There’s something quietly satisfying about knowing exactly what’s on telly without scrolling through five apps. The Radio Times TV guide has been helping UK viewers do just that for the better part of a century — and it’s still going strong, now covering hundreds of channels across Freeview, Sky, and Virgin Media. Whether you grab the weekly print edition or tap the app, the same question lingers: is this the best way to see what’s on tonight? Let’s find out.

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Founded: reportedly 1933 ·
Channels listed: 450+ ·
Platforms: Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, digital catch-up ·
App: iOS and Android

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of channels listed may vary by week.
  • Subscription pricing changes regularly — always check the official site.
  • Radio Times founding date is reportedly 1933, but no official source was found.
3Timeline signal
  • No major timeline events currently reported.
4What’s next
  • Radio Times continues to expand its digital offering across all major platforms.

Six key data points, one pattern: the Radio Times TV guide has evolved from a print staple into a multi‑platform service that still holds authority for millions of British viewers.

Fact Details
First published reportedly 1933
Publisher Immediate Media Co.
Channels listed 450+
Platforms Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, digital catch-up
App downloads 1 million+ (est.)
Print frequency Weekly

What channels are listed in the Radio Times TV guide?

Freeview channels

  • The Radio Times guide includes all Freeview channels, from BBC One to the specialist HD channels. Freeview (UK broadcast platform) provides its own weekly guide, but Radio Times mirrors that lineup with editorial picks.

Sky channels

  • Sky subscribers get full listings through the Radio Times, including Sky Atlantic, Sky Sports, and Sky Cinema. Similar multi‑channel coverage is standard across major UK guide products.

Virgin Media channels

  • Virgin Media customers can find their full channel list in the Radio Times guide. Virgin Media Television (broadcaster) offers its own dedicated guide for Virgin One, Two, and Three, while Radio Times covers the entire Virgin lineup.

BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 listings

  • All major terrestrial channels are included. The Radio Times listings for BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 are synced with each broadcaster’s schedule. Freely (UK streaming platform) also provides a weekly guide that overlaps with the same terrestrial lineups.
Bottom line: The Radio Times TV guide is essentially a one‑stop directory for every major UK platform. For viewers who want a single place to browse without jumping between apps: this is your list. For those who already use Freeview or Virgin Media’s own guide: you’re already covered, but you miss the editorial curation Radio Times adds.
Why this matters

Viewers who rely on the Radio Times guide get the same schedule data as platform‑specific guides, plus a layer of human‑curated picks. That editorial judgment is the difference between staring at a grid and actually finding something worth watching.

Where can I buy the Radio Times TV guide?

Print edition at newsagents

  • The weekly print edition is sold at all major UK newsagents and supermarkets, including WHSmith, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s. No subscription needed — pick it up at the till.

Online subscription options

  • Subscriptions are available via the official Radio Times website. Prices vary by duration; a typical annual subscription saves about 20% compared to buying weekly issues. MyTelly (TV listings aggregator) confirms that most UK guide services offer similar subscription tiers.

Digital edition on the Radio Times app

Bottom line: The Radio Times guide is available three ways — print, subscription, and free digital. For casual viewers: the free app is enough. For regulars who want the magazine experience: a subscription beats buying single issues. For traditionalists: the newsagent copy still works.

How do I view the Radio Times TV guide for tonight?

Using the Radio Times website

  • Go to radiotimes.com/tv/tv-listings for live, up‑to‑date listings. The site allows filtering by channel and time. Freeview (UK broadcast platform) offers a similar web guide, but Radio Times adds editorial highlights.

Using the Radio Times app

  • The app (iOS & Android) shows tonight’s full schedule with a tap. It sends push notifications for recommended shows. Google Play (app marketplace) lists the app with a description confirming major‑channel coverage.

Setting notifications for tonight’s picks

  • Within the app, you can set reminders for specific programmes. When a show is about to start, the app sends a notification — no need to keep checking the clock.

The implication: whether you use the website or the app, getting tonight’s listings takes under 30 seconds. The trade‑off is that you trade the curated print experience for convenience.

Does the Radio Times TV guide include Sky sports listings?

Sky Sports channels on the Radio Times guide

  • Yes, the Radio Times TV guide lists all Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League, Football, Cricket, Golf, and more. TV Guide (UK listings service) confirms that major listing products include Sky Sports across Freeview, Sky, and Virgin Media platforms.

How to find sports listings

  • On the website, select the “Sport” filter to see only sports programmes. The app offers a similar filter. Schedules include live matches, event previews, and repeats.

What this means: sports fans don’t need a separate sports guide. The Radio Times covers every Sky Sports channel with the same detail as the rest of the schedule.

The catch

While the Radio Times lists all Sky Sports programmes, it does not include live streaming links. For that, you still need the Sky Go app or a Now TV subscription. The guide tells you what’s on, not where to watch it live.

For a dedicated guide to Sky Sports F1, see Sky Sport F1 TV Guide: Schedule, Replay & Channel Info.

Confirmed facts

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of channels listed may vary by week.
  • Specific subscription pricing changes regularly — always check the official site for current rates.
  • Radio Times founding date is reportedly 1933, but no official source was found.
The upshot

The Radio Times TV guide is a genuine bridge between print tradition and digital convenience. For the price of a weekly magazine or a free app, you get a curated schedule across 450+ channels. The only real open question is whether you prefer the tactile experience of the magazine or the speed of the app.

“Your UK TV and radio guide to what’s on TV and on demand”

— Radio Times official site

“TV Guide UK services commonly provide listings across Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 channels.”

— TV Guide UK

For the UK viewer, the choice is clear: if you want editorial curation across every major platform — Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Channel 5 — the Radio Times guide is the single most comprehensive option. If you only watch Freeview or only watch Virgin Media, your platform’s own guide might suffice, but you lose the context that makes scanning the schedule enjoyable. The Radio Times has been doing this since the 1930s for a reason: it works.

For a specific programme guide, check Peep Show Bake Off: Where to Watch, Cast, and Why Jez Is Missing.

For those seeking a broader overview of what’s available, we recommend checking out tonights UK TV listings for a complete guide to all major UK channels.

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Frequently asked questions

How often is the Radio Times TV guide updated online?

Online listings update in real time. The website and app reflect schedule changes as broadcasters announce them.

Is the Radio Times TV guide app free?

Yes, the app is free to download on iOS and Android. In‑app purchases are available for an ad‑free experience and extra features.

Can I view past TV listings on the Radio Times website?

No. The site only shows current and future listings. For past schedules, you need to consult third‑party archives.

Does the Radio Times TV guide include catch‑up TV links?

Yes, many programme entries include direct links to BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5.

Does the Radio Times TV guide cover local channels?

Local channels such as BBC One regions and ITV regions are included. Niche local channels may not appear.

Can I set reminders for shows on the Radio Times app?

Yes. Tap any programme and select “Remind me.” The app sends a push notification before the show starts.