If you’re a Sky subscriber, you’re in for quite the treat. For a limited time, Sky has unlocked over 35 additional channels free of charge to customers currently on their Essential TV plan. This surprise boost transforms your viewing experience without any extra cost—no opting in, no added steps. Simply fire up your Sky box or streaming interface and explore the new options now available.
This blog dives into all the details: who’s eligible, how long it lasts, which channels are included, and whether it’s worth your time. Whether you’re a casual TV viewer or a binge-watch aficionado, this upgrade could be a game changer.
Key Upgrade Details at a Glance
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Offer Name | Sky free upgrade: Essential TV → Ultimate TV |
| Channels Added | 35+ premium channels unlocked |
| Eligibility | Sky Essential TV customers with Sky Glass, Stream or Q devices |
| Duration of Free Period | From Oct 10 to Oct 16 (7 days) |
| How to Access | No action needed—upgrade auto-applies |
| Permanent Upgrade Cost After Trial | £3 extra per month |
| Highlighted Channels | Sky Max, Sky Comedy, Sky Witness, U&Gold, Sky Crime, Sky Documentaries |
Why Sky Is Doing This
This move isn’t just a random giveaway. It’s a strategic play by Sky to give customers a taste of their higher-tier package—Ultimate TV—and nudge them to upgrade permanently. By opening access to more channels for a week, Sky hopes users will see the value and stick around. The low post-trial price of just £3 extra per month is part of this persuasive push.
For many customers, such a limited-time upgrade might spark renewed interest in content they hadn’t explored before—whether that’s crime documentaries, comedy series, or new dramas.
What’s Included? What to Watch
Among the unlocked channels are big names and fan favorites:
- Sky Max: flagship dramas and original series
- Sky Comedy: sitcoms, late night, stand-up
- Sky Witness: procedural dramas like FBI, Fire Country
- U&Gold: entertainment and reality shows
- Sky Crime, Sky Documentaries: deeper content, true crime, nature
- Plus many more specialty channels across genres
New shows like The Paper (a mockumentary spin-off of The Office), Brassic (final season), and Mr Bigstuff are being spotlighted during this period.
How to Make the Most of the Free Week
- Explore Immediately
Don’t wait. With only a week of access, dive into the new channels as soon as possible so you don’t miss out. - Make a Watchlist
Identify your must-watch shows early so you can prioritize them before the trial ends. - Compare with Your Tier
Note what you didn’t have before—this helps you decide if the upgrade is worth it long-term. - Set a Reminder
Mark your calendar for when the free period ends so you can decide before fees kick in. - Evaluate Content Quality
Sometimes more channels don’t equal better shows. Judge whether the program library suits your tastes.
Pros and Cons to Consider
✅ Advantages
- Instant access to premium content at no extra cost
- No setup or button pushing required
- Allows users to test the higher tier before committing
- Low-cost permanent upgrade option (just £3) T3+3T3+3Shortlist+3
❌ Drawbacks
- Limited time window
- If you don’t cancel in time, you might be charged automatically
- Not all added content may interest you
- After trial, cost increases—need to assess value
Is It Worth It?
If you were already considering an upgrade, this is a perfect trial period. For someone curious about more premium content without commitment, it’s a risk-free opportunity. But if your viewing habits don’t align with what’s being offered, or your current package already meets your needs, you might decide to stay put.
Most reports show people are indeed tempted to stay—especially with the £3 monthly upgrade being a relatively small increment.
What Happens After the Free Week?
When the free week ends, your access reverts to your original plan unless you opt in to keep the upgrade. If you like the expanded channel lineup, you can permanently shift to Ultimate TV for that extra £3/month. If not, you won’t lose access to the channels you already had before—things simply go back to normal.
Final Thoughts
“Sky Users Rejoice: Get 35 New Channels Free with This Upgrade” isn’t just a catchy headline—it describes exactly what Sky is offering right now. It’s a strategic trial meant to tempt long-term upgrades, but for viewers, it’s a golden opportunity. Within that week, you can sample premium content, explore new shows, and decide whether the boost is truly worth it—all before putting your hand in your pocket.
If you’re a Sky Essential TV user, there’s little downside to giving this free upgrade a shot. Just remember: act early, explore broadly, and keep an eye on when the trial ends.

