Home and Away, the long-running Australian soap opera, will no longer air new episodes on Channel 5. This decision marks a significant shift in the show’s distribution strategy, as it transitions to an exclusive streaming model beginning in January 2026. The series has occupied the 1:45 PM slot on Channel 5 for years, becoming a staple for daytime viewers.
Effective after the Christmas break, episodes will no longer be available in their traditional television slot. Instead, viewers will need to access the show through Channel 5’s streaming app, where episodes will be made available on-demand. In addition, the series will continue to have evening airings on 5Star, with the latest episode scheduled for 6:30 PM, preceded by a repeat of the previous day’s episode at 6 PM.
Strategic Shift to Streaming
Channel 5’s announcement indicates a broader strategy to adapt to changing viewer preferences. The network stated that this move is part of a “stream-first strategy” aimed at maximizing flexibility for audiences. Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, remarked, “Home and Away has been a phenomenal success for us on streaming. Viewers have fully embraced the flexibility of on-demand viewing, driving double-digit year-on-year growth and making streaming the preferred way to watch the show.”
The decision reflects a growing trend in television consumption, where many viewers prefer the convenience of watching content at their own pace rather than adhering to fixed schedules. This change is expected to enhance the show’s accessibility for its fan base while aligning with the evolving landscape of television programming.
Return Schedule and Viewer Options
The final episode of Home and Away for 2025 aired last week, and the series is set to return on January 2, 2026. The first episode will be available for streaming from 6 AM, allowing fans to engage with the content early in the day. For those who prefer traditional viewing, the evening double bill will continue to offer a chance to catch the latest episodes.
This transition underscores a significant evolution in how audiences interact with television content, with streaming becoming an increasingly dominant force in the industry. As Home and Away embarks on this new chapter, it will be interesting to see how this shift impacts viewership and engagement moving forward.
