Channel 4 and Disney Agree to Bring British Broadcaster's Shows to Disney+ in 2027

British public-service broadcaster Channel 4 has reached a distribution agreement with Disney that will bring its television channel and a selection of programmes to Disney+ in the United Kingdom and Ireland in early 2027.

The arrangement will create a dedicated Channel 4 section within the streaming service. The partners say it will carry the broadcaster's main linear channel alongside hundreds of hours of on-demand programmes. Some newly released programmes will become available on Disney+ at the same time as on Channel 4's own services. The launch date and complete programme catalogue have not yet been announced.

The planned selection includes the drama Maya, featuring Bella Ramsey, and the comedy Stepping Up. The agreement is about distribution of existing and forthcoming Channel 4 programming; it does not mean Disney is acquiring the publicly owned British broadcaster or taking over its editorial operations.

Channel 4 already offers its own streaming service, and the additional placement could expose its programmes to audiences who primarily use international subscription platforms. Disney, meanwhile, is expanding its collection of locally produced programming through partnerships with national broadcasters in multiple markets.

The companies have not announced the financial terms of the arrangement. The announcement comes as traditional television broadcasters face competition for viewers and advertising from streaming services and digital platforms. Channel 4 has also announced restructuring plans, although the new Disney agreement does not itself establish any change to those employment plans.

The agreement was publicly reported on October 26 and 27. Its implementation is scheduled for 2027, so the programmes and channel should not be described as already available through Disney+.