BBC Three (BBC II!) is an over-the-top internet television service operated by the BBC, which launched on 16 February 2016.
It is a replacement for the linear BBC Three television channel, which was discontinued the same day. The service produces and streams television and web series aimed at the demographics of 16–34 year-olds, with a particular focus on comedy and documentary programmes.
The replacement of BBC Three’s television service with a digital platform came as the result of budget cuts at the broadcaster, stemming from Director-General Tony Hall’s goal to not perform general cuts across the BBC that would compromise the quality of its programme output, and an acknowledgement of a shift in viewing habits among the service’s demographic towards online video services as opposed to traditional, linear television. Likewise, BBC Three staff argued that the service would no longer be bound to the limitations of traditional television, enabling producers to have a larger degree of flexibility in the programme content they can create for BBC Three.
BBC Three content is primarily streamed on BBC iPlayer, while the service’s other content, including web series and other materials, are also distributed through presences on social networks.
All full-length original programming commissioned for BBC Three will be broadcast on the linear BBC One and BBC Two television channels following their online premiere.
The service offers new, original content, as well as full series of previous BBC Three programmes (branded as “Box Sets”). New content consists of full-length programmes, and short-form web series and features; Kavanagh explained that the new BBC Three would focus primarily on original comedies and documentaries.
All long-form programmes commissioned for BBC Three must be aired at a later date on BBC One or BBC Two. BBC Three produces two curated content channels, such as The Daily Drop—which features blogs, videos, photo galleries, social network content, and other content trending online, and The Best Of.
See the BBC Three website for more information.
