The Channel

This autumn, Virgin Media Television will launch a brand new general entertainment channel called "Virgin 1". That's the channel's new logo on the left there.

According to the Press Release made when the channel was announced back in June, Virgin 1 "... will combine the iconic Virgin brand with great content and VMtv’s unique expertise in multi-channel television. It will mix newly commissioned and acquired programming ... and hit shows from VMtv’s highly successful pay-tv channels."

What this means is that, as well as a lot of brand-new programmes (see below for more details), the channel will also be airing shows previously seen on other channels owned by VMtv. These include LivingTV, Bravo, Trouble and Challenge.

The channel will replace FTN on all platforms but will keep the same broadcast hours; ie 6pm to 6am on Freeview and 24 hours a day on cable and satellite.

It has also been announced that the station's web site will be ... "Packed with unique commissions and interactive content, the site will consist of five main sections – Laugh, Watch, Share, Download and Talk – each with the user at the heart of the experience. The 'Laugh' section of the website is already taking shape, with VMtv announcing a key deal with Hat Trick productions to provide new and unique comedy content under the 'Comedy Flannel' brand. This partnership will be a major element of Virgin 1’s commitment to growing online communities and encourage the sharing of UGC (user generated content)."

"In a UK first, the social networking approach will allow communities to grow around each of Virgin 1’s shows, bringing viewers closer to the programmes and stars they love. For example, as well as watching the Star Trek franchise (from Star Trek: TNG to Star Trek: Enterprise) on Virgin 1, fans will be treated to exclusive footage on Virgin1.co.uk from conventions over the world. This and other content will give fans a forum to create communities and upload, download and share content."

Channel Numbers:
Virgin Media 122
Sky 153
Freeview 20

Programme Line-up

The Sarah Connor Chronicles - Based on the character of the same name from the Terminator movie trilogy, British actress Lena Headey, recently seen in the hit movie 300, stars as the eponymous heroine as she and her son John find themselves fugitives from the law, confronted by an ever-evolving technological enemy bent on destroying their lives, and possibly the world.

The Riches - Already commissioned for two seasons in the US, The Riches brings together two outstanding British actors. It stars Eddie Izzard (Ocean’s Thirteen, My Super Ex-Girlfriend), who also executive produces, and Oscar-nominated – and now Emmy–nominated – Minnie Driver (Phantom of the Opera, Good Will Hunting). The couple bring their acting expertise and chemistry into a unique and controversial new series about deception and a truly modern tale of rags to Riches.

Wayne (Izzard) and Dahlia (Driver) Malloy are a husband and wife team of Irish-American con-artist gypsies working scams in the Deep South, who, along with daughter Di-Di and sons Cael and Sam (a kid who is more comfortable in dresses and lipstick), go on the run after stealing money from the extended family bank.

An unfortunate car collision with another family while on the road provides a great opportunity – Wayne, ever the scheming swindler, decides the family will assume their identities as Doug and Cherien Rich in the biggest con of their lives – stealing the American dream and pursuing a better life as law-abiding folks.

Star Trek - From 'The Next Generation' to 'Enterprise', there's chance to watch again every episode of this iconic Sci-Fi classic.

The Leo Houlding Project (working title). Extreme sports ace and rock-climbing prodigy Leo gives an adrenalin rush to people in serious need of excitement.

The channel will also be showing what it describes as "riveting and compelling factual programming". Shows so-far announced are:

Crime Invasion: Britain’s New Underworld - Crime is today’s defining political and social issue, and Crime Invasion: Britain’s New Underworld will be topical, insightful and relevant. It lifts the lid on the multicultural secret criminal societies that operate across the UK today. Over ten parts, the series profiles the new organised crime groups that dominate the UK’s underworld, revealing the changing face of criminal Britain and charting the rise of ethnic groups as key players.

The Real Exorcist (working title) - Your chance to follow America’s top practitioner, the Rev. Bob Larson. Whether performing mass exorcisms or rescuing one-to-ones with troubled souls from the grip of the Devil, he always generates extraordinary results. Sometimes bizarre, but always fascinating.

COMPLETE FIRST WEEK'S SCHEDULE

Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun
Monday 1/10	21:00pm: Criminal Minds 22:00 The Riches (Exclusive) (New Series) 23:00 Penis Envy (Exclusive) 00:00 Dog the Bounty Hunter 00:30 Dog the Bounty Hunter 01:00 2006 World Cup Poker 02:00 Ultimate Poker Challenge 03:50 Takeshi’s Castle 04:15 Takeshi’s Castle 04:40 Bullseye 05:05 Bullseye 05:30 Gadgets and Stuff
Tuesday 2/10	06:00 Knight Rider 07:00 Takeshi’s Castle 07:30 Takeshi’s Castle 08:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 08:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 09:00 Classic Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 10:00 Nothing to Declare 10:30 Beach Patrol 11:00 Street Crime UK Uncut 11:30 Street Crime UK Uncut 12:00 Cops On Camera 13:00 Take It Or Leave It 14:00 Classic Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 15:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 16:00 Knight Rider 17:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 17:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 18:00 Take It Or Leave It 19:00 Cops On Camera 20:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 21:00 FILM: A Fish Called Wanda 23:00 Sexcetera 00:00 Play Live Roulette 01:00 2006 World Cup Poker 02:00 Ultimate Poker Challenge 03:50 Takeshi’s Castle 04:15 Takeshi’s Castle 04:40 Street Crime UK Uncut 05:05 Street Crime UK Uncut 05:30 Gadgets Gadgets Gadgets
Wednesday 3/10	06:00 Knight Rider 07:00 Takeshi’s Castle 07:30 Takeshi’s Castle 08:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 08:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 09:00 Classic Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 10:00 Nothing to Declare 10:30 Beach Patrol 11:00 Street Crime UK Uncut 11:30 Street Crime UK Uncut 12:00pm: Cops On Camera 13:00 Take It Or Leave It 14:00 Classic Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 15:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 16:00 Knight Rider 17:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 17:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 18:00 Take It Or Leave It 19:00 Cops On Camera 20:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 21:00 The Unit 22:00 The Real Exorcist: Devil Hunter (Exclusive) 23:00 Criminal Minds 00:00 Play Live Roulette 01:00 World Series of Poker 2005 02:00 Ultimate Poker Challenge 03:50 Takeshi’s Castle 04:15 Takeshi’s Castle 04:40 Street Crime UK Uncut 05:05 Street Crime UK Uncut 05:30 Gadgets Gadgets Gadgets
Thursday 4/10	06:00 Knight Rider 07:00 Takeshi’s Castle 07:30 Takeshi’s Castle 08:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 08:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 09:00 Classic Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 10:00 Nothing to Declare 10:30 Beach Patrol 11:00 Street Crime UK Uncut 11:30 Street Crime UK Uncut 12:00pm: Cops On Camera 13:00 Take It Or Leave It 14:00 Classic Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 15:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 16:00 Knight Rider 17:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 17:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 18:00 Take It Or Leave It 19:00 Cops On Camera 20:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 21:00 Crime Invasion: Britain’s New Underworld (Exclusive) (New Series) 21:30 Brits Behind Bars 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 Sexcetera 00:00 Play Live Roulette 01:00 2006 World Cup Poker 02:00 Ultimate Poker Challenge 03:50 Takeshi’s Castle 04:15 Takeshi’s Castle 04:40 Street Crime UK Uncut 05:05 Street Crime UK Uncut 05:30 Gadgets Gadgets Gadgets
Friday 5/10	06:00 Knight Rider 07:00 Takeshi’s Castle 07:30 Takeshi’s Castle 08:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 08:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 09:00 Classic Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 10:00 Nothing to Declare 10:30 Beach Patrol 11:00 Street Crime UK Uncut 11:30 Street Crime UK Uncut 12:00pm: Cops On Camera 13:00 Take It Or Leave It 14:00 Classic Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 15:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 16:00 Knight Rider 17:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 17:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 18:00 Take It Or Leave It 19:00 Cops On Camera 20:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 21:00 The Unit 22:00 The Riches 23:00 The Ultimate Fighter 0:00 Play Live Roulette 01:00 2006 World Cup Poker 02:00 Ultimate Poker Challenge 03:50 Takeshi’s Castle 04:15 Takeshi’s Castle 04:40 Street Crime UK Uncut 05:05 Street Crime UK Uncut 05:30 Gadgets Gadgets Gadgets
Saturday 6/10	06:00 Knight Rider 07:00 Takeshi’s Castle 07:30 Takeshi’s Castle 08:00 That 70s Show 08:30 That 70s Show 09:00 Takeshi’ s Castle 09:30 Takeshi’ s Castle 10:00 My Wife and Kids 10:30 My Wife and Kids 11:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 11:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 12:00 That 70s Show 12:30 That 70s Show 13:00 To Be Announced 13:30 To Be Announced 14:00 Knight Rider 15:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 16:00 The X Files 17:00 World’ s Most Amazing Videos 18:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 18:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 19:00 That 70s Show 19:30 That 70s Show 20:00 Dog the Bounty Hunter 20:30 Dog the Bounty Hunter 21:00 Penis Envy 22:00 The Real Exorcist: Devil Hunter (Exclusive) (New Series) 23:00 Sexcetera 00:00 Sexcetera 01:00 2006 World Cup Poker 02:00 Ultimate Poker Challenge 03:50 Takeshi’s Castle 04:15 Dog the Bounty Hunter 04:40 Dog the Bounty Hunter 05:05 My Wife and Kids 05:30 My Wife and Kids
Sunday 7/10	06:00 Knight Rider 07:00 Takeshi’s Castle 07:30 Takeshi’s Castle 08:00 That 70s Show 08:30 That 70s Show 09:00 Takeshi’ s Castle 09:30 Takeshi’ s Castle 10:00 My Wife and Kids 10:30 My Wife and Kids 11:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 11:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 12:00 That 70s Show 12:30 That 70s Show 13:00 To Be Announced 13:30 To Be Announced 14:00 Knight Rider 15:00 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 16:00 The X Files 17:00 World’s Most Amazing Videos 18:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 18:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 19:00 That 70s Show 19:30 That 70s Show 20:00 America’ s Next Top Model 20:30 Dog the Bounty Hunter 21:00 Seinfeld 21:30 Help Me Help You (Exclusive) (New Series) 22:00 Boston Legal 23:00 The Riches 00:00 Sexcetera 01:00 2006 World Cup Poker 02:00 Ultimate Poker Challenge 03:50 Takeshi’s Castle 04:15 America’ s Next Top Model 05:05 My Wife and Kids 05:30 My Wife and Kids