
(Image: Getty Images/Freeview)
Viewers are being urged to retune their televisions following a recent Freeview update.
The update, which went live across the UK on October 21, features 14 changes, including the launch of two new channels.
Freeview said: "On 21st October 2026 some broadcasters are making changes to their channels.
"You will need to retune to update your TV and keep your channels and TV Guide up to date."
Full list of channel changes in new Freeview update
The channel changes being made as part of the latest Freeview update are:
Channel moves
- 5DRAMA (channel 46 to 33)
- 5ACTION (channel 33 to 46)
- That's Classics (channel 77 to 93)
- That's TV MCR (channel 78 to 79)
- That's TV 2 MCR (channel 79 to 80)
- your TV MCR (channel 80 to 85)
Channel name changes
- 5SELECT becomes 5DRAMA (channel 33)
- Your TV becomes your TV (channel 71)
- Your Music becomes your Xmas (channel 75)
- Your TV Extra becomes your OLDIES (channel 76)
- Your TV MCR becomes your TV MCR (channel 85)
- Your TV Extra MCR becomes Blimey! (channel 86)
New channels
- your 80s (channel 77)
- your ROCK (channel 78)
Freeview added: "Channels are constantly evolving on Freeview with individual channels making the decision to move, add or remove channels.
"Freeview continues to ensure that audiences can enjoy a rich and varied content."
BBC Three to shut down in 2027 after 24 years
In a separate development, the BBC has confirmed that BBC Three will close as a linear channel in spring 2027.
The closure is part of wider cost-saving measures, with the broadcaster aiming to save £500 million by 2028.
Director-general of the BBC, Matt Brittin, said: "We need to make every pound work harder for audiences as we respond to the immediate cost pressures and reinvent the BBC for a changing world.
"We all know that means tough choices.
He continued: "Much of the great content they currently carry will still be found where audiences already enjoy it on iPlayer and Sounds.
"While this follows media speculation, I recognise the confirmation of this news will be hard for audiences and colleagues."
BBC Three, which targets viewers aged 16 to 34, first launched on February 9, 2003.
The channel is known for its comedy, drama, documentaries, and content focused on LGBTQ+ audiences.
Popular shows have included Gavin & Stacey and Being Human, as well as American programmes like American Dad! and Family Guy.
Following the closure, new content will continue to be commissioned but will be available exclusively on BBC iPlayer and other digital platforms such as YouTube.
This is not the first time BBC Three has shut down.
It previously ceased linear broadcasting in February 2016 before returning to TV screens in February 2022.
The channel currently broadcasts from 7pm to 4am, sharing bandwidth with CBBC during the day.
Other BBC channels closing
BBC Scotland and Radio 4 Extra are also ending their traditional broadcasting services.
Content from both channels will remain available online, with BBC Scotland content moving to BBC iPlayer, BBC One, and BBC Two in Scotland.
Radio 4 Extra programming will transition to BBC Sounds.
How to retune your TV
Viewers will need to retune their TVs to access the latest channel updates.
Freeview says retuning is generally straightforward and can usually be completed by selecting 'retune' when prompted by your TV.
If an automatic retune does not work, a manual retune may be necessary.
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Freeview recommends the following steps:
- Press 'Menu' on your box or TV remote control.
- Select 'Set-up', 'installation', 'update' or a similar option. If prompted for a password, try '1234' or '0000'.
- Select 'First-time installation' (sometimes called 'factory reset', 'full retune', or 'default settings').
- Press 'OK' if asked to delete existing channels, then allow the retune to start automatically. Save the channels found if prompted.
For additional support, Freeview offers retune videos on its website.
Do any of these new Freeview channel changes affect you? Let us know in the comments below.