Channel 5 (Five) is the youngest of the five major terrestrial channels in the UK. It was originally launched in 1997 so it has been around now for 13 years. The channels popularity slightly increased as it improved its programming schedule and included more interesting and entertaining programmes but recently has gone back down a bit again. It was never really going to be the most popular television channel and it's audience share has hovered around 5% for much of it's existence. Originally it had a quite a few problems with reception and many people could not actually receive the channel or it was not very clear. There may still be some issues for people but not as many as there were at the start due to the increased use of digital and satellite television. The channel was known as channel 5 until 2002 but re branded with the name five which is the current name of the channel.

Five currently has a range of programmes on it. It is not my favourite channel by any means but it does have some programmes which I do sometimes watch. The morning shows during the weekday include the likes of The Wright Stuff which provides topical debate on some of the latest news stories and issues. There is also Trisha Goddard which is a talk show which is much in the same idea of Jeremey Kyle but a bit toned down in nature. I am not a huge fan of American TV drama shows but these have been on Five as well and have been popular. These include the likes of CSI , Law and Order and Prison Break. The channel also shows Australian soaps Neigbours and Home and Away. Neighbours having been poached from the BBC. The channel also has some sports and has coverage of American sports such as baseball. It also has coverage of some European football (Europa League which was formerly known as the Uefa Cup). It also has cricket highlights from England matches. The channel also has some decent films on from time to time.

This channel has some good programmes and it is one that I watch from time to time. It did well to get shows such as CSI and Prison break which helped to increase it's popularity after a relatively slow start. It has though got alot of programmes and content which seems like it is used to fill in the gaps.Overall I would give it 3/5 stars.