Relative newcomer Freely continues to take aim at rivals such as Freeview and Sky Stream. The streaming service, which first launched back in 2024, is clearly on a mission to get more UK homes to make the switch, thanks to more devices coming pre-installed with it. Now, there’s another update coming to this platform with the launch of 11 bonus channels. This boost has been announced via Channel 5, with all the extra content available to watch right now.

Channels that have launched on Freely this week include 5Cops (ch69), 5Movies (ch77), 5History (ch128) and kids service Milkshake! (ch360).

Making things even more exciting for Freely users, five of these channels, including 5Movies, 5Medical, 5Yorkshire Vet, 5History, and Milkshake!, are also exclusive to the platform at launch.

Speaking about the changes 5’s VP, Distribution & Business Development, Kiaran Saunders said: “Launching these channels on Freely will help us expand their reach beyond the 5 streaming platform and directly into the homes of our audiences. As more and more people stream TV live, we want to meet audiences where they are with content they care about. These new channels showcase the range and breadth of genres that 5 excels at.

“We’re also pleased to build on the recent launch of 5Sport on YouTube as we expand our distribution across platforms.”

Here’s the full list of things now available on Freely.

5Cops – (channel 69)
This crime-fighting channel features shows such as Traffic Cops, Motorway Cops, Police Night Shift 999, and Police Code Zero, among others.

5Police Interceptors – (channel 70)
Running 24 hours a day, homes can watch one of the country’s best-loved real-life policing programmes day and night.

5Movies – (channel 77)
The new home of made-for-TV thriller movies, exclusive to Freely and 5 Streaming, with films such as Danger Rocks The Cradle, You’ll Never Leave Me, Deadly Surrogacy, and A Killer Behind Closed Doors.

5A&E – (channel 84)
This medical channel features shows such as 999 Critical Condition, A&E After Dark, and Casualty 24/7

5Crime – (channel 85)
This one is for those fascinated by crime. Featuring shows such as Rogue Claimers, Call the Bailiffs, Killer at the Crime Scene, 999 Killer on the Line, and Making a Serial Killer

5Medical – (channel 107)
Exclusive to Freely and 5 Streaming, featuring shows such as GPs Behind Closed Doors, Autopsy, Don’t Tell the Doctor, Plastic Surgery Nightmares, and Maternity Ward

5Yorkshire Vet – (channel 108)
Exclusive to Freely and 5 Streaming, 24/7 programming of the hugely popular programme that takes viewers inside the life of a working veterinarian in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside

5Bargain-Loving Brits – (channel 118)
24/7 programming of 5’s Bargain-Loving Brits series, including Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun, Bargain-Loving Brits by the Sea, and Bargain-Loving Brits in Blackpool

5Trucking Hell – (channel 119)
Featuring shows such as Trucking Hell, Outback Truckers, and Trucking Heavy

5History – (channel 128)
Exclusive to Freely and 5 Streaming, featuring shows such as Inside the Tower of London, Secrets of the Royal Palaces, Walking Wartime Britain and more

Milkshake! – (channel 360)
Exclusive to Freely and 5 Streaming, and with different content and a different schedule to 6-9am Milkshake! slot on 5, featuring shows such as Fireman Sam, Thomas & Friends, Mimi’s World, Stan and Gran, and The World According to Grandpa

So what is Freely, and how do you get these channels?

Freely is supplied to homes via a broadband connection rather than an aerial. That makes it very similar to Sky Stream which is also powered by the web.

Over 60 live channels plus hours of on-demand shows are available, and all can be watched without the need for a subscription.

Freely also offers the option to pause live telly, get recommendations and see what’s on now and next via a TV guide.

The only thing you need to tune in is a compatible TV or Freely-powered set-top box.