5STAR TV Guide: Catch Up & Channel Numbers
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through TV channels trying to find what’s on 5STAR tonight, you’re not alone. This channel has become a go-to for soaps like Home and Away and entertainment shows, but tracking down the right Freeview number or catch-up option can be surprisingly fiddly.
Channel name: 5STAR ·
Owner: Channel 5 (Paramount Global) ·
Launch date: 2016 ·
Availability (Freeview): Yes ·
Availability (Sky): Yes ·
Availability (Virgin Media): Yes
Quick snapshot
- 5STAR is free-to-air on Freeview at channel 32 (Freeview).
- Free catch-up is available on My5 (StreamLocator).
- Home and Away airs weekdays on 5STAR (Channel 5).
- 28 February 2016: rebrand from 5* to 5STAR (Channel 5).
- Check the Channel 5 TV guide for tonight’s lineup (Channel 5).
- Set a reminder on My5 for upcoming episodes. (Channel 5)
Six key details that define 5STAR at a glance — from its launch to its current reach across platforms.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | 5STAR |
| Former name | 5* (until 2016) |
| Owner | Channel 5 (Paramount Global) |
| Launch date | 28 February 2016 |
| Availability | Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, Freesat, My5 |
| Popular show | Home and Away |
How can I watch 5STAR catch up?
Using the My5 streaming service
- Go to the My5 website or app.
- Register for a free account.
- Select 5STAR from the channel list.
- Choose the programme you want to watch.
- My5 is Channel 5’s free on-demand service in the UK (StreamLocator).
- Registration is free; no subscription needed.
- Programmes remain available for up to 30 days after broadcast (StreamLocator).
Catch up on TVPlayer
- TVPlayer also carries 5STAR on-demand content (TV Guide).
- Some programmes may be exclusive to My5, so check both.
On-demand via Virgin Media or Sky
- Virgin Media customers can access 5STAR catch-up through the on-demand menu (Uswitch).
- Sky Q and Sky+ record and offer catch-up from 5STAR via the planner (TV Channel Lists).
The 30‑day catch‑up window on My5 means you don’t need a paid subscription to watch most shows, but you do need to remember to set a reminder before they expire.
The pattern: Free catch-up is the norm across platforms, but the 30-day limit requires active planning.
What is on TV tonight on 5STAR?
How to view tonight’s schedule
- The Channel 5 schedule page lists 5STAR programmes in time order for the current day (Channel 5).
- Third-party sites like TV Guide and My Telly show listings for today, tonight and beyond (TV Guide, My Telly).
- Time zones: UK (GMT/BST) and Ireland (IST) are used.
Popular shows currently airing
- Home and Away airs weekdays, typically in early evening slots (Channel 5).
- Entertainment shows and drama repeats fill the rest of the evening schedule.
- Season numbers are included in episode listings on Channel 5’s site (Channel 5).
Schedule listings from third-party sites can sometimes lag behind the live broadcast — the official Channel 5 TV guide is the most up‑to‑date source.
The implication: always cross-check third-party schedules with the broadcaster’s own guide for accuracy.
How do I find the 5STAR channel on my TV?
Finding 5STAR on Freeview
- Press the Guide button on your remote.
- Use the search function to look for “5STAR”.
- If not found, perform a full retune.
- If still missing, check regional variations – default is channel 32, but it may be 37 or another number.
- Freeview channel 32 is the standard position for 5STAR (Freeview).
- Channel numbers can vary by region; use your EPG search function to confirm.
Finding 5STAR on Sky
- Sky channel 173 (content plan).
Finding 5STAR on Virgin Media
- Virgin Media channel 148 (Uswitch).
Finding 5STAR on Freesat
- Freesat channel 140 (content plan).
For all platforms, you can also search for “5STAR” in the EPG rather than scrolling through the channel list.
Freeview (channel 32) remains the most accessible option because it requires no subscription, while Sky (173) and Virgin (148) offer additional recording and catch-up features.
What this means: your choice of platform depends on whether you prioritize cost or extra features like recording.
Is 5STAR available on Freeview?
Freeview coverage and signal
- 5STAR is a standard Freeview channel in most UK regions (Freeview).
- It is not available on Freeview in the Republic of Ireland.
Regional variations
- While the default is channel 32, some transmitters use different numbers (Freeview).
- Always run a retune if you can’t find it — this often restores the correct channel position.
The implication: Freeview gives you live 5STAR at no extra cost, but you may need to double-check the number if you’ve recently moved or retuned your equipment.
What channel number is 5STAR on Sky, Virgin, and Freeview?
Four platforms, four numbers – one quick reference:
| Platform | Channel number |
|---|---|
| Freeview | 32 (typical; verify via EPG) |
| Sky | 173 |
| Virgin Media | 148 |
| Freesat | 140 |
Numbers are subject to change – always check your electronic programme guide for the most current listing (Freeview – first citation above, Uswitch).
Confirmed facts
- 5STAR is available on Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, and Freesat in the UK (Freeview).
- Catch-up is free on My5 (StreamLocator).
- Home and Away is regularly broadcast (Channel 5).
What’s unclear
- Exact channel numbers may vary by region or platform update.
- Availability in Northern Ireland versus Republic of Ireland is not officially documented.
- HD availability may differ across platforms; not guaranteed.
“My5 is the free, on‑demand home of Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA and more.”
— Channel 5 FAQ (via StreamLocator)
“5STAR is a Freeview channel that brings a wide range of entertainment and drama to viewers across the UK.”
— Freeview channel guide (Freeview)
For UK viewers who want a straightforward way to keep up with 5STAR without a subscription, the combination of Freeview (channel 32) and the My5 app covers nearly everything. The only real catch is the 30‑day window on catch‑up, so bookmark the schedule page if you don’t want to miss an episode.
tvchannellists.com, rxtvinfo.com, youtube.com, livingabroad.tv, channel5.com
For viewers looking to explore other free-to-air options, the Channel 4 catch-up guide offers a similarly straightforward way to watch on demand anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch 5STAR live online?
Yes, 5STAR streams live through My5 and TVPlayer. You need to register for a free My5 account to watch the live feed (StreamLocator).
Does 5STAR have an app?
5STAR content is available through the My5 app (iOS, Android, Smart TV) – there is no separate 5STAR app. The My5 app gives you live and catch-up access (Channel 5).
How long are programmes available on My5?
Most programmes stay on My5 for 30 days after their original broadcast date (StreamLocator).
Is 5STAR available in HD?
5STAR is broadcast in standard definition (SD) on Freeview. Some platforms like Sky may offer an HD version on a different channel number – check your Sky EPG for “+1” or “HD” variants.
Why can’t I find 5STAR on my Freeview box?
First, run a full retune. If it still doesn’t appear, your region may have a different channel number – the default is 32, but it can be 37 or another number (Freeview).
Does 5STAR air new episodes the same day as Australia?
Not typically. Home and Away episodes on 5STAR are usually a few weeks behind the Australian broadcast. Check the episode season and number on the Channel 5 listing for exact date (Channel 5).
Can I record 5STAR on my Sky box?
Yes, you can record 5STAR programmes on Sky Q and Sky+ by selecting the show from the EPG and choosing “Record” (TV Channel Lists).
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