Shows from Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA, 5SELECT and 5ACTION are added to 5 subject to licensing agreements, or rights.
Rights affect things such as:
- Regions where content can be distributed
- The length of time content can be offered on demand
- The ways you can watch content on various devices
- Whether content can be downloaded, or watched on a TV set
On 5.tv, smart TVs, games consoles, tablets and smartphones, each show is made available for the maximum licence duration. Normally this is a minimum of 7 days.
Shows which are commissioned (owned) by Channel 5 will typically be available for a year or more.
Acquired shows, such as US dramas, films and documentaries, will be available for 7 to 30 days depending on the show.
There is one notable exception: Virgin Media has a Video On Demand (VOD) window of 7 days.