Sky is implementing a significant shake-up of its television services, with two channels set to disappear from its platform from tomorrow, 13 January 2026. The broadcaster is making a series of changes to its output, which includes permanent closures and a reshuffle of its channel guide.
Which Channels Are Being Removed?
The most prominent casualty in this latest round of changes is the lifestyle channel HGTV (Home and Garden TV). The channel, which focused on home improvement and design programming, will cease broadcasting. Its time-shift service, HGTV +1, is also being axed.
This follows the recent removal of several iconic music channels. As of 31 December 2025, five MTV-branded channels – MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live – stopped broadcasting on Sky and other platforms. They were officially removed from Sky's electronic programme guide on 6 January 2026, alongside children's channels from the Pop family.
What Other Changes Are Happening?
Sky's guide update this week involves more than just closures. The reality channel TLC HD and TLC+1 have been relaunched as free-to-air channels, meaning they no longer require an Entertainment subscription for Sky satellite viewers.
Furthermore, from 15 January, several other channels are moving to new numbers on the Sky guide. These include Quest, Food Network, Discovery Turbo, and Discovery History. Their new positions will vary depending on a subscriber's package and region.
The overhaul also sees the return of some channel names. Over the festive period, specially named channels like Sky Harry Potter and Sky Jurassic Park have now reverted to their original titles, Sky Family HD and Sky Action HD.
What Should Sky Viewers Do?
Sky has stated that most of these updates will happen automatically overnight. However, if subscribers find that channels appear to be missing or in the wrong place, they are advised to perform a quick reboot of their Sky box. This should refresh the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and display the new channel lineup correctly.
These changes reflect a broader shift in the broadcasting landscape, as companies like Sky continue to adapt their linear TV offerings in response to evolving viewer habits and the growing dominance of streaming services.
