2026 Guide: Gold TV Channel: Schedule, Classic Shows & How to Watch
Updated June 2026 with current pricing, channel listings and UK setup steps. Gold (formerly UKTV Gold, and before that UK Gold) is one of the UK's most beloved entertainment channels, dedicated to classic British comedy and entertainment. From Only Fools and Horses and Fawlty Towers to Taskmaster and modern panel shows, Gold has carved out a unique position as the home of the best of British television — both vintage and contemporary.
Gold Channel Numbers
Unlike its UKTV siblings Dave (Freeview 19) and Drama (Freeview 20), Gold is not available on Freeview — you need Sky, Virgin Media, or Freesat to watch it live. However, Gold content is available free on catch-up through the UKTV Play app, which works on every major platform. For the full Freeview channel list, see our Freeview channel numbers guide.
What's On Gold
Gold's programming splits into two main categories: classic British comedy (repeats of beloved sitcoms and sketch shows) and original entertainment (Taskmaster being the biggest original production). The daily schedule typically runs classic comedy throughout the day with original and primetime content in the evening.
The most frequently broadcast shows include Only Fools and Horses (the channel's single biggest draw, with episodes airing multiple times daily), Fawlty Towers, Blackadder, Porridge, Last of the Summer Wine, Vicar of Dibley, and Dad's Army. These classics run on rotation and are the reason many viewers tune in — there is always something comfortingly familiar on Gold.
Taskmaster is Gold's flagship original production and one of the most popular panel shows on British television. New series air in the evening primetime slot, typically twice a year, and past series are available on the UKTV Play app and on the official Taskmaster YouTube channel.
Watch Gold on Catch-Up
UKTV Play is the free catch-up app for Gold and its sister channels (Dave, Drama, Yesterday, Really). It offers on-demand access to recently broadcast Gold programmes plus a library of Gold box sets. The app is available on Smart TVs, Amazon Firestick, mobile devices, and web browsers.
This means you can watch Gold content for free even if you do not have Sky, Virgin, or Freesat — just through the UKTV Play app on any internet-connected device. The catch-up library is extensive, and Taskmaster episodes are typically available for extended periods. For our guide to the Really channel catch-up (another UKTV channel), that article also covers the UKTV Play app in detail.
Gold vs Other Classic TV Channels
Gold occupies a unique niche. The Drama channel focuses on detective series and period dramas. Yesterday covers history and factual programming. Dave offers modern comedy and entertainment. Gold sits between them all, combining classic British comedy with original entertainment — a programming mix no other channel replicates.
If you enjoy Gold's content and want more classic British television, BBC iPlayer has an extensive comedy archive, and ITVX's free tier includes years of ITV classic entertainment. Our free streaming services guide covers all catch-up platforms, and our best TV this week guide flags standout comedy and entertainment across all channels.
Questions About the Gold Channel?
We can help you find Gold content or set up UKTV Play.