Free streaming service U has launched on Sky Q in the UK.
The move expands the footprint of the U service into further Sky homes and extends the long standing partnership between the Comcast-owned Sky and BBC Studios’ UKTV.
The launch follows the multi-year deal announced in September 2024 which saw the U app launch on Sky Glass and Sky Stream devices to Sky customers in the UK for the first time, as well as securing carriage for UKTV’s popular pay channels, U&alibi and U&GOLD, across Sky platforms in the UK and Ireland.
Customers with Sky Q now join those on Sky Glass and Sky Stream in having access to the U app, which features shows from UKTV’s free-to-air channels – U&Dave, U&Drama, U&W,U&Yesterday and U&Eden – plus additional U content, across a range of genres including exclusive content, award-winning originals, premiere acquisitions and iconic BBC programmes. Titles include The Marlow Murder Club, Outrageous, Bergerac, Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, The Chelsea Detective, Ladies in Black and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Sam Tewungwa, Managing Director, UKTV, said: “U is going from strength to strength with on-going growth in views, reach and quality of content. We’re delighted to be building on this success by bringing U to more Sky homes via the hugely popular Sky Q platform.”
Jon Simkin, Managing Director, Content Partnerships, Sky, commented: “We’re pleased to expand our partnership with UKTV through the launch of the U app on Sky Q, having already launched on Sky Stream and Sky Glass. This gives our customers even more choice and flexibility in how they enjoy great TV on Sky.”
The expansion onto Sky Q follows a year of stellar growth for U, which was rebranded from UKTV Play last year as part of the new U masterbrand rollout. Through the course of 2024 views grew by 34%, active users increased by 21% and the service’s content library was increased to over 9,000 hours.
