Universal TV


Universal TV, formerly Universal Channel, is an international pay television network specializing in movies and television series in the thriller, drama, comedy, horror, crime and investigation genres, owned by NBCUniversal International Networks, a division of NBCUniversal and available on satellite and cable platforms. They were formerly branded as USA Network until 2003 when the name was changed to take more advantage of the Universal branding, but continue programming as that network does like a general interest network.

Launched in other countries

Original launch

Universal Channel was officially launched on 1 September 2004 in Latin America, then it launched on 1 December 2007 in Poland and Romania and on 1 July 2008 in Southeast Asia.

Re-branded in selected countries

In South Africa, Hallmark Channel was re-branded under that name on 24 March 2010 for DStv subscribers. In Japan, Sci Fi Channel re-branded to that name on 1 April 2010. In Australia, Hallmark Channel re-branded to that name on 1 July 2010. In Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and ex Yugoslav countries Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hallmark Channel was re-branded to that name on 3 September 2010. And in the Philippines, this channel was launched on 26 July 2010 and replaced the Sci Fi Channel which was rebranded as Universal Channel.
On 18 October 2010, the Hallmark Channel in the UK and Ireland was rebranded, adopting the Universal Channel name. The UK version closed on 27 January 2020. On 3 May 2018, starting with the UK, they have begun the global rebrand of the channel as 'Universal TV'. In August 2018, the Brazilian signal of Universal Channel was rebranded to Universal TV, with the Latin American variant following suit in October.

Launch in New Zealand

In 2021, SkyTV New Zealand and NBCUniversal had signed a multi-year deal allowing Sky to broadcast their new movies, programmes and content while also taking into effect their current catalogue. Therefore, releasing Universal TV to New Zealand audiences as a part of Sky New Zealand’s Starter pack.

Closure in Russia

On April 30, 2015, Universal Channel was closed due to financial problems in the Russian market, along with E!.

Programmes

Latin America

Almost ParadiseBates MotelBlue BloodsBeauty & the BeastBrothers & SistersThe CapeChicago FireChicago MedChicago P.D.Dalziel & PascoeElementaryThe EventFamily LawFBIFBI: InternationalFBI: Most WantedThe Good WifeGrimmHouseLaw & OrderLaw & Order: LALaw & Order: Special Victims UnitThe LibrariansMagnum P.I.PsychThe RookieRookie BlueStalkerSurviving SuburbiaWalker, Texas Ranger

Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia

Source:Being EricaBlue BloodsBrothers & SistersClara ShellerDiagnosis: MurderERFoyle's WarFact or Faked: Paranormal FilesFairly LegalFoyle's WarThe Good WifeThe GuardianHavenHawaii Five-0Judging AmyLaw & OrderLaw & Order: Special Victims UnitLaw & Order: Criminal IntentLife Is WildMcLeod's DaughtersMediumMidsomer MurdersMiss MarpleMonkNash BridgesPsychThe Real Housewives of New York CityThe Real Housewives of Orange CountyRookie BlueRoyal PainsSalem's LotScandalSea PatrolThe SentinelShatteredThree Rivers

South Africa

Being EricaBonesBoschChicago MedChicago P.D.Cold CaseCSI: Crime Scene InvestigationCSI: CyberCSI:NYDark MatterThe DetailFlashpointHouseLaw & OrderLaw & Order: Criminal IntentLaw & Order: Special Victims UnitThe LibrariansMen in TreesThe MentalistMonkNCISNCIS: New OrleansNumb3rsPsychRansomRizzoli & IslesRookie BlueChance (2016 TV series)|Second Chance]Taxi BrooklynTwo and a Half MenUnforgettable

United Kingdom

Acceptable RiskBates MotelBurden of TruthChanceChicago JusticeChicago Med CSI: MiamiCSI: NYCondor Coroner Departure The DisappearanceGoneHow to Get Away with Murder Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Major Crimes MotiveMr. RobotThe MurdersNCISPrivate Eyes Proven InnocentPure GeniusRansom The Resident Rookie Blue Royal PainsSecond Chance