Channel 5 > Reviews (64)

Reality bite's, with enthusiasm and consideration, which is something largely lacking with most broadcasters.

To write about a TV channel seems a bit strange in some ways, but when that channel gives the viewers the option of what they want to see, without the many cuts made by the various licensees, it releases a bit of a thrill. After all, we're the ones who give these people advice through all the advertising and general questionnaires.
What I'm talking about is channel 5, a little understood channel that unfortunately, even now can not reach everyone in the UK.

If you are able to receive it, even if it's a little fuzzy, it's well worth viewing. In fact i was prompted tonight to write as i am sitting, watching films that other organisations won't play(martial arts). If you ask why they will tell you things like, not enough interest, too violent, too controversial and so on, but that's rubbish. I personally know quite a few people that would much prefer to buy their license from good old 5, than the BBC.

I believe that any film worth watching, must be a little out of the ordinary, and set apart from the run of the mill crap that most stations put out. What i mean is, why show a film that's had the funniest or most explosive scenes removed, or worse the various lines changed, making the film look dubbed and out of character. The BBC are famous for it, even when a film is shown late. ITV have a similar view plan, but at least they let everything roll after about 10pm, well usually almost everything.
We're the ones who are paying to watch, so it should be our choice, and I'm not putting down the water shed idea that prevents under age viewing. If someone wants to watch, they will.

Anyhow, the bottom line here is revealed in the facts. Week after week channel 5 shows a variety of good films that are often highly sought after, and are usually good entertainment. Also aside from actual films they have a good selection of children's and adult viewing at the right times for the right age groups, without having limitations. Controversial or not, they will give you what most people want, and if it feels too personal you can always change channel. Frankly I'm amazed that others haven't followed suit in some ways, even sky picks what it wants, and continuously re runs everything.

If you want no holds barred, free choice viewing, 5 has to be tops. You can't even compare it to channel 4, as even they lay down the law with either cuts or limitations, the norm being to promote nothing but sex, often in very bad taste. We all want variety but are afraid to pursue the options available for fear of being labled. Nothing will ever be all good, or all bad, but the viewers are the ones who can and do make the difference.
If more people viewed this great channel, it would without doubt be the undisputed best. Even for sports they go upwards and onwards giving tons of stuff you can't get anywhere else, though at the moment the majority is heavily American. The best part is, they don't sting you for a license, they just put out what real people want, all through simple advertising, which by the way isn't as intrusive or over played like the many others.

I feel sorry for those that are missing out, but i can recommend getting a better aerial. It's worth the cost, and will give you challenging viewing instead of the couch potato routine, also if you have satellite, channel 5 is availble free with both analogue and digital.
It's not everyones cup of tea, but it would be unfair to degrade people just because they watch it as some do. I would much rather choose what to watch, than to be forced and 5 leaves that option open.