Sky Mix TV Guide: Channel Number, Schedule & Free Access (2025)
If you’ve ever scrolled through Freeview looking for something decent to watch, you’ve probably landed on Sky Mix. It’s the channel that brings Sky originals and real-life documentaries to free TV, no subscription needed. Since its rebrand from Pick in 2023, it’s become a go‑to for shows like Motorway Patrol and Caught on Dashcam. Here’s everything you need to know about the Sky Mix TV guide – channel numbers, schedule, and how to watch for free.
Freeview channel: 11 ·
Former name: Pick ·
Rebranded: 18 October 2023 ·
Owner: Sky UK (Comcast) ·
Platforms: Freeview, BT TV, TalkTalk, YouView
Quick snapshot
- Freeview, BT TV, TalkTalk, YouView: channel 11 (TV Guide UK).
- Virgin Media: channel 135 (TV Guide UK).
- Free on Freeview – no subscription required (Sky Media).
- Ad‑supported model keeps it free for viewers. (Sky Media)
Seven key facts about Sky Mix, from launch history to channel position:
| Launch date (as Sky Mix) | |
|---|---|
| Former name | Pick |
| Original launch (as Sky Three) | |
| Owner | Sky UK (Comcast) |
| Free‑to‑air | Yes |
| HD version | Sky Mix HD available on Sky platform (TV Guide UK) |
| Freeview channel | 11 |
The pattern: Sky Mix has evolved from a pay‑TV brand into a free channel that sits prominently on Freeview EPG position 11, giving it high visibility among cord‑cutters.
What channel is Sky Mix on Sky?
Sky Mix channel number on Sky UK
On the Sky satellite platform, Sky Mix is available on channel 112 (TV Guide UK). This position is consistent across Sky Q and Sky Glass.
Sky Mix channel number on Sky Ireland
In Ireland, Sky Mix can be found on channel 112 or 113 depending on the region, as confirmed by multiple UK TV listings (TV Guide UK).
Does Sky Mix have an HD channel?
Yes – Sky Mix HD broadcasts alongside the standard channel on the Sky platform. Its schedule closely mirrors the SD version, with teleshopping in early morning slots (TV Guide UK).
Sky Mix’s EPG placement (112 on Sky, 11 on Freeview) gives it strong visibility on both pay‑TV and free platforms. Viewers on Freeview actually get a better slot – position 11 is far more prominent than 112.
How do I get Sky Mix on my TV?
Tuning in on Sky TV
Sky Mix is included in the basic Sky TV package at no extra cost. Simply press 112 on your Sky remote to watch (TV Guide UK).
Watching via Freeview
On Freeview, Sky Mix is on channel 11. It’s fully free‑to‑air – no subscription or card required. The same channel number also works on BT TV, TalkTalk, and YouView (TV Guide UK).
Streaming Sky Mix online
Sky TV subscribers can stream Sky Mix live via the Sky Go app. There is no standalone streaming option for non‑subscribers, but the channel is freely available over the air on Freeview.
Is Sky Mix a free service from Sky?
Cost for Sky TV subscribers
Sky Mix comes with any Sky TV bundle – no extra fee. It’s part of the basic channel lineup (Sky Media).
Free‑to‑air on Freeview
On Freeview, Sky Mix is completely free. You don’t need a Sky subscription or any contract – just a TV aerial (Sky Media).
Ad‑supported model
Sky Mix carries advertising, which funds its free distribution. This is typical for Freeview channels and allows Sky to offer it without a subscription fee.
Sky Mix is one of the few channels that bridges pay‑TV and free TV: Sky uses it to showcase originals to a wider audience, while Freeview viewers get premium content at zero cost.
Has Sky Mix been removed from Freeview?
Current Freeview status of Sky Mix
As of early 2025, Sky Mix remains on Freeview channel 11. There has been no official announcement of its removal (Freeview official channel list – note: Freeview.co.uk lists Sky Mix at position 11).
History of channel removals on Freeview
While Freeview has seen channels come and go, Sky Mix has stayed since its rebrand in 2023. Industry speculation about consolidation exists, but no confirmed plans (Wikipedia).
Future outlook
There have been reports that Sky One might return, potentially replacing Sky Showcase and Sky Mix, but these remain unconfirmed (Wikipedia).
What can I watch on Sky Mix?
Popular shows and series
Sky Mix airs a rotation of real‑life documentaries, wildlife programmes, and Sky originals. Standouts include:
- Motorway Patrol – early morning and daytime repeats (My Telly)
- Border Patrol and Nothing to Declare – baggage‑control reality (My Telly)
- Caught on Dashcam – multiple daily slots (My Telly)
- Wildlife docs like Africa’s Hunters and Patrick Aryee’s Wild World (My Telly)
- Movies: e.g., The Jack Bull (1999) airs at 9:00 pm (My Telly)
Sports coverage on Sky Sports Mix
Note: Sky Sports Mix is a separate channel dedicated to live sport. It is not the same as Sky Mix.
Recent additions
After the rebrand, Sky Mix added the first series of HBO’s True Detective to its lineup (Wikipedia). Sky originals such as Rob & Romesh also feature regularly (Sky Media).
Sky Mix’s schedule leans heavily on real‑life content and repeats. Viewers hoping for big‑budget drama will find more variety on Sky Showcase, but for free‑to‑air, Sky Mix offers a solid mix of Sky’s factual archive.
Sky Mix timeline
- : Channel launches as Sky Three on Freeview (Wikipedia).
- 2010s: Channel rebrands to Pick and later Pick TV (Wikipedia).
- : Pick rebrands to Sky Mix, returning to Freeview channel 11 (Wikipedia; Sky Media).
- 2025: Still active on Freeview; no official plans for removal (TV Guide UK).
The implication: Sky Mix has survived multiple rebrands and remains a key part of Sky’s free‑TV strategy.
What we know and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Sky Mix is on Freeview channel 11 (TV Guide UK).
- It rebranded from Pick on 18 October 2023 (Wikipedia).
- It airs Motorway Patrol, Border Patrol, Caught on Dashcam and wildlife docs (My Telly).
- It is owned by Sky UK (Wikipedia).
- Sky Mix HD is available on the Sky platform (TV Guide UK).
What’s unclear
- Whether Sky Mix will eventually be removed from Freeview.
- Whether Sky One will return and replace Sky Mix on the Sky platform.
- Exact viewership/ratings data for the channel.
“Sky Mix delivers Sky Originals, documentaries, movies and real‑life content to Freeview, bringing Sky’s best to a wider audience.”
– Sky Media (official channel description)
“The rebrand from Pick to Sky Mix in October 2023 allowed Sky to unify its channel portfolio under the Sky brand and offer free‑to‑air viewers a taste of its original programming.”
– Wikipedia (television channel history)
The editorial verdict: Sky Mix is a free channel that gives cord‑cutters a glimpse into Sky’s content library, but the schedule is heavy on repeats. For viewers who love real‑life docs, it’s a solid addition to Freeview. For those seeking premium drama, Sky Mix may feel like a teaser – you’ll still need a Sky subscription for full access.
Related reading: **What Is Good to Watch? Best Streaming Shows & Movies** · **TV Licence Cost Monthly Ireland – Fees, Discounts & Exemptions**
For a broader overview of what’s available across the platform, you can also check the general Sky TV guide for tonight’s full listings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch Sky Mix online without a Sky subscription?
No – streaming via Sky Go requires a Sky TV subscription. The channel is free only over the air on Freeview.
Does Sky Mix have a separate HD version?
Yes, Sky Mix HD is available on the Sky platform but not on Freeview. Its schedule mirrors the SD channel.
Is Sky Mix available on Virgin Media?
Yes – on Virgin Media it is channel 135 (TV Guide UK).
How do I record shows on Sky Mix?
If you have a Sky Q box, you can record Sky Mix using the Sky+ app or the record button on your remote. On Freeview, recording requires a Freeview recorder.
What is the difference between Sky Mix and Sky Showcase?
Sky Showcase is the flagship channel that airs premieres and simulcasts from Sky’s other channels. Sky Mix is a free‑to‑air channel focused on repeats and factual content.
Are there any new series coming to Sky Mix in 2025?
No official announcements have been made. Sky typically cycles its existing library on Sky Mix rather than launching new originals.
Can I watch Sky Mix outside the UK?
Sky Mix is a UK‑only channel. It is not available on Freeview outside the UK, and streaming via Sky Go is geo‑restricted.
For Freeview viewers in the UK, the choice is clear: Sky Mix offers a reliable stream of factual and documentary content at zero cost, but don’t expect first‑run dramas. For Sky subscribers, it’s a handy extra channel that repackages old favourites. Either way, channel 11 is worth a browse.
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