October kept UK streaming lively and unpredictable. From fresh premieres to spooky Halloween takeovers, the month delivered surprises that had viewers – and platforms – on their toes. Major players like Sky, NOW, and Disney+ stepped up with standout content, from original series to Halloween takeovers, while industry dynamics hinted at deeper shifts to come.
In October’s Top 10 Title rankings, within the Merchandiser of the Month report, the UK’s local platforms – BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4 – faced stiff competition, with global streamers taking the majority of top digital real estate for prominence. Local content only claimed four of the ten most prominent slots, highlighting a trend where international players continue to grab attention on UK platforms. With Ofcom’s Media Bill roadmap in motion, this could bring interesting changes ahead: will regulatory shifts nudge UK-based, local streaming services, and their content, into the spotlight, or will audiences – and algorithms – keep giving global titles the edge? Only time, and perhaps a few well-placed promos, will tell.
Sky marked UK Black History Month this October with an inspired showcase, filling its interface with curated swimlanes spotlighting Black creators and talent, underscoring its commitment to diverse storytelling. Sky also debuted Sweetpea, an edgy adaptation that pulled viewers into its sharp, darkly humorous world, setting a bold tone for the month. For Sky VIPs, the perks didn’t stop there – a two-month Netflix trial opened up even more binge-worthy options, letting viewers transition seamlessly from Sky’s originals to the wider streaming universe. Here’s a closer look at October’s top streaming moments – dive into our Merchandiser of the Month UK report to catch every detail.
The month of Halloween delivered plenty for UK fans of horror and true crime. NOW’s Stay Home, If You Dare takeover gave viewers a curated lineup of hair-raising titles, while Disney+ added to the eerie mix with a selection of spooky favorites on Samsung devices. Channel 4 drew attention to horror-comedy Generation Z with a prime Fire TV spot, and ITVX highlighted dark, real-life tales like The Real Fatal Attraction and TikTok: Murder Gone Viral on Roku. If October proved anything, it’s that UK streaming leaned into the thrills – and definitely kept fans looking over their shoulders.
All in all, October served up a memorable mix of fresh content and twists that kept UK viewers thoroughly entertained (and occasionally on edge). Curious to see which titles and streaming apps made the biggest impact on the digital storefronts? Our October Merchandiser of the Month report has all the insights, so you can get the full picture of who stole the spotlight in this month’s streaming showdown.
