Five was launched on March 30, 1997. The network was originally known as Channel 5.

Five is not available in some parts of the United Kingdom through an analogue aerial and can only be seen in those areas on cable and satellite.

The networks shows a mixture of entertainment series and documentaries. Many of it's most popular entertainment series are imported from overseas and these include Home And Away, Law & Order, Prison Break, CSI AND CSI: Miami .

As of September, 2006 the channel was attracting an average 5.7% audience share.

The network launched the satellite and cable channels Five Life and Five US on October 16, 2006.

On 14 February 2011 the network reverted to it's original name of Channel 5 following a takeover by Richard Desmond's Northern & Shell Group.