David Farnor | On 04, Jun 2022

It’s happened. It’s here. BBC Three has transformed from an online channel to an old-fashioned linear channel, only five years after it went in the opposite direction. Once again, it’s in response to the viewing habits of younger audiences, as the Beeb looks to both capitalise on the streaming headway its made since 2016 – in 2021, BBC Three titles were streamed over 294 million times on BBC iPlayer – while also catching the attention of viewers who still tune in to watch things on a schedule.

What can you expect from the new, old-school channel? Well, much the same as before, BBC Three will be programming everything from documentaries to comedy, but with an added focus on competition shows, as the format continues to prove popular – from Glow Up and The Rap Game to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. There’ll also be a new spotlight on sports – including at launch the Africa Cup of Nations and, in the near future, Winter Olympic highlights – plus youth-focused films, such as the BBC Film-backed Blue Story. And, of course, there’ll be the ongoing focus on nurturing new talent.

“I want BBC Three to look and sound different to anywhere else,” says channel controller Fiona Campbell, “and I want to shout the loudest in every way we can that the BBC is there for you no matter where you are from and who you are.”

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

Where to watch

Broadcasting from 7pm every night, BBC Three is available to watch on Freeview, Sky, Sky Glass, Virgin and Freesat. It can also be watched live on the BBC Three channel page on iPlayer (TV, mobile and web) with live restart available.

 

What’s new and coming soon

 

Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star: Season 1 – 4th June

The MUAs are booked for a H&M Beauty social campaign. In Glow Up Studios, they must impress with imaginative make-up transformations.

Available from 9pm weekly on Wednedsdays

Hungry For It – 7th June

It’s chicken week, and the cooks get the chance to compete for the prize of a lifetime – getting their spice marinade onto Nando’s menus in over 450 restaurants across the UK.

In the Level Up challenge, the cooks have to create an extraordinary side dish to go with chicken – and they have just one hour to do it. Later in the day, the cooks discover who landed a spot in the restaurant kitchen where they’ll be safe from elimination and get to compete for a prize, and who will have to fight for survival in the pop-up.

Available from 8pm weekly on Tuesdays

Athletics: Diamond League – 16th June

The Diamond League lands in Oslo for the fifth leg of the series, with the world’s elite athletes in action at the Bislett Stadium.

Available from 7pm

Athletics: Diamond League – 18th June

The Diamond League heads to Paris for the seventh leg of the series, with the world’s elite athletes in action.

Available from 7pm

Ellie & Natasia: Season 1 – 21st June

Ellie & Natasia is a sketch show written by and starring triple threats Ellie White and Natasia Demetriou. The series features a range of characters, from busybody mums to coffee spotters. Not to mention some excellent guest stars and a song about snakes. In episode one there are special guest appearances from David Morrissey and Jamie Demetriou.

All 6 episodes available from 10pm

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