Staff Reporter | On 13, Apr 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.

Stacey Dooley: Back On The Psych Ward – 13th April

Mental health across society has worsened since the pandemic began. Stacey Dooley returns to Springfield Hospital, and over six months, including the second nationwide lockdown, works with the team to experience first hand how the pandemic is impacting patients in crisis.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Sudden Death: My Sister’s Secret Killer – 14th April

The sudden and unexplained death of his 19 year old-sister Patrick left grieving, while struggling to understand how a young person could go to sleep and never wake up.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Dreaming Whilst Black – 19th April

A brand new BBC Comedy Slice, co-created, co-written by, and starring new voice Adjani Salmon. With true-to-life comedic beats and based on a loosely autobiographical series of events, Dreaming Whilst Black follows aspiring filmmaker Kwabena (Adjani Salmon) in and out of reality as he tries to make it in Babylon. With the echoes of his family’s disappointment at his chosen career in his ears, and a complicated personal life to navigate, can Kwabena scale all of the hurdles laid out in front of him to get his script commissioned?

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Glow Up: Season 3 – 20th April

The hunt for Britain’s Next Make Up Star resumes, as BBC Three’s competition series returns to BBC iPlayer for Season 3, with a brand new host – Maya Jama.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 7pm

Dangerous Curves – 21st April

For Altou, a 19 year-old model, having a ‘slim thick’ body seems the key to more likes and more work. She’s one of thousands of women worldwide who have taken Apetamin, an appetite-stimulant promoted by social media influencers as a quick fix for the extreme hourglass figure popularised by celebrities like Kim Kardashian. It’s widely available online. But what many don’t realise is that Apetamin is an unlicensed medicine and the misuse of this ‘miracle’ syrup is causing serious harm.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Starstruck – 25th April

A brand new six-part romcom created, written by and starring Rose Matafeo. Starstruck follows Jessie (Rose Matafeo), a millennial living in East London juggling two dead-end jobs and navigating the awkward morning-after-the-night-before when she discovers the complications of accidentally sleeping with famous film star, Tom (Nikesh Patel). All six episodes arrive at once.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 6am

Glow Up: Season 3, Episode 2 – 27th April

The nine remaining MUAs enter the world of film and television make-up, as they are booked to come up with the looks for the third season of American smash hit drama series Pose.

Available on BBC iPlayer from 7pm

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