That’s TV Not Working: Mystery Blackout Affects UK Freeview Channels
Major Outage Hits That’s TV on Freeview
Both That’s TV (Freeview channel 56) and That’s TV 2 (Freeview channel 65) have been completely off air since Monday evening. Instead of the usual lineup of classic sitcoms, entertainment shows and retro music videos, Freeview users are simply told the channels are unavailable. This unexpected blackout has left thousands of UK viewers unable to access their favourite nostalgic programming, with no clear explanation from the broadcaster.
What We Know About the Issue
That’s TV (UK) and That’s TV 2 are, as of Wednesday evening, still off air on Freeview channels 56 and 65. The only official comment has come from Freeview’s official “Advice” account, which told frustrated viewers on social media today: “Unfortunately, That’s TV and That’s TV 2 are currently down. They are aware of the problem and are working on a fix.” However, we have no explanation of what the problem actually is, no estimated timeframe for a fix, and complete radio silence from That’s TV itself.
The nature of the current outage indicates a technical, legal or contractual issue between That’s TV and a multiplex operator. Interestingly, That’s TV’s other national channel, That’s TV 3, and their seasonal offering That’s Christmas, are also still happily broadcasting on Freeview. All of That’s TV’s national channels, including the ones unavailable on Freeview, are still broadcasting on satellite.
Alternative Viewing Options
For viewers desperate to continue watching their favourite shows, there are limited alternatives. Some viewers can still watch programmes usually on channel 56 via channel 7 or 8 instead. That’s TV’s local services, broadcast in 22 locations across the UK including Belfast, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester, Reading, Sheffield, Swansea and York on Freeview 7 or 8, are also still on-air. The local services simulcast That’s TV (UK) outside of local news times.
That’s TV and That’s TV 2 specialise in nostalgic British television, including classic sitcoms like Benidorm, Shameless, Rising Damp, Steptoe and Son, Birds of a Feather, and Man About the House.
What This Means for Viewers
Four days is a long time for a channel to be completely off air without explanation – especially two channels simultaneously. Most technical issues get sorted within hours, not days. The extended nature of this outage has raised questions about whether this is a simple technical glitch or something more significant affecting the broadcaster’s relationship with the multiplex operator.
For now, affected viewers must either wait for the service to resume, switch to satellite platforms where the channels remain available, or tune into their local That’s TV service if available in their area. The lack of communication from That’s TV itself has only added to viewer frustration, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment at losing access to their favourite comfort viewing programmes.