S4C is the Welsh language public service channel, bringing together national and regional news, long running drama, live sport and distinctive factual and entertainment. On this page you can watch the live channel free of charge and use a clean daily guide that shows exactly what is on now, what is next and when tonight’s highlights begin. The player starts quickly on mobile and desktop, and the listings refresh through the day so you can plan your viewing without guesswork. Many programmes carry English subtitles, and selected sports fixtures include English commentary.
As a national service for Wales, S4C balances all Wales moments with stories from across the regions. Brief local opt outs sit within a unified schedule. Children’s output runs in clearly signposted blocks for different ages so families can find the right strand at the right time.
Where to watch
In Wales the channel is easy to find on Freeview at 4 in standard definition and 104 in high definition. On satellite and cable within Wales the HD channel is typically at 104 on Sky, Freesat and Virgin Media. Across the rest of the UK and Ireland the channel is widely available via satellite line ups; positions can vary outside Wales.
What today’s guide looks like
Daytime blends magazine shows, factual series and repeatable half hours. Early evening brings regional and national news plus daily magazines before the night builds into headline drama, live sport and long form factual. If a live event overruns or the broadcaster adjusts timings, the guide on this page follows the updated running order so the start times you see remain accurate.
Signature strands and staples
You will often see a rotating mix drawn from S4C’s core pillars:
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Pobol y Cwm long running Welsh language soap set in Cwmderi
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Newyddion S4C national news bulletins
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Heno and Prynhawn Da daily magazine shows
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Sgorio Welsh football coverage and highlights
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Clwb Rygbi rugby coverage during the domestic and international seasons
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Y Byd ar Bedwar current affairs and investigative reporting
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Cyw pre school block and Stwnsh for older children
Drama seasons and one off factual films appear through the year alongside music, culture and event coverage.
Picture quality and performance
On supported devices S4C is available in high definition. Expect crisp studio pictures, clear subtitling and steady motion during live sport. Streaming typically runs a few seconds behind over the air reception; that small delay is normal and helps keep playback smooth on variable connections.
Availability notes
Live access is intended for viewers in the UK and Ireland. Rights can vary by programme and by territory, which can affect availability when you travel. Devices may enforce regional settings automatically.
Live viewing reminder
In the UK, watching any television channel live, whether on a TV platform or through a streaming player, requires a TV Licence. On demand viewing is treated differently, but live channels fall under the licence rules.
Start watching
Press play to join S4C live now. Then scan today’s guide to see when your programme begins, whether it is Newyddion S4C, an episode of Pobol y Cwm, a Sgorio match night, Clwb Rygbi or the children’s strands Cyw and Stwnsh. All times are shown in UK time so you can plan your evening precisely.
