Hollyoaks will be the first UK soap to premiere its episodes via a streaming service.
From March viewers will be able to watch the drama on All 4, before it hits Channel 4 and E4.
The move is part of the broadcaster’s Future4 strategy, with scripted content primarily commissioned to debut on its streaming service, before linear channels.
“It feels like a natural step for Hollyoaks with its youthful outlook and audience to be the first UK soap to premiere new episodes on our streaming service on an ongoing basis,” said Channel 4 Head of Drama, Caroline Hollick.
“Our loyal audience want to get their soap fix when they want, where they want it and the series’ continued popularity on All 4 proves that with this new ‘stream-first’ approach we are serving a much broader range of viewers, from those who want to stream, to those whose tea time ritual is kicked off with Hollyoaks each evening.”
New episodes will be available in the morning, followed by their linear outing later in the day on E4 and the following day on Channel 4.
“We are excited to see Hollyoaks embrace the digital first proposition so favoured by its youth skewing audience, this feels progressive and full of opportunities for the show,” added Hollyoaks Executive Producer, Lucy Allan.
Hollyoaks is made by Lime Pictures.
