7 Must-Watch New Shows And Returning Hits: The 'And Many More' On Channel 4 In 2025/2026

The phrase "and many more on Channel 4" is a cultural touchstone, often heard as a playful, nonsensical addition to the classic "Happy Birthday" song, a piece of folklore passed down through generations. While its origin is shrouded in playground rhymes and regional TV channel variations, the true meaning today is far more exciting: it signifies the deep, diverse, and often boundary-pushing slate of programming that the UK broadcaster is set to deliver. As of December 2025, the Channel 4 schedule is packed with fresh dramas, returning comedy favourites, and unique factual entertainment that truly embodies the spirit of "many more" must-see moments.

The channel, known for its commitment to alternative voices and challenging content, continues to be a powerhouse of British television. This article dives into the latest confirmed highlights and upcoming series, revealing exactly what constitutes the "many more" that viewers can look forward to across late 2025 and into 2026.

The Cultural Origin of 'And Many More on Channel 4'

Before diving into the new television schedule, it’s worth acknowledging the curious history of the phrase itself. The line "and many more on Channel 4" is a popular variant of a traditional, extended birthday rhyme.

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• Folklore Addition: After the traditional "Happy Birthday to you," children in many parts of the world would add extra, improvised lines.
• The Rhyme Scheme: The line "and many more on Channel 4" often sits as the first line of a longer, often nonsensical chant that might include mentions of other channels or unrelated characters, such as "And Scooby Doo on channel two."
• Regional Variation: While the rhyme is widespread, the channel number sometimes changes depending on local television listings in the US or UK, though 'Channel 4' remains one of the most common iterations.
• The Core Wish: At its heart, the phrase is an extension of the wish for "many more" years of happiness and longevity, delivered with a humorous, pop-culture twist.

Today, the phrase is primarily a nostalgic meme, but for the broadcaster, it represents an ongoing promise: that there is always a wealth of new and compelling content waiting to be discovered.

Channel 4's 'Many More' Drama Highlights for 2025/2026

Channel 4 has a strong reputation for commissioning distinctive, high-quality drama that often tackles challenging or timely social issues. The upcoming slate for 2025 and 2026 is no exception, featuring several new series that are already generating significant buzz in the industry.

1. Counsels: The New Scottish Legal Thriller

One of the most anticipated new additions is *Counsels*, an eight-part Scottish legal drama. Co-created by Bryan Elsley, known for his work on the critically acclaimed series *Skins*, the show is expected to bring a fresh, gritty perspective to the courtroom genre. The series is part of Channel 4's commitment to new voices and regional storytelling, focusing on the high-stakes world of law in Scotland. This drama promises intense legal battles and complex character dynamics, solidifying Channel 4’s position as a home for ambitious serialised storytelling.

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2. New & Returning Drama Series

The commitment to drama extends beyond just one series. Channel 4 has announced a slate of new and returning drama series set to air in 2025, ensuring that the 'many more' includes a diverse range of genres and narratives. These new commissions are designed to push boundaries and offer viewers unique perspectives, continuing the channel's legacy of provocative and memorable television. Keep an eye out for announcements on titles like *Patience Evans*, which is part of the forthcoming lineup, featuring Ella Maisy Purvis.

The Return of Fan Favourites: Festive Specials and Comedy

The 'and many more' also includes the joyous return of some of the channel’s most beloved and successful franchises, particularly during the festive season. Channel 4 is a go-to for Christmas programming, blending comedy, competition, and comfort viewing.

3. Taskmaster: Champion of Champions 2025

The hugely popular comedy panel show *Taskmaster*, hosted by Greg Davies and Alex Horne, is set to return with a highly anticipated special: *Champion of Champions 2025*. This special pits former series winners against each other in a battle of wits, creativity, and utter absurdity, all in the pursuit of ultimate glory. The show’s unique blend of surreal comedy and genuine competition makes it a cornerstone of the Channel 4 schedule and a guaranteed ratings hit. The special is confirmed as a highlight of the December 2025 schedule.

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4. The Great Christmas Bake Off: A Peep Show Theme

The festive season will also see the return of the nation’s favourite baking competition, *The Great British Bake Off*, with a Christmas special that has an incredibly exciting twist. The 2025 Christmas special is confirmed to have a *Peep Show* theme, blending two iconic Channel 4 properties. Fans of the cult comedy series *Peep Show* can look forward to a blend of baking challenges and likely guest appearances or themed tasks that nod to the lives of Mark and Jez. This crossover is a perfect example of Channel 4's ability to create unique, buzz-worthy television events.

5. Taskmaster: The Main Series

In addition to the Champion of Champions special, the main series of *Taskmaster* continues to be a key part of the Channel 4 offering, with new series expected to roll out across 2026. The show's format, which challenges five comedians with bizarre and hilarious tasks, keeps its audience engaged and its cultural relevance high. The show is a prime example of the channel’s successful transition from acquired shows to major original commissions.

6. The Great British Bake Off: New Series

Beyond the Christmas special, new series of *The Great British Bake Off* are confirmed for 2026, continuing to provide viewers with wholesome, competitive baking entertainment. The show remains a global phenomenon and a crucial part of the Channel 4 brand, driving significant viewing figures and cultural conversation.

7. More Factual and Documentary Content

As a public service broadcaster, Channel 4’s 'many more' always includes a strong slate of factual programming and documentaries. The channel is known for its investigative journalism and its willingness to commission hard-hitting, socially relevant documentaries that spark national debate. Viewers can expect a continued focus on current affairs, social experiments, and deep-dive documentaries throughout 2026, ensuring that the schedule remains balanced, informative, and challenging.

Topical Authority: Why Channel 4 Remains Essential

The continued investment in distinctive drama, high-profile entertainment specials, and quality factual programming demonstrates Channel 4's enduring mission to stand apart from its competitors. The "and many more on Channel 4" of today is not just a joke; it’s a genuine description of a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking television schedule. From the dark humour of *Taskmaster* to the compelling narratives of new legal thrillers like *Counsels*, the channel ensures that its future is as exciting and unpredictable as its past. The promise of "many more" is a promise of fresh, unique, and essential viewing for the years to come.