WBD Revitalizes TLC UK with Bold ‘Mock the Week’ Order

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) is making significant changes to its UK and Ireland television channels. TLC is set to transform into a free-to-air channel featuring an array of entertaining content, including a reboot of the popular show ‘Mock the Week.’

TLC Transitions to Free-to-Air Channel by 2026

TLC will become a free-to-air channel starting January 2026. This transition aims to attract a broader audience by offering a lineup filled with unscripted entertainment and scripted comedy imports.

Conclusion of HGTV and Impact on Really

The changes will result in the closure of the HGTV channel in the UK and Ireland. However, the network Really will benefit from several titles previously aired on HGTV, including:

• Celebrity IOU with the Property Brothers
• Home Town
• My Lottery Dream Home

Viewers can still find HGTV content on WBD’s streaming service, Discovery+.

‘Mock the Week’ Reboot and Entertainment Focus

A highlight of TLC’s new direction is the revival of ‘Mock the Week,’ a satirical panel show that originally aired for 17 years on BBC2 before being canceled in 2022. Produced by Angst Productions, the reboot plans to refresh the format while maintaining its essence.

New Programming Highlights

TLC’s updated content slate will include:

• ‘Zero Stars’ – A travelogue featuring comedians Roisin Conaty and Sara Pascoe exploring locations with humorous reviews.
• Reality TV staples like ‘Dr Pimple Popper,’ ‘My 600-lb Life,’ and the ’90 Day Fiancé’ franchise.

In addition to reality shows, WBD is expanding its scripted comedy offerings on TLC. Notable acquisitions include:

• ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and its spin-offs.
• ‘Mike & Molly’
• ‘Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage’ – Debuting in the UK after its success in the U.S.

Future Vision and Programming Strategy

Graham Lafferty, senior vice president for content strategy at WBD UK&I, emphasized the importance of this shift. “Bringing TLC to more viewers is our goal,” he stated. The combination of scripted and unscripted content aims to create a vibrant entertainment channel.

The decision to bring back ‘Mock the Week’ is particularly strategic. It capitalizes on the show’s recognizable format and the ongoing viewer interest it has generated online. WBD aims to rejuvenate the series while preserving its core elements.

Viewer Anticipation and Next Steps

While the reboot is still in the early planning stages, Lafferty assures fans that essential aspects of the original show will remain. He believes that ‘Mock the Week’ has the potential to evolve into something fresh without losing its identity.

The changes are set to reshape WBD’s UK channel offerings, ensuring a diverse range of entertainment for audiences across the region.