SBS has today lifted the curtain on the returning SBS2, revealing a fresh identity, expanded programming slate and new weekly schedule ahead of its August launch.
The announcement comes after TV Blackbox first broke the news last month that SBS Viceland would be retired in favour of reviving the SBS2 brand, with the broadcaster now detailing the new identity, launch lineup and programming strategy behind the relaunch.
The rebrand follows the conclusion of SBS’s longstanding branding partnership with VICE Media and is designed to bring the channel back under the SBS banner, creating a clearer destination for its core 25 to 54 audience across broadcast and streaming while retaining its mix of documentaries, comedy, live sport and entertainment.
The refreshed branding also adopts a more restrained look than the channel’s previous SBS2 identity, aligning it more closely with SBS’s current family of television and streaming brands.
Alongside a refreshed on air look, SBS says it will introduce a more structured weekly schedule, with regular nights dedicated to entertainment, iconic films, factual storytelling and event programming, while expanding its focus on premium drama, fandom driven content and shared viewing experiences.
Among the headline titles joining the relaunch are The Vampire Lestat, the new season of Interview With the Vampire, The Dropout, Fleishman Is in Trouble, Minx, The Future with Hannah Fry, Couples Therapy, The Centre Seat: 60 Years of Star Trek and History’s Greatest Machines with Dolph Lundgren, alongside live cycling, comedy specials and themed programming events.
SBS Acting Head of Network Programming Natalie Edgar said the relaunch builds on what audiences already value about the channel while making it easier to discover SBS’s distinctive programming across broadcast and streaming.
“Bringing the channel back under the SBS banner creates a clearer destination for audiences across broadcast and streaming, while giving us greater opportunity to connect viewers with the stories, characters and cultural moments they won’t find anywhere else.”
The refreshed channel will also feature personalities including Sean Bean, David Duchovny, Adam Hills, Mayim Bialik, Raven-Symoné and Danny Estrin, alongside a mix of premium acquisitions, original productions and live sporting events.
