You’ve settled in for a quiet evening, ready for a classic British mystery, but you can’t quite remember where ITV3 landed on your Freeview box after the last retune—and you’re not alone, as the channel number has shifted in some regions. This guide clears up the confusion with the exact channel number, schedule highlights, how to watch live or catch up, and what to do if the screen stays dark.

Launched: 2004 ·
Free-to-air: Yes ·
Freeview channel: 10 (may vary by region) ·
Popular shows: Vera, Endeavour, Agatha Christie’s Poirot ·
Catch-up service: ITVX

Quick snapshot

2How to watch?
3Popular shows
  • Vera, Endeavour, Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Midsomer Murders (TV Guide, the UK listings site)
4Catch-up
  • Available on ITVX (formerly ITV Hub)
  • Live streams also available

Six quick facts about ITV3, pulled from official channel data:

Channel name ITV3
Launch date 2004
Free-to-air Yes
Network ITV
Freeview channel 10 (may vary) (TV Guide, the UK listings site)
Catch-up service ITVX

What is ITV3 on freeview?

ITV3 is a British free-to-air channel that launched in 2004 as part of the ITV network. It focuses on classic dramas, comedy repeats, and lighter entertainment – think Vera, Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, and Endeavour (Freeview, the UK digital terrestrial platform). On Freeview, it sits on channel 10, though the exact number can shift after a retune in some local areas.

ITV3 channel overview

  • Free-to-air and available on all major UK platforms.
  • Owned and operated by ITV plc.
  • Launched on 1 November 2004.

ITV3 programming genres

  • Crime and detective dramas (Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Vera)
  • Period and light comedies (George and Mildred)
  • Classic soap reruns (Classic Emmerdale, Classic Coronation Street)
  • Occasional film broadcasts, especially British classics

The implication: ITV3 fills a specific niche – viewers who want curated, high-quality British television from past decades, without needing a subscription.

Bottom line: ITV3 is a free, advertiser-supported channel specialising in classic British dramas. For UK cord-cutters, it’s one of the best repositories of detective and period content.

The pattern: this channel offers depth in British crime and comedy, but the exact Freeview slot may need a quick check after regional retunes.

What is the new channel number for ITV3?

After frequency changes and regional retunes, ITV3’s position has stabilised on most platforms, but the number isn’t universal. On Freeview, the default is 10, but in some parts of the UK it may appear on 34 or another local variant (Freeview). Sky and Virgin have fixed slots.

Checking your Freeview channel

  • Press GUIDE on your remote and scroll to channel 10.
  • If you see a blank screen or a different channel, visit the Freeview channel checker tool for your postcode.
  • You may need to perform a retune (see troubleshooting section).

ITV3 on Sky and Virgin

  • Sky: channel 119 (UK)
  • Virgin Media: channel 110
  • BT TV and TalkTalk: channel 10 (via YouView)

The catch: the number you see depends on your region and the last time you retuned your device. A quick manual check is the only way to be sure.

How do I watch ITV3?

You have several options, all free (no subscription beyond the TV licence).

Watch live on Freeview

  1. Tune to channel 10 (TV Guide, the UK listings site).
  2. If you don’t see the channel, run a retune (menu -> settings -> tune channels).
  3. Check your aerial connection: ensure the cable is tightly screwed into the TV/box and the wall socket.
  4. If the problem persists, reset your Freeview box by unplugging for 30 seconds.

Watch on satellite and cable

  • Sky channel 119
  • Virgin channel 110
  • Freesat: check EPG (usually around 112)

Watch on ITVX (catch-up)

The pattern: for the broadest access, Freeview channel 10 is the simplest; for time-shifted viewing, ITVX is the definitive platform.

The upshot

If you already have Freeview, you don’t need a separate box or subscription – just a working aerial and a quick retune. ITVX adds flexibility for catch-up without extra cost.

What this means: you have multiple free access points, but the most direct route is Freeview via channel 10 after ensuring your device is retuned.

ITV3 schedule for Monday, 29 June 2026 (example)

A typical weekday schedule from listings (TV Guide, the UK listings aggregator):

  • 6:00 AM – George and Mildred (episode: George’s brother makes a shocking discovery)
  • 7:05 AM – Classic Emmerdale
  • 8:05 AM – Classic Coronation Street
  • 8:50 AM – Agatha Christie’s Poirot: A Cambridge don is killed
  • Afternoon – continuing dramas and detective repeats

What dramas are on ITV3?

ITV3’s strength is its library of British crime and mystery series. The most popular titles draw consistent audiences.

Popular ITV3 dramas

  • Vera – long-running Northumberland detective series
  • Endeavour – prequel to Inspector Morse
  • Agatha Christie’s Poirot – David Suchet’s definitive interpretation
  • Midsomer Murders – cosy crime set in fictional English villages
  • Doc Martin – medical comedy-drama set in Cornwall (Freeview guidance)

Upcoming drama premieres

  • Classic Coronation Street episodes from the 1990s and 2000s air regularly.
  • New series of Vera and Endeavour premieres first on ITV1, then appear on ITV3 within a year.

Classic repeats

  • Episodes of George and Mildred, Love Thy Neighbour, and other 1970s/80s sitcoms.
  • Classic Emmerdale and Classic Coronation Street – weekday morning slots.
  • One-off films including British cinema classics.

The trade-off: ITV3 chooses breadth over depth – you’ll find many series but only a few episodes per week for each. For completists, ITVX offers full box sets of select shows.

Why is ITV3 not working?

A blank screen or error can be frustrating. Here are the most common causes and fixes.

Common issues

  • Poor signal: Check your aerial connection, especially after bad weather.
  • Retune required: Freeview channels can move – run a full retune from your TV or box menu.
  • Hardware fault: Try a different HDMI port or reset your box by unplugging for 30 seconds.

Check your aerial

  • Ensure the cable is tightly screwed into the TV/box and the wall socket.
  • Look for local transmitter issues on the Freeview coverage checker.

Reset your Freeview box

  • Unplug power, wait 30 seconds, plug back in.
  • Select Menu > Settings > Channel Setup > Retune.
  • If the problem persists, contact Freeview support or your aerial installer.

What this means: most ITV3 blackouts are temporary and fixable without a call-out. A retune resolves 80% of cases.

The catch

If you’ve recently moved house or changed your TV, ITV3 may have moved to a new frequency. A full rescan of all channels is the first step.

The implication: systematic troubleshooting – check aerial, retune, then reset – covers nearly all scenarios before needing professional help.

Confirmed facts

  • ITV3 is free-to-air
  • Owned by ITV
  • Launched in 2004
  • Available on Freeview, Sky, Virgin, ITVX

What’s unclear

  • Exact channel number after recent retune (may vary by region)
  • Specific schedule times (change weekly)

Related reading: Cast Of Coronation Street ? Cast Of Benidorm

Viewers looking for a broader overview of tonight’s programming can check the full ITV schedule tonight for schedules across all ITV channels.

Frequently asked questions

Is ITV3 available in HD?

ITV3 is broadcast in standard definition (SD) on Freeview. Some Sky and Virgin packages may offer an upscaled version, but there is no dedicated ITV3 HD channel.

Can I record ITV3 shows?

Yes – any Freeview recorder, Sky+ box, or Virgin V6 box can record ITV3 programmes. You can also use the ITVX download feature for offline viewing on mobile.

Does ITV3 have a live stream?

Yes – ITV3 is available live on the ITVX app and website. Go to ITV, the official broadcaster and click “Watch Live”.

How do I find the ITV3 schedule?

Visit TV Guide’s ITV3 page (TV Guide, the UK listings site) for daily and weekly listings. ITVX also shows the next 7 days in-app.

What age is ITV3 suitable for?

ITV3 primarily airs pre-watershed content suitable for all ages, though some dramas contain mild violence or language. Parental guidance is advised for younger children during later episodes.

Are there films on ITV3?

Occasionally – ITV3 broadcasts British film classics, especially during holidays. Check the weekly schedule for film slots.

How do I watch ITV3 on mobile?

Download the ITVX app from Google Play or the App Store. Sign in with a free account (no subscription needed) and select ITV3 from the live channels list.

For the UK viewer who loves classic British television, the choice is straightforward: if you prefer live, linear TV, tune to Freeview channel 10 (or the correct local number). If you value flexibility, ITVX gives you the same shows on your schedule. The only real risk is missing a retune – but a quick reset gets you back to Vera in minutes.