5 says its streaming service delivered the fastest growth of any UK public service broadcaster platform in the first quarter of 2026, with Barb data showing viewing hours up 25% year-on-year.
The broadcaster said the growth outpaced its main PSB rivals over the same period, with BBC iPlayer up 8%, ITVX down 1% and Channel 4 Streaming up 17%.
According to 5, the strongest driver of growth was its slate of UK original dramas, led by Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, Ellis and The Good Ship Murder, alongside factual programming, sport and boxsets.
Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards has now reached 4.2 million viewers across linear and streaming after almost a month, making it the most watched title on 5 so far this year.
Reemah Sakaan, president of 5, said the broadcaster had made a strong start to the year, with the performance reflecting both the impact of its original drama slate and the wider depth of programming available on the streaming platform.
The results build on Channel 5’s relaunch under the unified 5 brand in March 2025, which brought together its linear, digital and streaming services under a single identity as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in UK streaming.
