Channel 4 is to debut new episodes of continuing drama Hollyoaks on its All 4 streaming service.
The long-running programme becomes the first UK soap to premiere on a streaming service on an ongoing basis. New episodes will be available in the morning, followed by linear showings that evening on E4, and Channel 4 the following day.
The new scheduling is the latest move in line with the Future4 strategy outlined by Channel 4 Chief Executive, Alex Mahon last year, with scripted content to be primarily commissioned to debut on All 4 before linear broadcast.
The strategy of premiering episodes to drive viewers to a new or different platform is not unusual. Hollyoaks helped launch E4 by encouraging viewers to switch channels to see the new episode immediately after the Channel 4 transmission.
Channel 4 Head of Drama, Caroline Hollick said: “Our loyal audience want to get their soap fix when they want, where they want it and the series’ continued popularity on All 4 proves that with this new ‘stream-first’ approach we are serving a much broader range of viewers, from those who want to stream, to those whose tea time ritual is kicked off with Hollyoaks each evening.”
Hollyoaks will debut on All 4 from March.
