for when you’re in front of the TV. For those big moments when you want a collective viewing experience we’re using the BBC’s live platform so we can create moments like director Q&As, and encourage audience interaction.”

But what exactly is on the way to BBC Three? Here’s a guide to the shows coming soon to the BBC’s first online channel. (We’ll be updating this every week so you never miss the latest shows to stream.)

For more information on how to watch BBC Three, click here – or head this way for our fortnightly column reviewing what’s new and worth watching on BBC Three.

Supercar, Superfam – 17th January

In this one-off special we join Supercar customisers Kash and Shabs and the team back at Kream Developments. Still reeling from a catastrophic fire at the workshop, the brothers come face to face with the devastation caused – but with the help of their friend Ken, they start plans to make the new garage look bigger and better than ever, with no expense spared. Kash is working harder than ever and getting grief from wife Shella, but little does she know he has big plans for their five-year wedding anniversary.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Pls Like: Season 3 – 24th January

The award-winning comedy, which first launched on BBC Three in 2017, returns to investigate how the influencer industry has been changed by an unprecedented pandemic. Struggling documentary-maker Liam Williams teams up once again with online talent agent, and self-professed ‘influencer tsar’ James Wirm (Tim Key) to find out what it takes to become a successful influencer in a post-pandemic world. Hoping that what he learns can help him attract a younger audience for his politically charged passion project – a time-travel movie called Squad Coals – Liam undertakes a series of challenges, including helping a greasy spoon appeal to hip Instagrammers, saving a struggling art gallery with a TikTok exhibition, and commentating on a huge YouTuber boxing match. All 6 episodes arrive at once.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: Season 2, Episode 3 – 28th January

Over the course of 10 weeks, 12 of the country’s most fabulous drag queens will compete to be crowned the UK’s next Drag Race Superstar. This week RuPaul tests the queens’ creative sewing skills – and their friendships – as they’re pitted against each other in a design challenge called Who Wore It Best? Supermodel Jourdan Dunn joins Michelle Visage and Graham Norton as a third queen leaves the competition.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 7pm

Stacey Dooley: Back On The Psych Ward – 31st January

Mental health across society has worsened since the pandemic began. Stacey Dooley returns to Springfield Hospital to work with the team once again, and meet patients in crisis. This time she has to be in scrubs and wear a mask, as she assists front line staff treating a wide range mental health conditions, and takes part in the tough decisions necessary to keep patients safe.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

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