Channel 5 Drops Home and Away from Daytime Slot in 2026 Revamp
Producers of the beloved series Home and Away have confirmed that the show will exit its long-held daytime slot on Channel 5 in early 2026. For many fans, the 1:45 PM broadcast time has been a cherished routine, making this announcement significant.
Channel 5 Shifts Home and Away to Streaming
Effective January, Home and Away will transition to a streaming-first format. This change aims to cater to evolving viewer preferences. Instead of traditional daytime broadcasts, episodes will now be available on-demand through Channel 5’s streaming app.
Changes in Broadcast Schedule
After its traditional airing before Christmas, Home and Away will not resume its standard time slot. Instead, the first episode of the new season will be available to stream starting at 6 AM on January 2. Evening broadcasts will continue, with episodes airing on 5Star at:
- 6 PM – Previous day’s episode
- 6:30 PM – Latest episode
Statements from Channel 5
In a statement, Channel 5 articulated its strategy for the future. The network emphasized that shifting Home and Away to an exclusive streaming format for daytime viewing aligns with the evolving habits of its audience. Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, noted the show’s significant success on streaming platforms. He remarked:
“Viewers have embraced on-demand viewing, driving double-digit year-on-year growth. This move reflects how audiences want to engage with their favorite content.”
As Home and Away concludes its run for the year, the excitement builds for its return in January, signifying a new era for this iconic show.
