BBC Three is returning to TV as a broadcast channel in 2022

BBC Three is to return as a proper TV channel.

Back in 2016, BBC Three stopped being a broadcast station, and went online only. But now, it has been confirmed that the channel will return to the air in January 2022, thanks to the success of shows like Fleabag, Man Like Mobeen, Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, Normal People and This Country. It has been proposed that the channel will share a slot with CBBC, running from 7pm to 4am. CBBC's broadcasting hours will revert to what they were in 2016, to accommodate the change.

Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer says: “BBC Three is a BBC success story, backing creativity, new talent and brave ideas has resulted in hit after hit, from Fleabag and Man Like Mobeen, Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK and Jesy Nelson’s Odd One Out, to Normal People and This Country."

"The BBC needs to back success and make sure its programmes reach as many young people as possible wherever they live in the UK. So regardless of the debates about the past, we want to give BBC Three its own broadcast channel again. It has exciting, groundbreaking content that deserves the widest possible audience and using BBC iPlayer alongside a broadcast channel will deliver the most value."

? @BBCThree to return as a broadcast channel in January 2022 - https://t.co/bls7QRJVc8 pic.twitter.com/FoLsBrh1qY

— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) March 2, 2021

BBC Three was first launched back in February 2003, designed to provide "innovative programming" to viewers between 16 and 34 years old, and help foster new talent. The channel birthed many successful TV shows, including People Just Do Nothing, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Gavin & Stacey, Little Britain and Bad Education. In February 2016, the channel was moved to an online-only service, with a regular programming block on BBC One. However, since the move, the channel has continued to produce a stream of hit shows, leading to its resurrection.