Channel 5 to launch 5Drama new television channel

Channel 5 is set to launch a new dedicated television channel, 5Drama, on October 21. The new service will replace 5Select in the broadcaster's lineup and will feature a variety of UK, US, and Australian programming.

As part of the launch, the channel will broadcast the earliest series of the Australian soap opera ‘Home and Away’ from its very first episode in 1988. This includes the introduction of classic characters such as Alf Stewart and Sally Fletcher. The soap is scheduled to air in daily double bills.

Other programming on 5Drama will include ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, ‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’, ‘Waterloo Road’, and various detective dramas like ‘Ellis’ and ‘Dalgliesh’. The schedule is designed to feature nostalgic US dramas in the afternoons, family favorites during peak hours, and UK drama marathons on Sundays.