Hollyoaks Reinvents Television with Stream-First Success

Hollyoaks Builds on Success of Stream-First Model, Making Episodes Available Online Even Earlier

A Digital Revolution in Soap Opera

The UK’s first streaming-led soap, Hollyoaks, is set to revolutionize the way viewers engage with the show by offering episodes for streaming a day before they are broadcast on E4. In addition, new episodes will also be made available for viewing on YouTube the week after their streaming and E4 broadcast. This move marks a departure from the traditional linear broadcast model, as Hollyoaks embraces a simpler and more digitally-focused release pattern, catering to the preferences of young audiences who increasingly consume content online.

As Hollyoaks transitions to a fully digital-led soap, the show’s third viewing window will shift from Channel 4’s linear channel to YouTube. This shift reflects the changing viewing behaviors of young people in the UK, with 64% of viewers already watching the soap via streaming or E4 in 2023. The show’s online availability has resulted in a staggering 556 million minutes of streaming in the first half of the year.

Although the weekly omnibus will still be broadcast on Channel 4, this move to a stream-first model confirms Channel 4’s commitment to adapt to young viewers’ preferences. It also aligns with the growing demand for on-demand drama, a trend observed across various streaming platforms.

A Trailblazer in Streaming-led Content

Hollyoaks‘ decision to adopt this stream-first model is only the latest step in Channel 4’s pioneering digital approach. The network has seen success in releasing other youth-oriented shows, such as Married at First Sight UK and Married at First Sight Australia, leading to record-breaking streaming viewership on Channel 4’s platforms.

Given Hollyoaks‘ young demographic, the show has already experienced a significant increase in pre-TX views, up by 53% compared to the same period last year. This growth is complemented by the show’s linear broadcast on E4, a youth-focused channel. By embracing a stream-first approach and expanding access to YouTube, Hollyoaks aims to attract a whole new generation of viewers to the show.

Ian Katz, Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer, expressed his excitement about Hollyoaks‘ embrace of digital advancements, stating, “Hollyoaks has always been the youngest and most innovative soap so it’s fitting that it should be the first to embrace the changes in the behavior of younger viewers and switch to a genuinely digital-led release pattern.”

Expanding Digital Content and Tackling Important Issues

In addition to the shift in release patterns, Hollyoaks will continue to prioritize its digital content strategy, amplifying what happens on screen. Notably, the soap has gained acclaim for its BAFTA-nominated series, Hollyoaks IRL, which tells the stories of real people affected by the show. These stories tackle critical themes such as mental health, knife crime, violence against women, and conversion therapy.

By leveraging digital platforms and engaging with real-life issues, Hollyoaks is pushing the boundaries of traditional soap opera storytelling. This approach not only keeps the show relevant but also resonates with young audiences who expect more than just entertainment from the content they consume.

Looking Ahead

The new release pattern for Hollyoaks is set to launch on Monday, September 25th, coinciding with a week of explosive storylines shot in sensational new locations. The week kicks off with a one-hour special, promising a captivating love triangle between Felix, his girlfriend Mercedes, and best friend Warren. Murder mysteries and disturbing secrets surrounding influencer Rayne add to the intrigue, possibly leading to her downfall.

As Hollyoaks blazes a trail in the digital realm, it remains to be seen how other soap operas and television shows will adapt to the evolving preferences of viewers. The shift towards streaming-led content is likely to continue as audiences seek out more control over their viewing experiences. With Hollyoaks leading the way, this move marks a significant milestone in the intersection of television and digital platforms, defining a new era for soap operas in the UK.