Has the Sony Crime channel disappeared? Freeview issue explained!

37% of UK households use Freeview TV. It’s easy-to-use, and a cheaper alternative to watching your favourite channels.

Now and again it’s completely normal for TV channels to change number, name or viewing hours. However, many Freeview users have been left wondering where the Sony Crime channel has gone.

Without warning, it seems that the channel that provides us with 48 Hours, True Crime and Fatal Attraction is gone for good.

So, has the Sony crime channel disappeared on Freeview? And will it ever come back? Here’s everything you need to know about the Freeview issue and how to fix it…

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Why has the Sony Crime channel on Freeview disappeared?

The Sony Crime Channel was sadly terminated in June 2020. The good news is you can still watch your favourite crime shows on channel 67, which is now True Crime.

In June 2019, Sony made the decision to move the Sony Crime Channel from channel 40 to channel 60 due to low ratings. They also renamed the sister channel, Sony Crime +1, to Movies4Men and moved that channel from 60 to 48.

Fast forward to 2023, Movies4Men Is now called Great! Movies Action and solely airs films on channel 42. Even though the Sony Crime channel was terminated in 2020, Freeview has over 100 channels for you to enjoy.

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Freeview: Who can get the Sony Crime Channel?

Unfortunately, the Sony Crime channel was closed in June 2020. Before its demise, the crime channel was only available in a few locations within the UK like Manchester. 

If you are familiar with Freeview, then you will know that some channels are not available everywhere in the UK. If you’re unsure whether a channel should be showing in your tv guide then you can check here on the Freeview address checker.

A retune may be required for Freeview users throughout the year but you should receive notification from Freeview when this is required.

What channels should I get on Freeview?

The fact that the TV service provides free-to-air channels is great but dependent on where you live and what TV you have, the channel availability can vary.

Everyone on Freeview should at least be able to get BBC One, Two and Three. ITV, ITV2, 3 and 4, Channel 4 and 5. E4, More4 and Film4 should also be readily available. However, if you’re ever missing channels be sure to carry out a retune. Some TV’s carry out automatic retunes themselves but if not you’ll have to complete one.

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