The 7 Must-Watch Shows Driving The 'And Many More On Channel 4' Phenomenon In 2025

The iconic phrase "and many more on Channel 4" is more than just a tagline; it's a promise of eclectic, boundary-pushing British television, and in late 2025, that promise is being fulfilled with an extraordinary slate of fresh, high-profile programming. The channel, known for its commitment to public service broadcasting and diverse, alternative content, is doubling down on premium drama and beloved returning reality shows, ensuring its schedule remains one of the most talked-about in the UK media landscape.

The current programming strategy focuses on delivering must-see, water-cooler moments, blending critically acclaimed new dramas with the reliable comfort of established hits. This mix creates a compelling viewing proposition that continues to define Channel 4's unique identity as a free-to-air public broadcaster. The sheer volume of quality content—the 'many more'—is what keeps the channel relevant in the streaming wars.

The New Drama Powerhouse: Must-See Series Defining Channel 4 in 2025

Channel 4 has historically been the home of challenging and innovative drama, and the 2025 slate is no exception. By securing major talent and adapting popular literary works, the channel is reinforcing its commitment to high-quality, homegrown British television. This focus on premium drama is central to the 'many more' promise.

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1. A Woman of Substance: The Blockbuster Adaptation

One of the most anticipated dramas of the year is the brand-new adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's epic novel, A Woman of Substance. This period drama promises to be a major television event, bringing a classic story of ambition and resilience to a new generation of viewers. The novel, first published in 1979, follows the life of Emma Harte as she rises from servant girl to one of the world's most powerful businesswomen.

• Star Power: The series stars the beloved Brenda Blethyn, best known for her iconic role as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope in the long-running series Vera. Her casting is a major coup, lending significant gravitas to the production.
• Production Details: The adaptation is produced by The Forge Entertainment and was filmed extensively in Yorkshire, giving the series an authentic, rugged British backdrop.
• Expected Air Date: The series is expected to air on Channel 4 in late 2025, making it a key component of the channel's autumn/winter schedule.

2. Patience: The Acclaimed Crime Thriller

The detective drama Patience has already made a significant impact, premiering earlier in the year and quickly being hailed as one of Channel 4’s biggest dramas of 2025. Set in the historic city of York, the series offers a fresh take on the classic police procedural.

• Unique Premise: The show centres on the unlikely but brilliant partnership between Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf (played by Laura Fraser) and Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis).
• Key Character: Patience Evans is a young civilian worker in the Yorkshire Police Criminal Records Office who is autistic. Her exceptional mind for detail helps DI Metcalf solve complex, 'cold case' style crimes that have baffled the police.
• International Origin: Patience is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed Franco-Belgian television series, Astrid et Raphaëlle, demonstrating Channel 4's knack for bringing successful international formats to a UK audience.

3. In Flight and Trespasses: Expanding the Drama Portfolio

The 'many more' extends into other compelling new series. The crime thriller In Flight, starring Katherine Kelly, is set to air in August 2025, adding a tense, high-stakes narrative to the summer schedule. Furthermore, the romance drama Trespasses, an adaptation of Louise Kennedy's novel and featuring the esteemed Gillian Anderson, provides a different tone, proving the channel's commitment to genre diversity.

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The Cultural Phenomenon of 'And Many More'

To fully understand the power of the phrase "and many more on Channel 4," one must look beyond the programming slate and into British popular culture. The phrase itself has achieved a level of cultural ubiquity that few advertising taglines ever reach.

A Tagline Turned Tradition

The line is famously known as a common, often humorous, addition to the end of the traditional 'Happy Birthday' song. After the main song concludes, it is often followed by the chant: "And many more... on Channel 4!" This seemingly random addition is a testament to the channel's deep-seated presence in the collective British consciousness.

While the exact origin is debated, its widespread adoption suggests a period of aggressive and memorable promotional campaigns by the channel, particularly around its early years or a major programming push. The phrase has been passed down through generations, transforming a simple marketing slogan into a piece of digital folklore and a fun, shared cultural entity.

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Beyond Drama: The Returning Hits and Public Service Mandate

Channel 4’s public service remit requires it to be distinctive and innovative, often tackling subjects and genres that other broadcasters avoid. This commitment to diversity and challenging content is where the 'many more' truly shines, extending into news, reality, and entertainment.

The Unscripted and Entertainment Pillars

The channel's success is not solely dependent on new dramas. The backbone of its schedule includes some of the most popular unscripted shows on British television. The 2025 schedule sees the return of several major entities:

• Celebrity Gogglebox: A perennial favourite, this show offers a rolling cast of famous faces reacting to the week's television, often providing controversial and hilarious commentary.
• Taskmaster: Champion of Champions 2025: The return of the high-stakes, hilarious competition where former winners of the main series—pitted against each other by Greg Davies and Alex Horne—battle for ultimate glory.
• Educating Yorkshire: A highly-regarded documentary series that offers an intimate, fly-on-the-wall look at the lives of students and teachers in a Yorkshire secondary school, reinforcing the channel's commitment to social commentary.

Channel 4 News: Hard-Hitting Journalism

As a public broadcast channel, Channel 4 News remains a crucial component of its identity. Known for its independent, often adversarial approach to current affairs, the news team continues to deliver hard-hitting journalism. In 2025, this includes a focus on major global political events, such as an extensive dissection of more than 100 of Donald Trump's inaccurate statements, showcasing their dedication to in-depth political scrutiny. This commitment to fearless reporting, alongside its arts, comedy, and documentary output, truly embodies the spirit of 'and many more on Channel 4'.

In late 2025, Channel 4 is presenting a powerful mix of cultural touchstones and fresh, high-quality commissions. From the period drama of A Woman of Substance to the modern crime solving of Patience, and the reliable comfort of *Celebrity Gogglebox*, the channel is successfully navigating the modern media landscape. Its unique blend of popular entertainment and challenging public service programming ensures that the promise of "and many more on Channel 4" remains a powerful, relevant, and exciting declaration for viewers across the UK.