James R | On 01, Jun 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.

Shrill: Season 3 – 22nd May

A newly single Annie jumps back into the dating world with mixed results and has a dramatic encounter at the doctor. Fran and Emily take their relationship to the next level. All episodes arrive at once as a box set.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Scam City: Money, Mayhem And Maseratis – 24th May

Mobeen Azhar investigates the story of Gurvin Singh, the 20 year-old medical student who one evening near Christmas, decided to hand out free cash to unsuspecting strangers in Plymouth Town Centre. Gurvin told the local paper that he was “giving back to the community” having made thousands of pounds through forex trading. But weeks later rumours were rife that Gurvin’s trading claims were a scam. All four episodes arrive at once as a box set.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Glow Up: Season 3, Episode 6 – 25th May

The MUAs enter the world of special effects, creating looks from an iconic fight scene in Peaky Blinders. At Glow Up studios, they must impress with their transformations.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 7pm

Dinosaur – 27th May

Modern dating is a world filled with white lies, false pretences and confusing games. It’s a world that Nina, an undiagnosed autistic woman, is about to shake up.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under – 30th May

The queens put their marketing hats on, as they are challenged to create and market a product, green screen infomercial and all.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Do Black Lives Still Matter? – 31st May

In a new three-part series for BBC Three, presenter and grime artist Saskilla looks at the pledges made by leading fashion brands, powerhouses in the music industry and football governing bodies following the death of George Floyd. Each episode looks at the progress and regression of these three core industries, speaking to those in the know. All three episodes arrive at once as a box set.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Glow Up: Season 3, Episode 7 – 1st June

It’s BBC Three’s Glow Up semi-final, and for their Professional Assignment the four remaining MUAs are booked by superstar DJ & Producer Jonas Blue to do the make-up looks for the backing dancers in his new music video, Something Stupid. World-renowned photographer Rankin joins Val Garland and Dominic Skinner on the judging panel, as Maya Jama returns as presenter.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 7pm

Joey Essex: Grief and Me – 3rd June

At the age of 10, Joey Essex’s world was ripped apart when his mum tragically took her own life. Having long buried his emotions, after 20 years can he come to terms with his grief?

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under – 6th June

Can you see the family resemblance? The queens are challenged to makeover and raise their very own drag family members, choosing from drag first-timers.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Glow Up: Season 3, Episode 7 – 8th June

Maya Jama presents the final of BBC Three’s Glow-Up in which the three remaining MUAs still have the chance to be crowned Britain’s Next Make-Up Star.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 7pm

Krept And Konan: We Are England – 9th June

Krept and Konan create a new England football anthem for the Euros with the help of England players and manager Gareth Southgate, in new exclusive doc.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Laugh Lessons – 17th June

Brought to you from across the UK by Channel X North, Little Wander, North East Comedy Hot House, and Peggy Pictures, Laugh Lessons showcase a host of original sketches from some of the most exciting new comedy talent on the scene.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

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