The Guide to Sky TV Channels in the UK 2023

How do I watch Sky TV channels?

Although you traditionally needed a satellite dish to watch Sky TV, this is no longer necessary and instead you can access channels through Sky Glass or Sky Stream.

What is Sky Glass?

Sky Glass is the name of Sky’s own-brand 4K smart TV, which includes in-built access to Sky TV using WiFi rather than a satellite dish. As with other smart TVs, you’ll also be able to access a range of other subscription-based streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ as well as non-subscription-based services such as BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub.

Currently, Sky Glass is available in three sizes:

• Small: 43 inches (109cm)
• Medium: 55 inches (140cm)
• Large: 65 inches (165cm)

One of the downsides of Sky Glass is that it’s fundamentally a streaming service built into a TV, which is fine if you also need a new TV but not so convenient if you’re happy with the one you already have. As a streaming service, similar to NOW TV, it means you can’t record programmes, although you can watch on demand and catch-up.

What is Sky Stream?

Sky Stream is the latest product in Sky’s arsenal of technology and allows you to watch Sky TV without a satellite dish and without a Sky Glass smart TV. Instead, you can use the device on any brand of smart TV by plugging it in to access Sky.

The Sky Stream box is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It also comes with voice remote control so you don’t have to scroll through lists of TV shows or channels.

What is a Sky Q box?

Sky Q is a set-top box that works as a hub, giving you access to Sky TV while also letting you record and keep programmes on its internal hard drive. You can record up to six channels while watching a seventh, so you can be confident you won’t miss your favourite shows. You can also watch recordings from your Sky Q box in other rooms if you own a Sky mini box or boxes. If you’re looking to bundle services, Sky offers a combined broadband and TV package

What is Sky Go?

Sky Go is an app that enables you to watch Sky TV on a mobile device such as your smartphone, tablet or laptop. To access Sky Go, you’ll need to have signed up to a Sky package.

Most popular Sky TV channels

Sky offers hundreds of channels, so no matter where your interests lie, there should be a package that suits you. Some of the most popular channels, according to a recent YouGov survey, are:

• Sky Atlantic: This channel offers premium drama with a line-up that includes award-winning shows such as Game of Thrones and its spin-off House of the Dragon, Chernobyl, Westworld and Gangs of London.
• Sky News: A 24-hour news channel with topical discussion shows, Sky News reaches an average of eight million viewers each month.
• Sky Cinema: This is a pack of several TV channels which show films combining the latest blockbusters with classics in every genre.
• Sky Sports: Another pack allowing you to watch the latest sport on dedicated channels including Sky Sports News, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports F1.

List of Sky channels

With all the Sky exclusive channels, and the extra free-to-air channels available through Freeview, you’ll be able to choose from an extensive range of content. We’ve provided a list of channels but what you get will depend on the Sky package you choose. Access to Freeview’s free-to-air channels will also depend on where you live.

Sky News and Sky Arts are also available as free-to-air channels but Sky Arts is only available in standard definition (SD). To watch it in high definition (HD), you’ll need a Sky subscription. Freeview also includes +1 channels (ITV+1 and Channel 4+1, for example) and selected HD channels, including BBC One HD.

Free-to-air channels also include radio stations such as BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4, as well as local BBC radio stations and popular commercial stations such as Greatest Hits Radio, Magic and Heart.

Free-to-air Freeview channels

Sky Sports

Get Sky Sports

Sky Cinema

Get Sky Cinema

Sky Entertainment

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Sky Music

Get Sky Music

Sky Kids

Get Sky Kids

What other channels are there on Sky?

In addition to Sky’s core offer, you’ll also be able to pick up international channels including Ahlebait, Akaal and MATV. For sports fans, there are also additional options such as Eurosport 1, Eurosport 2 and GINX EsportsTV. You can also watch the latest headline events and film premieres on Sky’s pay-per-view channel Sky Sports Box Office.

Extra shopping channels include the free-to-view channels such as High Street TV 1, High Street TV 2 and JML Direct.

Sky channel numbers

Sky traditionally groups similar channels together to save you time scrolling through all the options. The most frequently accessed entertainment channels tend to be between 101 and 125. Depending on which platform you’re using, the channels will vary, for example Sky Glass and Sky Stream won’t necessarily have the same channel options as watching through a satellite dish.

There are slight regional variations across the home nations, so you’ll need to check specific channel numbers where you live. The most popular channels in England include: