A new-look BBC iPlayer is rolling out to TVs from today

BBC iPlayer
(Image credit: BBC)

The BBC is rolling out a new refreshed look for its iPlayer streaming service on TVs as part of the corporation's drive to modernise its digital offering. 

From today, viewers will find iPlayer's navigation menu moved to the left-hand side of the screen, which the BBC hopes will make it easier to browse different categories and create more on-screen space for content discovery.

This is the first of a number of iterative updates over the coming months that BBC is making to improve user experience and navigation across its online, mobile and TV platforms. These enhancements will sit alongside similar ones to other digital services including BBC News, BBC Sport and BBC Sounds.

The iPlayer first launched in 2007 (the same year that a rental company called Netflix also began streaming service) and in a recent blog post, the BBC's chief Chief Customer Officer Kerris Bright said that much had changed in the way the BBC provides its services over last 20 years. She also acknowledged that it had been a long time since the look and feel of the iPlayer had been updated and that users felt the platform looked "old fashioned". 

The new-look iPlayer launches today and will come to everyone who watches iPlayer on TV in the coming weeks. If want to try the new look iPlayer immediately you can do so by switching to 'beta' from the settings menu. 

MORE

Read our full iPlayer review

 29 BBC iPlayer tips, tricks and features

The best Black Friday TV deals 2021: 4K, QLED, HDR, OLED

Mary is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi? and has over a decade of experience working as a sound engineer mixing live events, music and theatre. Her mixing credits include productions at The National Theatre and in the West End, as well as original musicals composed by Mark Knopfler, Tori Amos, Guy Chambers, Howard Goodall and Dan Gillespie Sells. 

Read more
A TV showing the new Now home page with Free Guy as the featured selection. Two people sitting in the foreground watching the TV in a modern living room environment.
Now TV to receive a major overhaul with new features and a fresh look later this month
Google TV Streamer
The Google TV Streamer just fixed its biggest flaw
An Apple TV on a blue background
Amazon Prime Video just launched its latest update for Apple TV – and it has got some neat features
Disney Plus home page
Best streaming services for movies and TV shows 2025
BBC
Netflix viewers may soon have to pay the BBC licence fee – and I think it's a good idea
A TV showing the new Now home page with Free Guy as the featured selection. Two people sitting in the foreground watching the TV in a modern living room environment.
5 tricks to breathe new life into your old TV
Latest in TV Streaming Services
Formula 1
US readers rejoice – F1's getting a key upgrade UK fans have enjoyed for ages
Cobra Kai
The 'perfect' and 'emotional' finale to Netflix's action-packed hit series is finally here
Emily in Paris
Netflix's UK prices are rising – here's how much more you'll pay
BBC
Netflix viewers may soon have to pay the BBC licence fee – and I think it's a good idea
A TV showing the new Now home page with Free Guy as the featured selection. Two people sitting in the foreground watching the TV in a modern living room environment.
Now TV to receive a major overhaul with new features and a fresh look later this month
DC League of Legends Super-Pets
This "cute superhero romp" from DC Comics arrives on Netflix just in time for family movie night
Latest in News
iFi Valkyrie in gold with a laptop
iFi's flagship iDSD Valkyrie DAC/amp teases cutting-edge tech for a sound that's worthy of Valhalla
Sony Bravia Projector 8 home cinema projector
Terrible news: Sony is about to stop selling projectors in Europe, including the UK
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen