Paramount UK has announced that it is shutting down its free-to-air linear TV Smithsonian Channel on January 5, 2023, with its programming being moved onto Paramount's streaming services, such as Paramount+, My5, and Pluto TV.
The channel, based on its U.S. counterpart, launched in 2019 and is dedicated to factual programming, covering space, history, science, nature and wildlife. The channel is currently free to watch (depending on the TV platform you use), but is expected to be removed from Freeview, Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media in the coming weeks.
Some of the Smithsonian Channel’s programmes are already available on Paramount+ in the UK, which is a paid streaming service, while some shows are also available on Channel 5’s streaming app – My5, which is owned by the same company, Paramount.
Paramount revealed to Cord Busters that they plan to open a new free version of the Smithsonian Channel on the company's free streaming-only Pluto TV platform, which is available via Pluto.TV, an app on streaming devices, but the new, ad-supported channel will only come sometime in the future.
“From 5th January 2023, the Smithsonian Channel in the UK will move exclusively to Paramount’s popular streaming services, to reflect the way viewers consume our specialist programming and ensure its content is available to the widest possible audience.
“Smithsonian Channel programming will continue to have a strong presence on Paramount+ and My5, and we plan to launch a new branded channel on the leading free streaming service, Pluto TV, in the near future.”
The Smithsonian Channel is based on a US channel by the same name, with some of the content coming from the US, and some of it being produced in the UK.
Some of the programmes featured on the channel (until its closure) are the popular Inside the Factory series from the BBC, which looks behind the curtains of big UK factories, along with shows like How Did They Build That?, WWII Battles in Color, Air Warriors, Ocean Super Predators and more.
According to the latest BARB figures, Smithsonian has an audience share of 0.16% in the UK, although it still ranks ahead of fellow Paramount channels such as MTV (0.08%), Nickelodeon (0.04%) and Comedy Central Extra (0.11%).
The Smithsonian Channel is currently available on:
- Freeview Channel 57 (it moved there from 56 back in January)
- Freesat Channel 175
- Sky Channel 171
- Virgin Media Channel 276
Following its closure, many of the channel’s programmes will live on via Paramount+, the streaming service that launched in the UK back in June, and on My5.
Paramount+ is a global streaming service that also offers content from Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., CBS, Showtime and Paramount Pictures, as well as exclusive, original programmes.
Paramount+ costs £6.99/month or £69.90/year in the UK, with a free 7-day trial available to everyone. Sign up today at ParamountPlus.com.
Since its launch in the UK, Paramount+ has had a dedicated Smithsonian Channel section, where many of the channel’s programmes are available to watch with a subscription.
Paramount has been steadily streamlining its channel portfolio in the last few years, axing channels including VH-1, 5Spike, MTV Base and MTV Classic.
Paramount+ UK & Ireland is HERE! Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favourites! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
H/T: Media Mole.
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