Virgin Media brings FAST channels to on-demand library

Virgin Media has begun offering on-demand access to programmes from 11 of its Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels.

Previously available only through the live linear schedule, the content can now be streamed via the Virgin Media On Demand app or located using the built-in Search function.

Channels included in the rollout include Next Up Live Comedy, Love Pets, Homes Under the Hammer, Baywatch, Real Crime, History Hit and Wonder.

FAST content now available on-demand

Virgin Media has expanded its TV experience by introducing on-demand access to eleven of its most-watched FAST channels, giving customers even more flexibility in how and when they watch their favourite programming - all at no extra cost.

Viewers can now access a wide range of must-watch shows and unmissable episodes whenever they choose, simply by opening the Virgin Media On Demand app or using the built-in Search function on their TV.

This marks the first time that catch-up functionality has been added to Virgin Media's FAST channel line-up, transforming previously linear-only channels into a more modern and flexible viewing experience.

Channels included in the update are:

1. Next Up Live Comedy
2. Love Pets
3. Haunt TV
4. Homes Under The Hammer
5. Baywatch
6. Real Crime
7. Real Wild
8. History Hit
9. Wonder
10. The Chat Show Channel
11. TRACE Sport Stars

The on-demand programmes are available at no additional cost for all existing Virgin Media TV customers using supported devices, including the V6, TV 360, and Stream boxes.

David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, said, "We're making unmissable content even easier to enjoy by making linear FAST channel content available on-demand so Virgin TV customers can tune in at any time and at no extra cost. From comedy to crime and history to pets, our customers can keep up with it all, with catch-up capability now available for the first time for 11 of our most popular FAST channels."

What is FAST TV?

FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television. These channels deliver linear, scheduled programming over the internet and do not require a subscription, as they are funded through advertising.

FAST channels typically have a specific theme or focus, making them different from traditional broadcast channels.

Some are genre-based - such as Wonder, which features programmes about science, engineering and innovation, or Inside Outside, which focuses on home and garden content. Others are built entirely around a single long-running programme, such as Homes Under the Hammer, Hell's Kitchen, or Baywatch.

Virgin Media's FAST channels are fully integrated into the main Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and appear alongside standard broadcast channels with their own dedicated channel numbers.

With the recent addition of on-demand support, viewers can now access selected programmes from these channels at any time through the Virgin Media guide or On Demand app.

Other TV providers have begun adding FAST content, but the viewing experience differs. Sky has recently introduced six FAST channels to its Sky Stream and Sky Glass devices, but they are accessed through the Xumo Play app rather than via the main channel guide. BT TV and EE TV customers can only watch FAST channels by opening third-party apps such as Pluto TV or Rakuten TV.

In contrast, Virgin Media customers can access all 35 FAST channels directly through the core Virgin Media TV guide, without relying on external apps. In addition to this, 11 of those channels now offer on-demand content, which can be played instantly through the EPG or the Virgin Media On Demand app, providing a more seamless and integrated experience.

Virgin Media's FAST channels

Virgin Media offers 35 FAST channels, covering a wide range of interests and genres, all included at no extra cost for TV customers. From crime and history to lifestyle, pets, comedy, and music, there is a channel to suit nearly every taste.

These FAST channels are included in all Virgin Media TV subscriptions, including the new Flex service, which can cost as little as £5 per month.

FAST content on Virgin Media currently covers:

• Crime & Investigation: Inside Crime UK, Real Crime, Mystery TV
• Lifestyle & Home: Inside Outside, Homes Under the Hammer, U&The Past
• Science & Innovation: Wonder
• Entertainment & Reality: Hell's Kitchen, Baywatch, Love Pets, NextUp Live Comedy
• History & Education: History Hit, History Hunters
• Sports & Music: TRACE Sport Stars, Red Bull TV, ZenLIFE, Vevo

Virgin Media has steadily expanded its line-up of FAST channels since first introducing the service in 2023.

The initial launch featured 14 themed channels delivered via partnerships with Amagi and 24i, providing viewers with a mix of crime, lifestyle, reality, and entertainment programming integrated directly into the Virgin TV guide.

In May 2024, Virgin Media added a further 11 FAST channels, broadening its offering to include history, music, sports, and real-life content. The new additions included History Hunters, Deal Masters, Qello Concerts, TRACE Sport Stars, Real Crime, Real Life, ZenLIFE, and several UKTV Play-branded channels, such as Laughs, Heroes, Full Throttle, and Uncovered.

The expansion continued in March 2025 with the launch of Wonder, a channel dedicated to science, engineering, and innovation, alongside Red Bull TV, focused on action and extreme sports.

June 2025 saw the addition of two movie-focused FAST channels, British Screen Classics and wedotv Movies, giving viewers access to a variety of films and classic British television. In November 2025, Virgin Media further expanded its lifestyle and home content with the launch of Inside Outside, which covers home, garden, and food programming.

This range of FAST channels gives Virgin Media a unique selling point helping them to rival some of Sky's exclusive programming, such as Sky Originals on Sky Atlantic. It also offers more viewing options for budget-conscious customers, for example those using Virgin's Flex service without additional premium add-ons, giving them access to a rich variety of channels and on-demand content at no extra cost.