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![]() | This article needs to be updated.(May 2019) |
![]() Final logo, used from 2021 to 2022. | |
Ownership | |
---|---|
Owner | BBC |
History | |
Launched | 16 February 2016 |
Replaced | BBC Three (linear service, first iteration, 2003–2016) |
Closed | 1 February 2022 |
Replaced by | BBC Three (linear service, second iteration, 2022–present) |
Links | |
Website | www |
BBC Three was a British over-the-top internet television service operated by the BBC. It was launched on 16 February 2016 as a replacement for the linear BBC Three television channel, which closed down the same day but was later relaunched on 1 February 2022. The service produces and streams television and web series aimed at the demographic of 16 to 34-year-olds, with a particular focus on comedy and documentary programming.
BBC Three content was primarily streamed on BBC iPlayer, while the service's other content, including web series and other materials, were also distributed through presences on social networks. All full-length original programming commissioned for BBC Three had to eventually be broadcast on the linear BBC One and BBC Two television channels following their online premiere.[1][2] Beginning in March 2019, BBC One introduced a dedicated timeslot for BBC Three programmes on Mondays through Wednesdays following the BBC News at Ten.
On 20 May 2020, it was announced within the BBC's annual plan that the corporation is "considering the case" for returning BBC Three to linear television, four years after it was taken off air.[3] The annual plan also stated that the BBC would be "backing the success" of the channel by doubling its budget, after producing a variety of critically acclaimed series including Normal People, Fleabag and This Country.[4] Research released in September 2020 showed that BBC Three was being viewed for 89% less time per-year since the closure of its linear broadcast platform, and 72% if rebroadcasts of its content on other BBC linear channels were included. In the year after it closed its linear broadcast platform its weekly audience of viewers aged 16–34 declined 69% compared with the year before the closure.[5] On 2 March 2021, the BBC Press office announced that BBC Three would return to digital terrestrial TV on 1 February 2022, subject to regulatory approval[6] which was given in 2021.
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