Channel 5’s streaming service 5 is adding a raft of third-party FAST channels and AVOD collections under new distribution deals with AMC Networks International UK and Hearst Networks.
From this month, AMCNI UK will debut four free, ad-supported streaming channels on 5: AMC Cupid, AMC Reality, Love After Lockup and True Crime UK. The genre and single-series feeds – built around wedding and dating shows, general reality and true crime – will become the first external channels on 5’s live line-up, alongside existing own-brand streams such as 5 Cops, 5 Christmas and Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly.
The new AMCNI channels join AVOD brands AMC Collection, True Crime UK and AMC Shudder Selects, which launched on 5 earlier this year.
Hearst Networks is joining the platform for the first time with two ad-supported on-demand collections: Inside Crime, available now, and Mystery TV, launching in January 2026. Two corresponding FAST channels for 5 are due to follow in Q1 2026.
Kiaran Saunders, Vice President of Distribution at 5, said the partnerships marked “a significant step” in the broadcaster’s strategy to deepen its streamed offering for both viewers and advertisers, with a particular emphasis on true crime where AMC and Hearst bring “best-in-class” catalogues.
