Since its establishment in 1982, Channel 4 has offered some of the most praised British television shows, enriching its streaming platform with both popular favorites and lesser-known treasures.

If you’re a fan of Derry Girls and enjoy comedic dramas, check out Big Boys. The series follows Jack, portrayed by Dylan Llewellyn, as he navigates his second year at university. Nicola Coughlan, another Derry Girls alum, delivers a standout performance as Maggie, a playwright balancing her creativity with bipolar disorder in the sitcom Big Mood.

For crime enthusiasts, consider watching both seasons of Suspect, along with the exciting thriller The Couple Next Door. Documentary lovers can rejoice with captivating titles such as Investigating Witch Trials with Suranne Jones, Miners’ Strike 1984: The Battle For Britain, and Grand Designs: 25 Years & Counting.

Long-time fan favorites like The Inbetweeners, Taskmaster, and The Great British Bake Off will continue to entertain audiences in 2025.

We’ll keep our recommendations updated, so feel free to share your favorite Channel 4 shows below.

Best Shows Currently Streaming on Channel 4

New Releases for 2025…

The Change

Comedy, two seasons, 2023 – In this whimsical and heartfelt comedy, Bridget Christie plays Linda, a woman on a journey of self-discovery as she escapes to the Forest of Dean on her motorcycle, leaving behind her husband Steve (Omid Djalili). The story picks up from a cliffhanger at the end of Season One, creating a uniquely surreal atmosphere filled with warm messages about renewal and redemption.

Helsinki Crimes

Crime drama, two seasons, 2022 – This Finnish series offers a refreshing take on the genre, featuring ordinary cops Sergeant Timo Harjunpaa and Onerva Nykanen (Olli Rahkonen and Olga Temonen), who focus on solving crimes while managing everyday family life. With the addition of the quirky Bingo (Matti Onnismaa), who complicates their investigations, the show brings a unique blend of tension and humor.

Evilside

Crime drama, one season, 2023 – Set in a remote fishing village in Finland, this series explores the dark turn of events when a group of wayward teenagers, dabbling in heavy metal and supposed satanism, becomes embroiled in a murder. Detective Ulla Penttinen (Amira Khalifa) navigates the chilling aftermath of these events alongside Johanna (Olivia Ainali), a bullied teenager who takes center stage in a slow-burn thriller.

Get Millie Black

Crime drama, one season, 2025 – Described as a ghost story, this visually striking series follows Millie (Tamara Lawrance), a former Metropolitan Police detective returning to Jamaica to confront unresolved family issues while tackling a major missing persons case. Created by Booker prizewinner Marlon James, this show intricately weaves themes of identity and colonial legacy into the narrative.

Brian And Maggie

Political drama, one season, 2025 – Delving into key interviews from Margaret Thatcher’s tenure, this dramatization intertwines elements of politics and personal interaction, featuring Steve Coogan as interviewer Brian Walden. Smarts and humor blend as the complexities of political narrative unfold.

Patience

Crime drama, one season, 2025 – This gripping remake of the French-Belgian series Astrid – Murder in Paris stars Laura Fraser as a detective and Ella Maisy Purvis as an astute young archivist. Together, they navigate a suicide investigation filled with personal drama and unexpected revelations.

Best Shows from 2024…

White Lies

Crime thriller, one season, 2024 – Set against the vibrant backdrop of Cape Town, this drama features Natalie Dormer as an investigative journalist drawn into a dark web of crime after her brother is murdered. The series explores complex familial dynamics and moral dilemmas.

Berlin Wall

Drama, one season, 2020 – This noteworthy three-part series examines the intricate trade of political prisoners between East and West Germany during the Cold War, showcasing the human stories hidden under the surface of this history. Winning multiple German Television Awards, it’s a must-watch for fans of period dramas.

Generation Z

Zombie drama, one season, 2024 – A new twist on the zombie genre, this series from Ben Wheatley humorously captures generational conflicts as elderly residents turn into flesh-eating zombies, sparking chaos for the youth in their town.

Queenie

Comedy-drama, one season, 2024 – This adaptation of Candice Carty-Williams’ best-selling novel provides a vibrant exploration of a British-Jamaican woman’s life navigating her 20s, marked by humor and the challenges that accompany her cultural background.

The Gathering

Drama, one season, 2024 – Set among elite gymnasts, this series dives into the complexities of rivalry and friendship among young female athletes, revealing the struggles intertwined with the sport.

Big Mood

Sitcom, one season, 2024 – This comedy tackles mental health and the intricacies of friendship through the lens of its heartfelt lead performances, navigating themes of bi-polar disorder amid humor and light-hearted moments.

Alice & Jack

Romantic drama, one season, 2024 – Spanning 15 years, this drama illustrates a complex romantic journey between biomedical researcher Jack and the whimsical Alice, capturing the evolving dynamics of love and connections.

Big Boys

Comedy, two seasons, 2022 – The second season of this lighthearted series follows Jack as he encounters the ups and downs of university life while navigating themes of friendship and mental health.

Truelove

Drama, one season, 2024 – Exploring themes of mortality and meaningful existence, this unique series presents a group of friends grappling with the complexities of life and death in a rock ‘n’ roll context.

Drama

It’s a Sin

Drama, one season, 2021 – This poignant series, created by Russell T Davies, navigates the struggles of a group of friends during the AIDS crisis, weaving together narratives of love, loss, and resilience in 1980s London.

The Virtues

Drama, one season, 2019 – A powerful story about a man confronting his traumatic past after relocating to Ireland, exploring themes of family and reconciliation.

The Couple Next Door

Thriller, one season, 2023 – In this gripping drama with a suburban twist, a new couple discovers that their neighbors have secrets that could change everything.

The X-Files

Sci-fi drama, 11 seasons, 1993-2002, 2016-2018 – This cult classic follows FBI agents as they investigate unexplained phenomena, blending horror, mystery, and comedy in a format that continues to captivate.

Kiri

Drama, one season, 2018 – This compelling narrative centers around a social worker dealing with the consequences of a child’s tragic disappearance.

Skins

Drama, seven seasons, 2007-13 – Skins takes a raw and unfiltered look at adolescence, as it portrays the lives of a group of teenagers facing real-life challenges.

The West Wing

Drama, seven seasons, 1999-2006 – This iconic political drama, known for its sharp dialogue and intricate character development, remains a benchmark in TV storytelling.

The Americans

Drama, six seasons, 2013-18 – With a backdrop of 1980s espionage, this series intricately weaves personal and political narratives, exploring the lives of two KGB agents.

G.B.H.

Drama, one season, 1991 – A politically charged drama about power and responsibility that remains relevant today.

ER

Drama, 15 seasons, 1994-2009 – This groundbreaking medical drama redefined the genre, showcasing life within an emergency room.

Indian Summers

Period drama, two seasons, 2015-16 – Set in the twilight of British colonial rule, this series offers a rich exploration of culture and politics during a pivotal time.

Hill Street Blues

Drama, seven seasons, 1981-1987 – Known for its gritty realism, this classic series delves into the lives of officers working in an urban precinct.

Help

Drama, one season, 2021 – Jodie Comer stars in this emotionally charged narrative about the challenges faced in a care home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Treasure

Drama, one season, 2016 – Inspired by real-life events, this show examines the complexities of fame and the impact of allegations on personal lives.

This Is England ’86, ’88 and ’90

Drama, three seasons, 2010-15 – Continuing the story of characters from the original film, these installments explore key moments in British history and their repercussions.

Foreign Language Drama

The Chalet

Thriller, one season, 2018 – This French thriller combines a classic murder mystery with a breathtaking setting, creating a captivating viewing experience.

The Bank Hacker

Thriller, one season, 2021 – This engaging narrative follows a young hacker entangled in a scheme to rob a bank, uncovering dark secrets along the way.

Rig 45: Murder at Sea

Thriller, two seasons, 2018-22 – Set against the backdrop of an oil rig, this series takes viewers on a gripping journey filled with suspense and intrigue.

The Mafia Kills Only in Summer

Comedy drama, two seasons, 2016-18 – A unique take on the mafia genre, this show balances humor and drama, revealing the impact of organized crime on everyday life.

Deutschland 83-89

Drama, three seasons, 2015-20 – This series reflects on the Cold War through the eyes of an East German spy, mixing tension with wit and insight.

The Hunter

Drama, three seasons, 2018 – This series uncovers the battle between the mafia and state prosecutors in 1990s Sicily, following the journey of a determined prosecutor.

Comedy

Porterhouse Blue

Comedy, one season, 1987 – Based on Tom Sharpe’s novel, this series dives into the absurdities of life at a traditional college.

The Inbetweeners

Comedy, three seasons, 2008-10 – A defining coming-of-age sitcom, The Inbetweeners hilariously chronicles the antics of four friends navigating the trials of adolescence.

Frasier

Sitcom, 11 seasons, 1993-2004 – Celebrated for its clever writing and iconic performances, Frasier is a pinnacle of American sitcoms that balances humor and intellect.

Taskmaster

Game show, 16 seasons, 2016 – A creatively chaotic show where contestants tackle bizarre challenges, showcasing humor and ingenuity in equal measure.

Derry Girls

Comedy, three seasons, 2018-22 – This beloved series offers a humorous look at life in Northern Ireland during the 1990s through the eyes of four teenage girls.

Friday Night Dinner

Sitcom, six seasons, 2011-20 – Centered around a quirky family dinner, this show is rich with humor and memorable characters that make it a unique sitcom.

The IT Crowd

Sitcom, four seasons, 2006-13 – This series celebrates geek culture through its hilarious portrayal of office life in an IT department.

The Big Bang Theory

Sitcom, 12 seasons, 2007-19 – Following a group of socially awkward scientists, this immensely popular show combines comedy with heartwarming moments.

Peep Show

Sitcom, nine seasons, 2003-15 – Known for its distinctive POV style, Peep Show explores the messy lives of two friends with a keen sense of humor.

Cheers

Sitcom, 11 seasons, 1982-93 – This iconic series about a Boston bar became a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its memorable characters and witty dialogue.

Father Ted

Sitcom, three seasons, 1995-98 – This beloved series follows the misadventures of three priests, providing satirical commentary on Irish culture.

Shameless

Comedy drama, 11 seasons, 2004-13 – Delving into the lives of a dysfunctional family in Manchester, this show highlights both the humor and hardships of working-class life.

Fresh Meat

Comedy, four seasons, 2011-16 – A sharp portrayal of university life, this series follows a diverse group of students as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.

Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace

Comedy, one season, 2004 – This cult classic parodies 1980s horror shows, merging sharp satire with humor.

How to Stream Channel 4

To watch Channel 4, visit channel4.com or use the Channel 4 app. Creating an account with your email lets you access streaming content.

Is Channel 4 Free?

Yes, by signing up for an account on Channel 4, you can enjoy free streaming with advertisements. There is also a paid option, Channel 4+, which provides ad-free viewing.

Do You Need a TV Licence to Watch Channel 4?

A TV licence is required for viewing any television service, including Channel 4, though it is not needed for watching on-demand programs.

For more entertainment options, don’t miss out on exploring the best shows available on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more.