Freeview Explore update: curated content and viewing suggestions

Ever settled down in front of the television only to discover you don't know what to watch? Maybe the golden age of television has rendered us paralysed, with TV networks releasing one quality show after another... if only they'd give us an hour to ourselves!

Freeview's new Explore feature is an attempt to give you more control over your viewing habits. Located as a separate tab in the Freeview Play menu, it will provide a showcase of the day's best on-demand content from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Demand 5 and other Freeview Play broadcasters.

Shows are split over a carousel of 10 genres, including Comedy, Drama & Soaps, Entertainment, Factual, Movies, Sport, and a changing seasonal category such as ‘Christmas’ or ‘Halloween’.

The content is curated by the broadcasters themselves, rather than an algorithm, and it is hoped well-known programmes will be avoided in favour of more niche shows. However, an automated system may be introduced in the future, Freeview says.

Freeview Explore will be rolling out on Freeview Play TVs and set-top boxes this month.

Read more:

Freeview Play: What is it? How can you get it?

Best TV deals – OLED, smart, HD, 4K TV

New Sky Q update allows you to watch and record more TV

HDR TV: What is it? How can you get it?

Sharp sues Hisense for "shoddily" made TVs

C Seed 262 is the world's largest 4K TV

Simon Lucas is a freelance technology journalist and consultant, with particular emphasis on the audio/video aspects of home entertainment. Before embracing the carefree life of the freelancer, he was editor of What Hi-Fi? – since then, he's written for titles such as GQ, Metro, The Guardian and Stuff, among many others. 

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
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
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you