Sky reveals six surprise TV guide changes due in days as major channels rebrand following closures

The Sun

18-05-2025

SKY is making more surprise changes to its TV guide – with six big updates landing in just a few days.
It's the latest shake-up to hit viewers this year, with familiar channels getting new names or temporary themes as part of ongoing rebrands.
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From Monday, customers across the UK will notice some fresh new titles appearing in their Sky TV listings.
The changes will affect users on Sky+, Sky Q and the newer Sky Glass and Stream platforms.
The rebrands are mostly part of Sky's regular themed pop-up strategy, which sees movie channels temporarily switching names to spotlight certain actors, franchises or genres.
One of the first big switches will see Sky Mega Hits return to its old title of Sky Hits HD.
That means fans can expect the usual line-up of mainstream blockbusters and all-time favourites.
Meanwhile, Sky Mission Impossible, which only arrived a few days earlier as a tribute to Tom Cruise's spy series, will make way for Sky 80s HD.
This channel will be packed with cult classics and nostalgic hits from the neon decade.
The changes aren't just limited to films either.
On Wednesday 21 May, two music channels are getting seasonal makeovers.
That's Oldies will rebrand as That's Summer, likely serving up sunshine tunes and feel-good throwbacks for the warmer months.
At the same time, That's Dance will become That's Pride, expected to feature LGBTQ + anthems and content in the lead-up to Pride Month.
Sky will continue the refresh on Friday 23 May, when family-friendly channel Sky Family is swapped out for Sky Fairytale.
As the name suggests, this version of the channel is expected to focus on magical movies, fairytale favourites, and fantasy fun for all ages.
Then, just one day later on Saturday 24 May, Sky Cinema Action will once again rebrand – this time to Sky M:I, dedicated solely to the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Tom Cruise fans won't have long to wait between themed channels, with his biggest hits still taking centre stage across the schedule.
These channel switches come at a time of big changes in the TV world.
Earlier this year, Sky and Virgin Media users saw several long-standing channels close down completely.
Eurosport, Pop Max, and Sky History+1 have all disappeared from screens.
Much of Eurosport's content has been folded into TNT Sports, while Pop Max now lives online, and the closure of Sky History+1 is seen as a response to declining demand for time-shift channels thanks to on-demand viewing.
So far, no new channel closures have been announced, but experts believe more are likely to come as streaming services continue to reshape traditional TV habits.
With Sky regularly adjusting its line-up, customers are being encouraged to keep an eye on their guides for the latest updates.
The channel changes taking place from 19 May are expected to last for several days or weeks, depending on the theme.
Sky has not confirmed how long the temporary names will stick around, but viewers can usually expect them to run through short promotions, film seasons, or event tie-ins.
Whether you're into action, nostalgia, or musical throwbacks, there's something for everyone in this latest update.
But don't be surprised if your favourite Sky channel suddenly looks a little different next time you turn on the telly.
This is just the start - more changes ahead
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Broadcasting is going through an almighty shift at the moment with the push toward streaming at a key point.
Eurosport and TNT Sports owner Warner Bros Discovery is making some big changes next year.
And it's likely Discovery+ will disappear as a result.
The UK is one of the few big markets where Max hasn't launched yet because of existing agreements with Sky, allowing Sky Atlantic to air big HBO-made hits like Game of Thrones and The White Lotus.
But the pair recently announced a new deal that will pave the way for Max's launch in the UK early 2026 as a standalone app, while Sky customers will get access at no extra cost.
So expect even bigger changes in the TV and streaming world next year.
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