Home and Away Makes Major Broadcasting Shift as Streaming Takes Priority

9 December 2025 Television and Media

Broadcasting Revolution for Iconic Australian Soap

For the first time since Channel 5 became the UK home of Home and Away in July 2001, the Australian soap will no longer air on the broadcaster’s main channel. In a significant scheduling change, Channel 5 has announced that when Home and Away returns to UK screens in January 2026, it will only air on 5Star and the broadcaster’s streaming service. This marks a pivotal moment for the long-running drama that has captivated British audiences for over two decades.

The decision reflects evolving viewer habits, with viewing hours increasing by 17% year-on-year in the first month after the show began streaming episodes at 6am daily. The latest month delivered record-breaking engagement, with viewing hours climbing 23% year-on-year, demonstrating strong audience appetite for on-demand content.

Dramatic Season Finale and 2026 Preview

Australian viewers witnessed a thrilling conclusion to 2025, with a train crash on the way to a music festival bringing the 2025 season of Home and Away to a close. The 2025 season finale, which aired on 19 November, received a high viewership of 801,000, proving the show’s enduring popularity.

Looking ahead to 2026, exciting developments await Summer Bay residents. Brax and Ricky are set for a return to Home and Away in 2026, bringing back beloved characters for loyal fans. Additionally, Irene Roberts’ (Lynne McGranger) final episode, which broadcast on 19 August 2025, drew in the highest rated episode of the season, at 1,098,000 viewers, marking an emotional farewell to a character who appeared for 32 years.

What This Means for Viewers

Home and Away will return to UK screens on Friday 2nd January 2026, on 5STAR, with evening broadcasts continuing on the channel. Fans who prefer daytime viewing must adapt to the streaming-first model, accessing episodes through Channel 5’s digital platform. This strategic shift positions Home and Away at the forefront of changing television consumption patterns, ensuring the soap remains accessible whilst embracing modern viewing preferences. The move demonstrates Channel 5’s confidence in the show’s dedicated fanbase and their willingness to follow their favourite drama across platforms.