Yahoo News Hollyoaks' timeslot replacement revealed after Channel 4 scheduling shake-up
Channel 4 has revealed Hollyoaks' timeslot replacement following the news it will become the UK's first completely digital-first soap.
Last week, the broadcaster announced that Hollyoaks will no longer air weekdays on Channel 4.
It's now been confirmed that The Simpsons will take the soap's 6.30pm slot from September 25 onwards, while The Simpsons' old 6pm slot will be taken by Four in a Bed.
Related: 11 ways to fix Hollyoaks in the show's next era
However, Hollyoaks will continue to air weeknights at 7pm on E4, with 'first-look' episodes dropping on Channel 4's streaming service the previous day at 7.30pm.
The episodes will then be released a week later on YouTube, while the weekly omnibus will continue to air on Channel 4 on Sundays.
The schedule shake-up comes after it was found that 64% of viewers watch through first-look streaming or on E4.
Related: Hollyoaks' Ethan Williams to be left rocked by shocking Dilly confession
In addition to streamlining how the soap's younger audience consumes the soap, Channel 4 wants to expand its online presence by generating digital content that attracts its target demographic.
The new schedule will kick off with a stunt week for the soap, which includes an hour-long special (spoilers follow below).
Jemma Donovan's final scenes as Rayne Royce will air as part of the event, with the character being killed off and sparking a huge new whodunit storyline.
Meanwhile, Peri manages to escape from Rayne's ex-boyfriend Brent, who's holding her captive.
From Monday, September 25, Hollyoaks will stream first online via Channel 4 each weekday. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
You Might Also Like
