Millions of Sky Q users will lose access to three premium TV channels from September 30, 2026, as Sky has confirmed the permanent closure of Sky Witness+1 (channel 207), Sky Atlantic+1 (channel 208, 209 in Wales) and Sky Crime+1 (channel 221, 222 in Wales).
All three channels currently offer a time-shift service, which broadcasts programmes one hour behind their sister channels, allowing viewers to catch up on missed shows 60 minutes later.
Why the channels are closing
Sky has not explained why the channels are being removed from the TV planner, but the company says customers will not actually lose anything, as all content will remain available on demand and live via the main Sky Atlantic, Sky Witness and Sky Crime platforms.
Households using broadband-powered Sky Glass TVs and Sky Stream devices will not be affected, as those platforms have never had access to +1 channels, due to full integration with online catch-up players.
Sky confirms the changes
In a post on its community pages, Sky said: “Keep up with the latest changes to the Sky TV Guide on Sky+, Sky Q and Sky Glass/Stream.
“Wednesday 30th September 2026 Sky Witness+1 (Satellite 207) closes permanently, Sky Atlantic+1 (Satellite 208 - 209 Wales) closes permanently, Sky Crime+1 (Satellite 221 - 222 Scotland) closes permanently.”
Sky Go app upgrade
Although the channel closures may seem like a downgrade, Sky has also announced a refreshed Sky Go app, which includes a tweak to its design, easier navigation and extras such as Continue Watching, which improves the experience when switching between devices.
Carli Kerr, MD of Sky TV & NOW, said: “Great entertainment should fit around customers’ lives. Millions of customers already use Sky Go to watch what they love when they’re out and about.
“The new version is designed for Sky Glass and Sky Stream customers, bringing more of the experience they enjoy on the big screen to their devices, so it’s easier to pick up a show, follow the match or set something to record wherever they are.”
Sky Glass and Sky Stream customers can download the new Sky Go (Glass/Stream) now from the App Store or Google Play, while Sky Q users can continue using the current app.
