View source for BBC Three

{{Short description|Television channel operated by the BBC}}
{{redirect|BBC3|the BBC radio station|BBC Radio 3|other uses|BBC3 (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = BBC Three
| logo = [[File:BBC Three 2022.svg|frameless]]
| logo_size = 215px
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2022
| launch_date = {{start date|2003|2|9|df=yes}} (original)<br />{{start date and age|2022|2|1|df=yes}} (relaunch)
| closed_date = {{end date|2016|2|16|df=yes}} (original)
| language = English
| picture_format = [[1080i]]/[[1080p]]{{efn|1080p25 sometimes only on [[Freeview (UK)|Freeview]]}} [[HDTV]]<br/><small>(downscaled to [[576i]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)</small>
| owner = [[BBC]]
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| area = {{plainlist|
* United Kingdom
* [[Isle of Man]]
* [[Channel Islands]]
  }}
| network = [[BBC Television]]<br />[[BBC One]] (2019–2022)
| headquarters = London, England
| replaced = [[BBC Choice]] (2003)
| sister_channels = [[BBC One]]<br/>[[BBC Two]]<br/>[[BBC Four]]<br/>[[BBC News (UK TV channel)|BBC News]]<br/>[[BBC Parliament]]<br/>[[CBBC]]<br/>[[CBeebies]]<br/>[[BBC Scotland (TV channel)|BBC Scotland]]<br/>[[BBC Alba]]
| website = {{URL|https://bbc.co.uk/bbcthree}}
| availability_note = 
| terr_serv_1 = [[Freeview (UK)|Freeview]]
| terr_chan_1 = Channel 23 (SD)<br />Channel 107 (HD; England & NI only)<br /> Channel 7 (Original)
| online_serv_1 = [[BBC iPlayer]]
| online_chan_1 = [https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcthree Watch live] (UK only)
}}
'''BBC Three''' is a British [[free-to-air]] [[Public service broadcasting in the United Kingdom|public broadcast]] [[television channel]] owned and operated by the [[BBC]]. It was first launched on 9 February 2003 with programmes for a 16 to 34-year-old target audience. It covers all genres including particularly new comedies, drama, LGBTQ+ programmes, music, fashion, documentaries, brief news, adult animation, and drama series.<ref name="Service Licence"/> [[BBC iPlayer]], the BBC's video-on-demand service, launched in December 2007 and included BBC Three alongside the BBC's other channels at launch. The linear channel closed down on 15 February 2016 and relaunched on 1 February 2022, with programming appearing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the interim period.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2022/bbc-three-on-tv|title=T-Minus Three weeks until BBC Three is on TV|date=11 January 2022|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|series=Media Centre|access-date=27 January 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111110823/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2022/bbc-three-on-tv|url-status=live}}</ref> The channel broadcasts daily from 7:00 pm to 4:00 am, timesharing with [[CBBC]] (which starts at 7:00 am).

BBC Three is the BBC's youth-orientated television channel,<ref name=":2">{{cite web |author=Alex Ritman |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bbc-tv-boss-youth-network-799109/ |title=BBC TV Boss on Youth Network Going Online: It's a "Risk" – The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Hollywoodreporter.com |date=1 June 2015 |access-date=11 February 2022 |archive-date=3 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203013229/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bbc-tv-boss-youth-network-799109/ |url-status=live }}</ref> its remit to provide "innovative programming" to a [[target audience]] of viewers between 16 and 34 years old, leveraging technology as well as new talent.<ref name="Service Licence">{{cite web |title=BBC Three Service Licence |url=https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/regulatory_framework/service_licences/tv/2013/bbc_three_sep13.pdf |date=September 2013 |publisher=BBC Trust |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135319/http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/regulatory_framework/service_licences/tv/2013/bbc_three_sep13.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike its commercial rivals, 90% of BBC Three's output originated from the United Kingdom. Notable exceptions were ''[[Family Guy]]'' and ''[[American Dad!|American Dad]]'' (both of them originating in the [[United States]]). It and sister channel [[BBC Four]] also carry occasional [[BBC Sport]] programming as an overflow for the BBC's other channels.

Following budget cuts at the BBC, the first iteration of the linear channel closed in February 2016, despite public opposition, with the channel continuing as on-demand content only within BBC iPlayer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34932688|title=BBC Three to move online from February|date=26 November 2015|work=BBC News|access-date=20 July 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825035251/http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34932688|url-status=live}}</ref> It returned to broadcast television in the form of a late-night [[Block programming|strand]] on [[BBC One]] on Monday to Wednesday nights since 4 March 2019. On 2 March 2021, the BBC confirmed that it planned to relaunch BBC Three's [[linear television]] channel in 2022 subject to regulatory approval,<ref name="2022_relaunch2">{{cite web|date=2 March 2021|title=BBC Three to return as a broadcast channel in January 2022|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/bbc-three-broadcast-channel|access-date=2 March 2021|publisher=BBC|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302140945/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/bbc-three-broadcast-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref> which was approved in November that year.<ref name="returnapproved">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-59417784|title=BBC Three to return as TV channel in February|work=BBC News|date=25 November 2021|access-date=25 November 2021|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125210315/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-59417784|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
===Original run===
[[File:BBC Three (2003).svg|thumb|Logo used from 2003 to 2008]]
[[File:BBC Three (2008).svg|thumb|Logo used from 2008 to 2016]]
In mid-2000, the BBC decided to reposition and rebrand their two digital channels so that they could be more closely linked to the well established [[BBC One]] and [[BBC Two]]. Their plan was for [[BBC Knowledge]] to be replaced with [[BBC Four]] (which took place in 2002) and for [[BBC Choice]] to be replaced with BBC Three. However, questions were raised over the proposed format of the new BBC Three, as some thought the new format would be too similar to the BBC's commercial rivals, namely [[ITV2]] & [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]] at the time. It would be unnecessary competition. Whilst BBC Four, the BBC's proposed children's channels and digital radio stations all received approval, the BBC Three plans were rejected in September 2001.

The channel was eventually given the go ahead, eleven months after the original launch date on 17 September 2002, following a change to the remit of the channel where a 15-minute news programme and an altered target age range of 25-34 audiences. BBC Three was launched on 9 February 2003.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2738245.stm | work=BBC News | title=BBC Three digital channel launches | date=10 February 2003 | access-date=3 February 2011 | archive-date=17 February 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060217211605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2738245.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> The channel was launched by Stuart Murphy, who previously ran BBC Choice, and before that [[Play UK|UK Play]], the now-discontinued [[UKTV]] music and comedy channel. At 33, Murphy was still the youngest channel controller in the country, a title he had held since launching UK Play at the age of 26; although on 20 October 2005 it was announced that Murphy was soon to leave the channel to work in commercial television.
On 12 May 2011, BBC Three was added to the Sky EPG in the Republic of Ireland on channel 229.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theairwaves.net/channelnews/4399-ireland-extra-bbc-channels-being-added-to-sky-epg |title=Ireland: Extra BBC channels being added to Sky EPG |publisher=The Airwaves |date=2 May 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507070203/http://www.theairwaves.net/channelnews/4399-ireland-extra-bbc-channels-being-added-to-sky-epg |archive-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> It was later moved to channel 210 on 3 July 2012, to free up space for new channels.

For the duration of the [[2012 Summer Olympics]], BBC Three increased its broadcasting hours to 24 hours to provide extra coverage of Olympic events.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/legacy/bbcthree/2012/07/the-olympics-on-bbc-three.shtml |title=The Olympics on BBC Three |publisher=BBC Three |date=27 July 2012 |access-date=22 May 2014 |archive-date=27 May 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140527165810/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/legacy/bbcthree/2012/07/the-olympics-on-bbc-three.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> Broadcast hours were extended again for the [[2014 Commonwealth Games]] with BBC Three broadcasting from 9:00 am to 4:00 am for the duration of the games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/cwg/ |title=Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=20 May 2014 |access-date=22 May 2014 |archive-date=21 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521200350/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/cwg |url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 July 2013 the BBC announced that a [[High-definition television|high-definition]] (HD) [[simulcast]] of BBC Three would be launched by early 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23326709 |title=BBC to launch five new HD channels |work=BBC News |date=16 July 2013 |access-date=16 July 2013 |archive-date=16 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716105627/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23326709 |url-status=live }}</ref> The channel launched on 10 December 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2013/new-hd-channels.html |title=BBC to launch five new subscription-free HD channels on Tuesday 10 December |publisher=BBC |date=9 December 2013 |access-date=9 December 2013 |archive-date=11 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211204948/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2013/new-hd-channels.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The former controller of the station, [[Zai Bennett]],<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12009574 | work=BBC News | title=Zai Bennett announced as new BBC Three controller | date=16 December 2010 | access-date=16 November 2013 | archive-date=5 June 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605150250/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12009574 | url-status=live }}</ref> left to join [[Sky Atlantic]] in July 2014, at which point BBC Three commissioner Sam Bickley became acting controller.<ref>{{cite news|title=BBC Three appoints new channel boss Sam Bickley|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27661302|access-date=2 June 2014|work=BBC News|date=2 June 2014|archive-date=3 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603091347/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27661302|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Replacement by Internet service===
==== Proposal ====
In February 2014 at the Oxford Media Conference, BBC Director-General [[Tony Hall, Baron Hall of Birkenhead|Tony Hall]] stated that as part of the ongoing "Delivering Quality First" initiative at the corporation (which, as motivated by the government freeze of [[Television licensing in the United Kingdom|television licence]] fee costs, aims to reach £700 million in cost-savings across the BBC up to the end of the 2016–17 television season),<ref name="guardian-leastworst"/><ref name="guardian-reviewshowmove">{{cite news|title=Review Show moves to BBC4 monthly slot in arts revamp|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/feb/26/review-show-arts-moves-bbc4-monthly|access-date=18 February 2016|work=The Guardian}}</ref> the BBC was in the process of finalising plans to make another £100 million in cuts to be announced the following month. Believing that general budget cuts across the entire corporation would compromise the quality of its in-house productions—especially [[Television drama|dramas]], which he described as being the "essence" of the BBC—Hall stated that these cuts could require "hard decisions" to be made. He explained that the corporation had "reached the point where salami-slicing would affect quality and distinctiveness. Rather than seek to preserve a less good version of our past, we decided to focus on what we do best: from drama to taking [[BBC iPlayer|iPlayer]] into the next generation."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/feb/26/bbc-channel-extra-cuts-tony-hall|title=BBC could axe frontline channel or service as it seeks extra £100m in cuts|last=Plunkett|first=John|date=26 February 2014|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=5 March 2014}}</ref>

On 5 March 2014, the BBC announced several cost-savings proposals, subject to the approval of the [[BBC Trust]]. Among them were plans to discontinue BBC Three as a television channel, and convert it into an online service.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26447089|title=BBC Three to be axed and move online|date=5 March 2014|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=5 March 2014}}</ref> In its proposal, the BBC stated that while motivated by financial considerations, the conversion was a "future-facing move" that would "develop a ground-breaking new online service which will bring high quality, distinctive UK-originated long form and new form interactive content to 16–34 year olds", and take advantage of the increased use of online services by the channel's target demographics. It was outlined that the service would have to leverage the "strengths" of BBC Three, such as curation, original productions, and "best-in-class storytelling", and adapt them to the "immediacy" and interactivity of digital.<ref name="downloads.bbc.co.uk"/>

As the service would not be bound to the limitations of linear schedules, the scope of the new BBC Three would fall under three "editorial pillars" as opposed to programming genres: "Make Me Laugh" reflects comedic and "personality-driven" programmes, and "Make Me Think" reflects current affairs, drama, and other factual programming. A third pillar, "Give Me a Voice", reflects that the service's content would be of topical interest to the 16–34 year-old demographic, and would encourage discussion and participation especially via [[social media]].<ref name="downloads.bbc.co.uk"/> The overall programming budget of the service would be reduced by nearly half in comparison to the BBC Three channel. While it would have a larger focus on short-form [[web series]], the service planned to continue investments into commissioning long-form programmes and "comedy at near current levels", and serving as an incubator for new talent. The service's output would primarily be delivered through iPlayer, but plans called for a revamped "branded space" to showcase the content, as well distributing short-form productions via alternative outlets such as [[YouTube]].<ref name="downloads.bbc.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/review_report_research/service_changes/bbc_three_application.pdf |title=Public Value Assessment of the re-invention of BBC Three online and related proposals |publisher=BBC |access-date=27 December 2015}}</ref>

When the BBC revealed the full detail in December 2014, it admitted there was widespread opposition from BBC Three viewers<ref name="downloads.bbc.co.uk"/> but said there was support for the wider package of proposals. They believed the public welcomed a BBC One +1 as it admits "a vast majority of viewing still takes place on linear channels".<ref name="downloads.bbc.co.uk"/> The "Save BBC Three'" campaign pointed out this was a contradiction to what the BBC said about BBC Three.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/review_report_research/service_changes/pva/public_consultation.pdf |title=BBC Trust Public Value Assessment Public Consultation Report |publisher=BBC |access-date=27 December 2015 |archive-date=5 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105083642/http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/review_report_research/service_changes/pva/public_consultation.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[BBC Trust]] began a 28-day public consultation regarding the plans on 20 January 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/news/press_releases/2015/bbc_three_proposals|title=Trust begins public consultation on BBC Three proposals|date=20 January 2015|publisher=BBC Trust|access-date=26 January 2022|archive-date=26 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126220538/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/news/press_releases/2015/bbc_three_proposals|url-status=live}}</ref> and it ended with a protest outside [[Broadcasting House]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31509042 |title=Save BBC Three petition delivered to BBC Trust |work=BBC News |date=17 February 2015 |access-date=27 December 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129121259/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31509042 |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of the consultation a letter of 750 names against the move from the creative industry was sent to the BBC Trust, and this had the backing of a number of celebrities including [[Daniel Radcliffe]], [[Aidan Turner]], [[Olivia Colman]] and [[Lena Headey]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Midgley |first=Neil |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/08/save-bbc3-petition-daniel-radcliffe-lena-headey |title=BBC stars and comics among hundreds calling on broadcaster to save BBC3 |work=The Guardian |date=8 June 2015 |access-date=27 December 2015 |archive-date=19 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219073545/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/08/save-bbc3-petition-daniel-radcliffe-lena-headey |url-status=live }}</ref> The polling company [[ICM Research|ICM]] concluded a "large majority" of those that replied to the consultation were against the move,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> with respondents particularly concerned about those who cannot stream programming online, the effect of the content budget cuts, and the BBC's own admission the audience numbers would drop.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> [[Jimmy Mulville]] and [[Jon Thoday]] of independent production companies [[Hat Trick Productions]] and Avalon reportedly considered legal action against the Trust if it went ahead with the closure of the channel.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sweney |first=Mark |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/03/bbc3-producers-call-on-culture-secretary-to-launch-review-into-closure |title=BBC3: producers call on culture secretary to launch review into closure |work=The Guardian |date=3 July 2015 |access-date=27 December 2015 |archive-date=31 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231105555/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/03/bbc3-producers-call-on-culture-secretary-to-launch-review-into-closure |url-status=live }}</ref> They had previously offered to buy the channel to keep it on television, but the BBC said the channel was not up for sale.<ref>{{cite web |last=Midgely |first=Neil |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/17/bbc3-bid-jimmy-mulville-jon-thoday-trust |title=BBC3 bid: Jimmy Mulville and Jon Thoday step up pressure on trust |work=The Guardian |date=17 February 2015 |access-date=27 December 2015 |archive-date=30 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230173851/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/17/bbc3-bid-jimmy-mulville-jon-thoday-trust |url-status=live }}</ref>

Media writer [[Roy Greenslade]] considered the change to be "unquestionably the most sensible or perhaps the least worst" way of cutting costs. While admitting BBC Three's recent success in targeting its demographic and its role as a launchpad for new talent, he argued that BBC Three was "a marginal channel with a small share of the overall television audience", and that "'Hard decisions' are just that. If the BBC is to have any hope of sustaining its quality core output then a sacrifice had to be made."<ref name="guardian-leastworst">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/mar/05/bbc3-tony-hall|title=Tony Hall's axing of BBC3 is the least worst way of saving money|first=Roy|last=Greenslade|work=The Guardian|date=5 March 2014 }}</ref>

==== Approval and launch ====
[[File:BBC Three logo.svg|thumb|Logo from 2016 to 2020]]
[[File:BBC Three (2020).svg|thumb|Logo used from 2020 to 2021]]
[[File:BBC Three logo 2021.svg|thumb|Logo used from 2021 to 2022]]
The transition was finalised by the BBC Trust in November 2015. The trust cited the shifting viewing habits of BBC Three's target audience from linear TV to digital services, and that the discontinuation of BBC Three as a television channel would allow the BBC to "deliver more distinctive content online, while bearing down on costs". Conditions were imposed on other BBC properties to complement the changes; [[BBC One]] and [[BBC Two|Two]] were required to develop "distinctive programmes designed for younger audiences", as well as air repeats of all full-length programmes commissioned for BBC Three. The trust also approved related proposals to allow first-run and third-party content on iPlayer, and extend [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]]'s broadcast day to 9:00&nbsp;p.m. (CBBC signed off at 7:00&nbsp;p.m. to conserve [[Freeview (UK)|Freeview]] bandwidth for BBC Three) with a focus on an older youth audience.<ref name="telegraph-parentsconcerns">{{cite news|title=BBC Trust rejects parents' concerns over keeping CBBC on air until 9pm |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/12019648/BBC-Trust-rejects-parents-concerns-over-keeping-CBBC-on-air-until-9pm.html|access-date=17 February 2016|work=Daily Telegraph}}</ref><ref name="bbc-3shutdownconditions">{{cite web|title=BBC Trust publishes final decision on proposals for BBC Three, CBBC, iPlayer, BBC One+1|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/news/press_releases/2015/service_changes_decision|publisher=BBC|access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref>

On 4 January 2016, it was announced that the new BBC Three digital service would launch on 16 February 2016.<ref name="digitalspy.com">{{cite web|last=Goodacre |first=Kate |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a775348/bbc-three-will-move-online-in-march-2016-as-bbc-trust-approves-plans-to-axe-broadcast-tv-channel/ |title=BBC Three will move online in March 2016 as BBC Trust approves plans to axe broadcast TV channel |publisher=Digital Spy |date=26 November 2015 |access-date=27 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35221706 |title=BBC Three reveals new logo and switchover date |publisher=BBC |date=4 January 2016 |access-date=4 January 2016}}</ref> BBC Three controller Damian Kavanagh explained that the new digital service would feature the "same award-winning programmes freed from the constraints of linear TV", emphasising the ability to distribute content across "whatever format and platform is most appropriate".<ref name="wired-postreboot"/> Hall described the internal atmosphere surrounding the new BBC Three as being like a "[[startup company|startup]]", explaining that "I love the feeling of going and being with Damian's team. It feels creative, energetic and mischievous as well, just as it should be."<ref name="rt-likeastartup">{{cite web|title=New BBC3 feels "like a start-up" says director general Tony Hall|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-01-26/new-bbc3-feels-like-a-start-up-says-director-general-tony-hall|website=Radio Times|access-date=15 February 2016}}</ref> Kavanagh felt that the concise "pillars" of BBC Three, combined with its new structure, would give creators more flexibility and immediacy in how they produce content. He explained that "we can allow people to do things that I don't think other broadcasters can really do at the moment—in terms of giving people room to try things and also play around with form in a way we couldn’t have done if we'd stayed on television", with the remainder of the BBC's content ecosystem as a "safety net".<ref name="guardian-onlineonly"/> Kavanagh also emphasised a continued goal to use the service as an incubator for new talent, hoping that it will be remembered as "the place that spotted the next [[James Corden]], the next [[Aidan Turner]], the next whoever."<ref name="rt-likeastartup"/>

On 13 February 2016, prior to the service's launch, it was reported that the BBC was considering merging BBC Three and [[BBC Radio 1]] under unified management if the digital BBC Three service is not successful. Kavanagh stated that he himself was unaware of this proposal, but added that BBC Three was "a really powerful youth brand with 13 years' heritage" and that he "[didn't] see the logic in winding down something that has that audience, and has that badge of quality, and has that heritage."<ref name="bbc-rd13merge">{{cite news|title='Merger plan' for BBC Three and Radio One|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35566451|access-date=15 February 2016|work=BBC News}}</ref>

The BBC Three television channel formally signed off during the late-night evening of 15 February 2016, concurrent with the official re-launch of the new BBC Three a day later. The last programme aired was an episode of ''[[Gavin & Stacey]]'', introduced by its co-star [[James Corden]] from the set of his then current US chat show ''[[The Late Late Show with James Corden|The Late Late Show]]'' in Los Angeles. The channel space continued to carry promotional information regarding the BBC Three online service, as well as a marathon of selected programmes from midnight, until it officially shut down on 31 March 2016.<ref name="guardian-onlineonly"/><ref name="dspy-finalshow">{{cite web|title=James Corden bids farewell to BBC Three with a heartfelt message: 'It took a chance on Gavin & Stacey'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a783648/james-corden-bids-farewell-to-bbc-three-with-a-heartfelt-message-it-took-a-chance-on-gavin-stacey/|website=Digital Spy|date=15 February 2016 |access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref>

=== Return to linear television ===
From March 2019, programmes from BBC Three were carried by BBC One from Monday to Wednesday after the ''[[BBC News at Ten]]'' under the name ''BBC Three on BBC One''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvbeurope.com/content/bbc-three-programming-returns-to-linear-tv|title=BBC Three programming returns to linear TV|date=11 February 2019|website=TVBEurope|language=en-GB|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-date=11 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611135747/https://www.tvbeurope.com/content/bbc-three-programming-returns-to-linear-tv|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/feb/14/anger-over-bbc-plan-to-cut-news-at-ten-by-10-minutes|title=Anger over BBC plan to cut News at Ten by 10 minutes|last=Waterson|first=Jim|date=14 February 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=3 October 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828061044/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/feb/14/anger-over-bbc-plan-to-cut-news-at-ten-by-10-minutes|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2020, the BBC submitted its annual general plan for 2020–2021. It stated that the broadcaster was considering reinstating BBC Three as a linear channel with a doubled budget, citing that its content "now has the potential to reach a wider audience on a linear channel, as well as the key demographic which will continue to watch online."<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 May 2020|title=BBC Three could return as an on-air channel|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52719883|access-date=21 December 2020|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120124350/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52719883|url-status=live}}</ref> A number of series carried by the service, including ''[[Fleabag]]'' and ''[[Normal People (TV series)|Normal People]]'', had achieved strong critical acclaim, with ''Fleabag'' in particular winning multiple [[Primetime Emmy Awards]].<ref name="bbc-return"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|date=22 September 2019|title=Emmys 2019: Game of Thrones Ties Record and Leads TV Pack; Fleabag, Chernobyl and Mrs. Maisel Win Big|url=https://tvline.com/2019/09/22/emmys-2019-awards-winners-list/|access-date=24 September 2019|website=TVLine|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727222920/https://tvline.com/2019/09/22/emmys-2019-awards-winners-list/|url-status=live}}</ref> Research released in September 2020 showed that BBC Three was being viewed for 89% less time per-year since the closure of its linear broadcast platform, and 72% if rebroadcasts of its content on other BBC linear channels were included. In the year after it closed its linear broadcast platform its weekly audience of viewers aged 16–34 declined 69% compared with the year before the closure.<ref name=":0" />

On 2 March 2021, the BBC officially announced plans to reinstate BBC Three as a linear channel by January 2022, subject to approval by [[Ofcom]]. As before, it will timeshare with the CBBC channel and broadcast from 7:00&nbsp;p.m. to 4:00&nbsp;a.m. nightly. There will be pre-[[Watershed (broadcasting)|watershed]] programming targeting teenagers as part of the schedule.<ref name="bbc-return">{{Cite news|date=2 March 2021|title=BBC Three will return to TV screens after six-year break|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56251020|access-date=2 March 2021|archive-date=20 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320110357/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56251020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Grater|first=Tom|date=2 March 2021|title=BBC Three Returning As Broadcast Channel In January 2022|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/bbc-three-returning-broadcast-channel-january-2022-1234704644/|access-date=2 March 2021|website=Deadline Hollywood|language=en-US|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302141137/https://deadline.com/2021/03/bbc-three-returning-broadcast-channel-january-2022-1234704644/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 September 2021, the UK media regulator Ofcom announced provisional approval for allowing BBC Three to return as a broadcast channel in 2022. As a public service channel it has the right to appear in the top 24 channels on EPGs. Sky complained that this would cause other channels to be bumped down the list to a less prominent position.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1438446336609771528 |user=Ofcom |author=Ofcom |title=We've provisionally agreed for BBC Three to relaunch as a broadcast channel. As the UK's communications regulato… |date=16 September 2021 |bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/sep/16/bbc-three-return-tv-channel-ofcom|title = BBC Three set to return as TV channel after Ofcom gives green light|website = [[TheGuardian.com]]|date = 16 September 2021|access-date = 17 September 2021|archive-date = 17 September 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210917125658/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/sep/16/bbc-three-return-tv-channel-ofcom|url-status = live}}</ref> On 25 November 2021, Ofcom announced it had given final approval for BBC Three to relaunch as a broadcast channel with a set period of February 2022, one month later than originally expected.<ref name="returnapproved"/> A final logo of BBC Three as a streaming service was handled over the relaunched linear service; however, instead of pink, it uses a lime green colour.

On 5 January 2022, CBBC returned to its pre-2016 hours<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p00fzl9r/2022/01/05|title=Schedules, Wednesday 5 January 2022 – CBBC|website=BBC|access-date=10 January 2022|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211003906/https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p00fzl9r/2022/01/05|url-status=live}}</ref> and BBC Three began test broadcasts on 10 January 2022 ahead of its relaunch on 1 February 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p00fzl95/2022/01/10|title=Schedules, Monday 10 January 2022 – BBC Three|website=BBC|access-date=10 January 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110190322/https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p00fzl95/2022/01/10|url-status=live}}</ref> Following an introduction by [[Bimini Bon-Boulash]], the relaunched channel's first programme was ''The Launch Party,'' a preview special hosted by [[BBC Radio 1]]'s [[Clara Amfo]] and [[Greg James]]. This was followed by news programme [[The Catch Up (BBC)|''The Catch Up'']], an ''Eating With My Ex'' celebrity special, and the premieres of ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World]]'', ''Lazy Susan'', and the documentary ''[[Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud]].<ref>{{cite web|date=22 January 2021|title=Drag Race UK's Cherry Valentine on the 'fabulous' Traveller women in her family who inspire her drag|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d631f4cb-8f13-472e-a94a-5a0f873187e2|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119202422/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d631f4cb-8f13-472e-a94a-5a0f873187e2|url-status=live}}</ref>''<ref>{{cite web|date=2 February 2022|title='The whole launch show is a pre-record': we watched BBC Three's return to TV – so you didn't have to|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/feb/02/the-whole-launch-show-is-a-pre-record-we-watched-bbc-threes-return-to-tv-so-you-didnt-have-to|access-date=2 February 2022|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202172504/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/feb/02/the-whole-launch-show-is-a-pre-record-we-watched-bbc-threes-return-to-tv-so-you-didnt-have-to|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 8 September 2022, BBC Three, Four, and one of the [[BBC Red Button]] channels were suspended due to the [[Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II|death]] of [[Elizabeth II]], in order to preserve [[Bandwidth allocation|bandwidth]] for the broadcast of news coverage and tribute programming on BBC One and Two.<ref name="SuspendBroadcast">{{Cite web |last=Newsdesk1 |first=RXTV |date=8 September 2022 |title=UK channels suspend broadcasts following Queen's death > RXTV info |url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/uk-channels-suspend-broadcasts-following-queens-death/ |access-date=31 March 2023 |website=RXTV info |language=en-GB |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331201544/https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/uk-channels-suspend-broadcasts-following-queens-death/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==BBC Three HD==
[[File:BBC Three HD.svg|thumb|right|BBC Three HD logo (2013–2016)]]

A high-definition version of BBC Three launched on 10 December 2013 along with high-definition versions of [[BBC Four]], [[BBC News (UK TV channel)|BBC News]], [[CBBC]] and [[CBeebies]].

Closed in 2016, BBC Three HD was relaunched in 2022 to coincide with the channel's return to linear television. However, since the channel's closure and eventual re-launch, its bandwidth had been reallocated in Scotland (to [[BBC Scotland (TV channel)|BBC Scotland]] HD) and Wales (to an HD simulcast of [[S4C]]). As a result, BBC Three HD is only available on Freeview in England and Northern Ireland. The SD variant is freely available in all regions and BBC Three HD is universally available on Sky, Freesat, cable and online via BBC iPlayer.

== Controllers of BBC Three ==

* 2003–2006: [[Stuart Murphy]]
* 2006–2007: [[Julian Bellamy]]
* 2007–2010: [[Danny Cohen (television executive)|Danny Cohen]]
* 2010–2014: [[Zai Bennett]]
* 2014: Sam Bickley
* 2014–2019: Damian Kavanagh
* 2019–present: Fiona Campbell

==Programming==
{{blockquote|The remit of BBC Three is to bring younger audiences to high quality public service broadcasting through a mixed-genre schedule of innovative UK content featuring new UK talent. The channel should use the full range of digital platforms to deliver its content and to build an interactive relationship with its audience. The channel's target is 16–34-year-olds.|BBC Three Remit<ref name="Service Licence"/>}}

The channel's target is 16–34-year-olds,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/our_work/services/television/service_licences/bbc_three.html |title=BBC Three |date=21 May 2012 |publisher=BBC Trust |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-date=13 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113070149/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/our_work/services/television/service_licences/bbc_three.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and it faces heavy competition from rivals including ITV2 and E4,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brandrepublic.com/news/779694/ |title=Is BBC Three a commercial threat? |last=Clark |first=Nicola |work=Brand Republic |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-date=11 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211021643/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bbc-three-commercial-threat/779694?src_site=brandrepublic |url-status=live }}</ref> for an audience that the BBC has traditionally had difficulty in attracting. In 2008 it reached 26.3% of 16–34-year-olds in digital homes—the channel's highest ever such reach and above that of [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]], [[ITV2]], [[Dave (TV channel)|Dave]] and [[Sky One|Sky 1]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/regulatory_framework/service_licences/service_reviews/yar/yar_review.pdf|title=BBC Trust Service Review Younger audiences: BBC Three, Radio 1 and 1Xtra|publisher=BBC Trust|access-date=16 November 2013|archive-date=17 February 2014|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6NS4zlLda?url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/regulatory_framework/service_licences/service_reviews/yar/yar_review.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On average, nine million people watched BBC Three every week,<ref name="keyfacts">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/keyfacts/stories/bbcthree.shtml |title=BBC Press Office – BBC Three key facts |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 August 2008 |archive-date=24 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224145320/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/keyfacts/stories/bbcthree.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> and it had a 2.6% share of the 15–34-year-old audience and 1.4% of the whole population, according to the [[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board]] (BARB). These ratings by BARB, the official ratings agency, average out BBC Three's viewing figures over a 24-hour period even though the channel only broadcasts in the evening, giving a distorted sense of the channel's viewership. Despite several official complaints from the BBC, BARB continued to publish figures which the BBC argues are unrepresentative.{{when|date=May 2019}}{{citation needed|date=May 2019}}

BBC Three's programming consists of comedy, drama, spin-off series and repeated episodes of series from BBC One and BBC Two, and other programmes that attempted to alert others of their actions through a series of programmes challenging common beliefs.

An example of BBC Three's comedy output includes the award-winning comedy ''[[Little Britain (TV series)|Little Britain]]'', which in October 2004 broke its previous viewing record when 1.8 million viewers tuned in for a new series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/225419/BBC-Three-last-laugh-Little-Britains-2m-ratings/?HAYILC=RELATED |title=BBC Three has last laugh with Little Britain's 2m ratings |last=Matthews |first=Sam |date=20 October 2004 |work=Brand Republic |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-date=11 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211021643/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bbc-three-last-laugh-little-britains-2m-ratings/225419?src_site=brandrepublic |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Little Britain'' was later broadcast on the BBC's terrestrial analogue channels BBC One and BBC Two. The channel's longest-running comedy programme is ''[[Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps]]'', which ran for ten years, eight of which were on BBC Three (having previously aired on [[BBC Two]] and [[BBC Choice]]) and continues to be repeated on the channel every week. Some of the most popular comedy programmes on the channel in its original incarnation featured stand-up comedians performing their own take on a subject, usually the news, examples of which include ''[[Russell Howard's Good News]]'' (which later transferred to [[BBC Two]], partly due to its success, and partly to BBC Three's move to online only) and ''[[Lee Nelson's Well Good Show]]''.

===Comedy and drama===
The channel airs various comedies and dramas; one of its most popular sitcoms is ''[[Gavin & Stacey]]'', which first aired in May 2007 and was written by and starred [[James Corden]] and [[Ruth Jones (actress)|Ruth Jones]]. The sitcom was an instant hit, with subsequent series being moved to other BBC channels and the show being granted a Christmas special. Another example is ''[[Being Human (British TV series)|Being Human]]'', a comedy drama in which a [[ghost]], a [[vampire]] and a [[werewolf]] share a flat, which has become a success and heralded several new series. American programming also features, with ''[[American Dad!]]'' and ''[[Family Guy]]'' being the notable examples.

Numerous popular series were either repeated on the channel or have spin-offs created from them. In early 2003, viewers could watch episodes of popular BBC soap opera ''[[EastEnders]]'' on BBC Three before they were broadcast on BBC One. This programming decision coincided with the relaunch of the channel and helped it break the one million viewers milestone for the first time. An episode of ''EastEnders Revealed'', which was commissioned for BBC Three and looking behind the scenes of the programme, attracted 611,000 viewers. In 2005, BBC Three commissioned the documentary series ''[[Doctor Who Confidential]]'', which was shown immediately after episodes of the new series of ''[[Doctor Who]]'' had been screened on BBC One. This was followed up in July 2005, when it began to screen repeats of both programmes.

In October 2005, it was announced that BBC Three had commissioned a spin-off drama series from ''Doctor Who'', ''[[Torchwood]]'', designed as a post-[[watershed (television)|watershed]] science fiction drama for a more adult audience. ''Torchwood'' launched with 2.4 million viewers in October 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6077078.stm |title=Torchwood scores record audience |work=BBC News |date=23 October 2006 |access-date=3 January 2008 |archive-date=29 November 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129110026/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6077078.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Torchwood'' is the first science fiction programme ever to have been commissioned by the channel, and its popularity led to it being broadcast on BBC Two for the second series, and on BBC One for subsequent series. In 2010, BBC Three began airing episodes of the fifth series of BBC drama series ''[[Waterloo Road (TV series)|Waterloo Road]]'' after they had aired on BBC One as part of its 'catch-up' programming. From January 2015, BBC Three aired the remaining episodes of ''Waterloo Road'' before being repeated on BBC One later the same day.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |url=https://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s24/waterloo-road/news/a615903/waterloo-road-to-lose-primetime-bbc-one-slot.html |title=Waterloo Road to lose primetime BBC One slot |work=Digital Spy |date=11 December 2014 |access-date=16 December 2014 |archive-date=11 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211141654/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s24/waterloo-road/news/a615903/waterloo-road-to-lose-primetime-bbc-one-slot.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Among its original programming, the channel also gave viewers the [[comedy drama]] ''[[Pramface]]'', which was written by Chris Reddy and comprised 19 episodes over three series, broadcast between 2012 and 2014.

===Documentaries===
BBC Three also aired several youth-focused documentaries, including the [[BAFTA]]-winning ''Our War'', ''[[Blood, Sweat and T-shirts]]'' (as well as its subsequent sequels), ''Life & Death Row'' and a season of films focused on mental illness. BBC Three also aired specialist factual documentaries, such as ''How Drugs Work'' and ''How Sex Works.''

[[Stacey Dooley]], since her appearance on ''[[Blood, Sweat and T-shirts]]'' in 2008, presented documentaries including ''Stacey Dooley in the USA'' (2012–14), ''Coming Here Soon'' (2012), ''The Natives: This is our America'' (2017), ''Beaten by My Boyfriend'' (2015), ''Stacey Dooley in Cologne: The Blame Game'' (2016), ''Sex in Strange Places'' (2016), ''Stacey Dooley: Hate and Pride in Orlando'' (2016), ''Stacey Dooley on the Frontline: Girls, Guns and Isis'' (2016), ''Brainwashing Stacey'' (2016), ''Stacey Dooley: Face to Face with Isis'' (2018), and several other titles under the umbrella title ''Stacey Dooley Investigates'' (2009–present).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=stacey+dooley|title=BBC – Search results for stacey dooley|website=www.bbc.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213914/https://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=stacey+dooley|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4099152/|title=Stacey Dooley|website=IMDb|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-date=20 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620081422/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4099152/|url-status=live}}</ref>

BBC Three also commissions a number of one-off documentaries, including ''Growing Up Down's'' (2014), ''[[My Brother the Islamist]]'' (2011), ''Small Teen Big World'' (2010); ''Stormchaser: The Butterfly and the Tornado'' (2012) and ''The Autistic Me'' (2009). Many were commissioned through BBC Three's FRESH scheme which provided an opportunity for 'the next generation of directors' to make their first 60-minute documentaries for the channel.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 February 2013 |title=Fresh documentaries for BBC Three |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/news/fresh-documentaries---new-directors-for-bbc-three-2013.shtml |access-date=12 March 2014 |archive-date=5 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405034938/https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/news/fresh-documentaries---new-directors-for-bbc-three-2013.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In July 2022,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013wc9 | title=BBC One - We Are England }}</ref> a number of documentaries from the regional ''We Are England'' strand (featuring celebrities such as [[Bimini Bon-Boulash|Bimini]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001664s | title=BBC One - We Are England, My Hometown, Bimini Bon Boulash: Homecoming Queen }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001664s/we-are-england-my-hometown-bimini-bon-boulash-homecoming-queen?seriesId=m00164g4 | title=We Are England - My Hometown: Bimini Bon Boulash: Homecoming Queen }}</ref> [[Jayde Adams]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00166s2/we-are-england-my-hometown-jayde-adams-coming-home | title=We Are England - My Hometown: Jayde Adams: Coming Home }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00166s2 | title=BBC One - We Are England, My Hometown, Jayde Adams: Coming Home }}</ref> and [[Jassa Ahluwalia]])<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00165cc | title=BBC One - We Are England, My Hometown, Jassa Ahluwalia: Am I English? }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00165cc/we-are-england-my-hometown-jassa-ahluwalia-am-i-english?seriesId=m00164g4 | title=We Are England - My Hometown: Jassa Ahluwalia: Am I English? }}</ref> were repeated on BBC Three, alongside a number of similarly formatted 30 minute documentaries, now made to get a premiere showing on BBC Three. However, rather than being grouped under a master brand, like BBC One's ''We Are England'' or ''Our Lives''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0706m2f | title=BBC One - Our Lives }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0706m2f/episodes/player | title=BBC One - Our Lives - Available now }}</ref> programmes, these new documentaries are now just being listed under one off titles such as ''Filthy Business''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00196gn/filthy-business | title=Filthy Business }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00196gn | title=BBC Three - Filthy Business }}</ref> and ''Queen of Trucks''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00190ch | title=BBC Three - Queen of Trucks }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00190ch/queen-of-trucks | title=Queen of Trucks }}</ref> on the BBC iPlayer and in programme guides.

===News and sport===
In its original incarnation, BBC Three featured ''[[60 Seconds]]'', an hourly summary of news, sport and entertainment headlines. They were presented in a relaxed style in keeping with the rest of the channel. As part of the BBC's discussions with the government regarding the founding of the channel, a longer news programme had been promised to provide a daily section of news and current affairs. ''The News Show'', as it came to be called upon launch, was a ''[[Newsbeat]]''-style fifteen-minute bulletin, later rebranded and reformatted as the more satirical and frivolous half hour ''[[The 7 O'Clock News]]''. However, the BBC discontinued the bulletin in December 2005, following a recommendation made in the 2004 Barwise Report, which found that the channel's target audience sought news from elsewhere.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 October 2005 |title=BBC Three drops nightly news show |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4365628.stm |work=BBC News |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-date=11 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211021635/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4365628.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon the 2022 relaunch of BBC Three, a new summary of news, sport and entertainment was launched under the name ''[[The Catch Up (BBC)|The Catch Up]]''. This programme is also broadcast on the [[BBC News (British TV channel)|BBC News]] channel.

The channel has also shown sports programming. ''[[Match of the Day|Match of the Day Live]]'' broadcast international football matches featuring [[Wales national football team|Wales]], often when an [[England national football team|England]] match was being shown on BBC One. The channel also showed some matches of [[England women's national football team|England's Women's team]]. The 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008 [[Africa Cup of Nations]] tournaments were shown on the channel, while it is scheduled to air the semi-finals and final of the 2021 edition.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/7096771.stm |title=Africa Cup of Nations on the BBC |date=8 February 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-date=26 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526045528/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/7096771.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Online===
While the linear channel was suspended between 2016 and 2022, the BBC Three service was delivered primarily via [[BBC iPlayer|iPlayer]], offering new, original content, as well as full series of previous BBC Three programmes (branded as "[[Box set|Box Sets]]").<ref name="bbc-3launch">{{cite news|title=BBC Three moves online after final night as TV channel|work=BBC News |date=16 February 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35578867|access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref> New content consisted 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.<ref name="ft-new3"/> All long-form programmes commissioned for BBC Three had to be aired at a later date on [[BBC One]] or [[BBC Two]].<ref name="bbc-3shutdownconditions"/> In February 2019, it was announced that BBC Three programmes would air Mondays to Wednesdays on BBC One following the ''[[BBC News at Ten|News at Ten]]'', beginning on 4 March 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvbeurope.com/content/bbc-three-programming-returns-to-linear-tv|title=BBC Three programming returns to linear TV|date=11 February 2019|website=TVBEurope|language=en-GB|access-date=3 October 2019}}</ref>

Despite the refocus on comedy, the proportion of the channel's output (in minutes) devoted to comedy actually fell post-switch, from 41% to 33%. By contract, the proportions of the channel's output devoted to factual programming did increase.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Thurman|first=Neil|date=2020|title=When a TV channel reinvents itself online: Post-broadcast consumption and content change at BBC Three|url=https://neilthurman.com/files/downloads/BBC-Three.pdf|website=Neil Thurman}}</ref>

BBC Three produced two curated content channels; ''The Daily Drop''—which featured blogs, videos, photo galleries, social network content, and other content trending online—and ''The Best Of''.<ref name="engadget-new3">{{cite web|title=BBC Three's online relaunch starts with new shows and sites|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/01/26/bbc-three-daily-drop-best-of/|website=Engadget|date=26 January 2016 |access-date=15 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="wired-postreboot"/> 20% of the outlet's budget would go towards web series.<ref name="guardian-onlineonly">{{cite news|title=Credits roll on-air for the final time as BBC3 becomes online only|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/feb/16/credits-roll-final-time-bbc3-television-online-only|access-date=18 February 2016|work=The Guardian}}</ref>

Programmes from the former BBC Three channel were carried over, including new series of ''[[Cuckoo (TV series)|Cuckoo]]'', ''[[Life and Death Row]]'' and ''[[People Just Do Nothing]]''.<ref name="wired-postreboot">{{cite magazine|title=BBC Three reveals its post-reboot web-first programs|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2016-01/26/bbc-three-new-content-online-relaunch|magazine=Wired UK|access-date=15 February 2016 }}</ref><ref name="radiotimes-disappeared">{{cite web|title=BBC3 online to showcase 'a British version of Serial' called The Boy Who Disappeared|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-01-25/bbc3-online-to-showcase-a-british-version-of-serial-called-the-boy-who-disappeared|website=Radio Times|access-date=15 February 2016}}</ref> The initial slate of new programs to debut through BBC Three included the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' spin-off ''[[Class (2016 TV series)|Class]]'' (which was cancelled after a single series),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tvline.com/2017/09/08/class-cancelled-no-season-2-doctor-who-spinoff/|title=Doctor Who Spinoff Class Cancelled After One Season|last=Iannucci|first=Rebecca|date=8 September 2017|work=TVLine|access-date=12 November 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625204401/https://tvline.com/2017/09/08/class-cancelled-no-season-2-doctor-who-spinoff/|url-status=dead}}</ref> the new dramas ''[[Clique (TV series)|Clique]]'' and ''[[Thirteen (TV series)|Thirteen]]'',<ref name="metro-clique">{{cite web|title=BBC Three announces new drama by a Skins writer as part of its switchover push|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/01/26/bbc-three-announces-new-drama-by-a-skins-writer-as-part-of-its-switchover-push-5644908/|website=Metro|date=26 January 2016 |access-date=15 February 2016}}</ref> ''Live from the BBC'', a stand-up comedy series focusing on up and coming comedians; the three-part web series '' The Man Who Witnessed 219 Executions'';<ref name="guardian-onlineonly" /> and ''Unsolved: The Boy Who Disappeared''. Promoted as being a British equivalent to the web series ''[[Serial (podcast)|Serial]]'', ''Unsolved'' would feature weekly instalments investigating a real-life crime story. The service also produced a series of short films in collaboration with [[Idris Elba]] and up and coming talent.<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Three to air new stand-up comedy show Live From the BBC|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a773729/bbc-three-to-air-new-stand-up-comedy-show-live-from-the-bbc/|website=Digital Spy|date=11 November 2015 |access-date=15 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="wired-postreboot"/> In 2017, the millennial relationship series [[Just a couple|Just a Couple]] premiered <ref>{{Cite web|last=McCreesh|first=Louise|date=28 February 2017|title=BBC Three's Just a Couple trailer is too real|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a822346/bbc-three-just-a-couple-trailer-new-relationship-sitcom/|access-date=19 July 2020|website=Digital Spy|language=en-GB}}</ref>

With the service's budget cut to £30 million, some of BBC Three's historic staples, such as [[panel show]]s, ''[[Don't Tell the Bride (British TV series)|Don't Tell the Bride]]'', and US animated comedy ''[[Family Guy]]'' were dropped.<ref name="ft-new3">{{cite news|title=BBC Three aims to attract young viewers with online-only move|url=https://www.ft.com/content/3121274e-cb6c-11e5-a8ef-ea66e967dd44|access-date=15 February 2016|work=Financial Times}}</ref> Some BBC Three series had already been moved to other outlets in anticipation of the shutdown; ''[[Russell Howard's Good News]]'' was moved to BBC Two in 2014, and ''Don't Tell the Bride'' was moved to BBC One for a single series before being dropped and acquired by [[Sky 1]].<ref name="rt-sky1">{{cite web|title=After dumping Don't Tell the Bride can we really trust the BBC's long-term commitment to youth audiences?|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-12-01/after-dumping-dont-tell-the-bride-can-we-really-trust-the-bbcs-long-term-commitment-to-youth-audiences|website=Radio Times|access-date=15 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="rt-dttbmoved">{{cite web|title=Don't Tell the Bride is moving to Sky 1|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-12-01/dont-tell-the-bride-is-moving-to-sky-1|website=Radio Times|access-date=15 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/good-news-for-bbc-two |title=Russell Howard's Good News moves to BBC Two |publisher=BBC |date=9 June 2014 |access-date=9 June 2014}}</ref> [[ITV2]] acquired rights to new episodes of ''Family Guy'' and other [[Seth MacFarlane]] series in March 2015, although the BBC continued to hold rights to past episodes of ''Family Guy'' until 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Plunkett|first1=John|title=Family Guy leaves BBC3 for ITV|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/23/family-guy-leaves-bbc3-for-itv|access-date=23 March 2015|work=The Guardian|date=23 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a637220/family-guy-moving-to-itv2-in-autumn-2015.html|title=Family Guy moving to ITV2 in autumn 2015|work=Digital Spy|date=23 March 2015 }}</ref>

The annual minutes of programming being made available by BBC Three on iPlayer after the channel closed its broadcast platform was around 80% less than the annual minutes of programming broadcast before the closure.<ref name=":0" />

The comedy-drama ''[[Fleabag]]'' premiered on BBC Three in 2016, and was renewed for a second series premiering in 2019. The series achieved critical acclaim, with its second series receiving 11 nominations at the [[71st Primetime Emmy Awards|2019 Primetime Emmy Awards]] (on behalf of US co-production partner [[Amazon Video]]) and winning in six categories—including [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series|Outstanding Comedy Series]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/07/fleabag-emmy-nominations-phoebe-waller-bridge-amazon-1202158266/|title='Fleabag': Season 2 Is Truly Blessed With 11 Emmy Nominations, Five for Actresses Alone|last1=Nguyen|first1=Hanh|date=16 July 2019|website=IndieWire|language=en|access-date=19 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/live/2019/sep/22/emmys-2019-winners-live-news-updates-tonight|title =Game of Thrones takes best drama as Fleabag wins big at Emmys – as it happened|date=23 September 2019|work=Guardian|access-date=24 September 2019}}</ref> The following year, ''[[Normal People (TV series)|Normal People]]'' received four nominations at the [[72nd Primetime Emmy Awards|2020 Primetime Emmy Awards]] (on behalf of US co-production partner [[Hulu]]).<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 September 2020|title=Here's a Full List of the 2020 Emmy Nominees|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/20/arts/television/emmy-award-nominees.html|access-date=22 April 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In 2019, BBC Three premiered ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race UK]]'', an adaptation of the American reality [[Drag performer|drag]] competition series ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/feb/14/graham-norton-and-alan-carr-join-rupauls-drag-race-uk|title='They better werk!' Graham Norton and Alan Carr join RuPaul's Drag Race UK|last=Abbott|first=Kate|date=14 February 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 February 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In 2020, it was announced that BBC Three had acquired the UK broadcast rights to ''[[Canada's Drag Race]]''.<ref>Kelly Townsend, [https://playbackonline.ca/2020/06/15/canadas-drag-race-sashays-away-to-the-u-k/ "Canada’s Drag Race sashays away to the U.K."]. ''[[Playback (website)|Playback]]'', 15 June 2020.</ref>

===List of series===

====General comedy====
{{div col}}
* ''[[Brain Candy (TV series)|Brain Candy]]'' (2003)
* ''[[2004: The Stupid Version]]'' (2004)
* ''Three's Outtakes'' (2005–2010)
* ''Welcome To My World: Funny Business'' (2006)
* ''Conning The Conmen'' (2007)
* ''[[It's Adam and Shelley]]'' (2007)
* ''Two Pints of Lager: The Outtakes'' (2008–2011)
* ''[[The Wall (2008 TV series)|The Wall]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Russell Howard's Good News]]'' (2009–2013)
* ''[[Special 1 TV]]'' (2010–2011)
* ''[[World's Craziest Fools]]'' (2011–2013)
* ''The Pranker'' (2011)
* ''[[World Series of Dating]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Unzipped (TV series)|Unzipped]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Comedy Feeds|BBC Comedy Feeds]]'' (2012–2015)
* ''[[Impractical Jokers UK]]'' (2012–2014)
* ''[[People Just Do Nothing]]'' (2014–2015)
{{Div col end}}

====One-off comedy pilots/specials====
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* ''Sort-It-Out-Man'' (2003)
* ''The Bunk Bed Boys'' (2004)
* ''Sweet and Sour'' (2004)
* ''From Bard to Verse'' (2004)
* ''Killing Time'' (2004)
* ''Hurrah for Cancer'' (2004)
* ''[[AD/BC: A Rock Opera]]'' (2004)
* ''10:96: Training Night'' (2005)
* ''Marigold'' (2005)
* ''Cubby Couch'' (2006)
* ''Bash'' (2007) 
* ''Living With Two People You Like Individually... But Not As A Couple'' (2007)
* ''Under One Roof'' (2007)
* ''Green'' (2007)
* ''Moonmonkeys'' (2007)
* ''Be More Ethnic'' (2007)
* ''Biffovision'' (2007)
* ''Splitting Cells'' (2007)
* ''Placebo'' (2008)
* ''Delta Forever'' (2008)
* ''Torn Up Tales'' (2008)
* ''Barely Legal'' (2008)
* ''MeeBOX'' (2008)
* ''LifeSpam: My Child Is French'' (2009)
* ''Ketch! And HIRO-PON Get It On'' (2009)
* ''Vidiotic'' (2009)
* ''Things Talk'' (2009)
* ''Brave Young Men'' (2009)
* ''Mark's Brilliant Blog'' (2009)
* ''May Contain Nuts'' (2009)
* ''The Site'' (2009)
* ''Above Their Station'' (2010)
* ''[[This Is Jinsy]]'' (2010)
* ''Laughter Shock'' (2010)
* ''[[Stanley Park (TV series)|Stanley Park]]'' (2010)
* ''Dappers'' (2010)
* ''The Inn Mates'' (2010)
* ''The Klang Show'' (2010)
* ''The Adventures Of Daniel'' (2010)
* ''D.O.A.'' (2010)
* ''Chris Moyles' Comedy Empire'' (2012)
* ''The Comedy Marathon Spectacular'' (2012)
* ''An Idiot's Guide To Politics'' (2015)
* ''[[The Totally Senseless Gameshow]]'' (2015)
{{div col end}}

====Sketch comedy====
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* ''[[3 Non-Blondes]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Monkey Dust]]'' (2003–2005)
* ''[[Little Britain (TV series)|Little Britain]]'' (2003–2004)
* ''[[The Comic Side of 7 Days]]'' (2005)
* ''[[High Spirits with Shirley Ghostman]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Tittybangbang]]'' (2005–2007)
* ''[[Man Stroke Woman]]'' (2005–2007)
* ''The Message'' (2006)
* ''[[Touch Me, I'm Karen Taylor]]'' (2006–2008)
* ''[[Little Miss Jocelyn]]'' (2006)
* ''Comedy Shuffle'' (2007)
* ''[[Rush Hour (British TV series)|Rush Hour]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Marc Wootton Exposed]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Scallywagga]]'' (2008–2010)
* ''[[The Wrong Door]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Horne & Corden]]'' (2009)
* ''[[La La Land (TV series)|La La Land]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Lee Nelson's Well Good Show]]'' (2010–2011)
* ''Wu-How: The Ninja How To Guide'' (2010)
* ''One Non Blonde: Down Under'' (2010)
* ''[[The Revolution Will Be Televised]]'' (2012–2015)
* ''[[Lee Nelson's Well Funny People]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Boom Town (2013 TV series)|Boom Town]]'' (2013)
* ''Lazy Susan'' (2022–present)
{{div col end}}

====Comedy gameshow====
* ''[[Celebdaq]]'' (2003)
* ''[[HeadJam]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Stars in Fast Cars]]'' (2005–2006)
* ''[[Rob Brydon's Annually Retentive]]'' (2006–2007)
* ''[[The King Is Dead (TV series)|The King is Dead]]'' (2010)
* ''[[24 Hour Panel People]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Sweat the Small Stuff]]'' (2013–2015)

====Sitcom====
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* ''[[Swiss Toni]]'' (2003–2004)
* ''[[Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps]]'' (2003–2011)
* ''[[Grass (TV series)|Grass]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Nighty Night]]'' (2004)
* ''[[15 Storeys High]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Catterick (TV series)|Catterick]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Cyderdelic]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Coupling (British TV series)|Coupling]]'' (2004)
* ''[[The Mighty Boosh (TV series)|The Mighty Boosh]]'' (2004–2007)
* ''[[The Smoking Room]]'' (2004–2005)
* ''[[My Life In Film]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Ideal (TV series)|Ideal]]'' (2005–2011)
* ''[[I'm with Stupid (TV series)|I'm with Stupid]]'' (2005–2006)
* ''[[Snuff Box (TV series)|Snuff Box]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Grownups (2006 TV series)|Grownups]]'' (2006–2009)
* ''[[Live!Girls! present Dogtown]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Pulling (TV series)|Pulling]]'' (2006–2009)
* ''[[Thieves Like Us (TV series)|Thieves Like Us]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Gavin & Stacey]]'' (2007–2008, 2022–)
* ''[[Coming of Age (2008 TV series)|Coming of Age]]'' (2007–2011)
* ''[[The Visit (TV series)|The Visit]]'' (2007)
* ''[[How Not to Live Your Life]]'' (2007–2011)
* ''[[Lunch Monkeys]]'' (2008–2011)
* ''[[Trexx and Flipside]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Massive (TV series)|Massive]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Clone (TV series)|Clone]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Off the Hook (TV series)|Off the Hook]]'' (2009)
* ''[[We Are Klang]]'' (2009)
* ''[[The Gemma Factor]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Mongrels (TV series)|Mongrels]]'' (2010–2011)
* ''[[Him & Her]]'' (2010–2013)
* ''[[White Van Man (TV series)|White Van Man]]'' (2011–2012)
* ''[[Pramface]]'' (2012–2014)
* ''[[Dead Boss]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Bad Education (TV series)|Bad Education]]'' (2012–2014;2022–2024)
* ''[[Cuckoo (TV series)|Cuckoo]]'' (2012–2014; 2022)
* ''[[Some Girls (TV series)|Some Girls]]'' (2012–2014)
* ''[[Way to Go (TV series)|Way to Go]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Bluestone 42]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Badults]]'' (2013–2014)
* ''[[Uncle (British TV series)|Uncle]]'' (2014–2015)
* ''[[Siblings (TV series)|Siblings]]'' (2014–2016)
* ''[[Crims]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Murder in Successville]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Top Coppers]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Fried (2015 TV series)|Fried]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Together (2015 TV series)|Together]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Josh (TV series)|Josh]]'' (2015)
* ''Ladhood'' (2019-2022)
* ''Peacock'' (2022–present)
* ''PRU'' (2022–present)
* ''[[Funboys]]'' (2025–present){{div col end}}

====Comedy drama====
{{div col}}
* ''Grease Monkeys'' (2003–2004)
* ''Spine Chillers'' (2003)
* ''[[Outlaws (2004 TV series)|Outlaws]]'' (2004)
* ''Twisted Tales'' (2005)
* ''[[Casanova (2005 TV serial)|Casanova]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Funland (TV series)|Funland]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Drop Dead Gorgeous (TV series)|Drop Dead Gorgeous]]'' (2006–2007)
* ''[[Sinchronicity]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Phoo Action]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Being Human (British TV series)|Being Human]]'' (2008–2013)
* ''The Last Word Monologues'' (2008)
* ''[[Personal Affairs]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Mouth to Mouth (TV series)|Mouth to Mouth]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Becoming Human]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Wreck (TV series)|Wreck]]'' (2022–present)
*''[[Boarders]]'' (2024–present)
{{div col end}}

====Live music and stand-up comedy====
{{div col}}
* ''Paul and Pauline Calf's Cheese and Ham Sandwich'' (2003)
* ''[[Glastonbury Festival]]'' (2003–2015)
* ''The Fast Show Farewell Tour'' (2003)
* ''[[Eurovision Song Contest]]'' Semi-finals (2004–2015, 2022) 
* ''[[28 Acts in 28 Minutes]]'' (2005) 
* ''MOBO Awards'' (2006–2013)
* ''[[The Mighty Boosh (2006 stage show)|The Mighty Boosh Live]]'' (2008)
* ''Russell Howard Live'' (2009) 
* ''Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live'' (2010–2014) 
* ''Russell Howard Live: Dingledodies'' (2010)
* ''Three@TheFringe'' (2011)
* ''Simon Amstell: Do Nothing Live'' (2011) 
* ''Stand Up For Sport Relief'' (2012)
* ''[[Live at the Electric]]'' (2012–2014)
* ''Chris Ramsey's Comedy Fringe'' (2012) 
* ''Greg Davies Live: Firing Cheeseballs At A Dog'' (2012)
* ''Russell Howard: Right Here, Right Now'' (2012)
* ''Russell Kane: Smokescreens & Castles'' (2012)
* ''Lee Nelson Live'' (2013)
* ''Seann Walsh's Late Night Comedy Spectacular'' (2013–2014)
* ''Kevin Bridges – The Story Continues'' (2013)
* ''Jack Whitehall Live'' (2013)
* ''Nick Helm's Heavy Entertainment'' (2015)
{{Div col end}}

====Drama====
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* ''[[Burn It (TV series)|Burn It]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Bodies (2004 TV series)|Bodies]]'' (2004–2006)
* ''[[Conviction (2004 TV series)|Conviction]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Torchwood]]'' (2006)
* ''[[West 10 LDN]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Dis/Connected]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Spooks: Code 9]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Personal Affairs]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Lip Service (TV series)|Lip Service]]'' (2010–2012)
* ''[[Frankenstein's Wedding]]'' (2011)
* ''[[The Fades (TV series)|The Fades]]'' (2011)
* ''[[In the Flesh (TV series)|In the Flesh]]'' (2013–2014)
* ''[[Orphan Black]]'' (2013–2015)
* ''[[Murdered by My Boyfriend]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Our World War (TV series)|Our World War]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Waterloo Road (TV series)|Waterloo Road]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Tatau (TV series)|Tatau]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Red Rose (TV series)|Red Rose]]'' (2022)
* ''[[Mood (TV series)|Mood]]'' (2022–present)
* ''Life and Death in the Warehouse'' (2022–present)
{{div col end}}

====Documentary====
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* ''Appleton On Appleton'' (2003) 
* ''[[Dreamspaces]]'' (2003–2004) 
* ''Liquid Assets'' (2003–2004)
* ''Fatboy Slim: Musical Hooligan'' (2003)
* ''[[Body Hits]]'' (2003)
* ''Posh & Becks' Big Impression: Behind the Scenes & Extra Bits'' (2003)
* ''[[Mind, Body & Kick Ass Moves]]'' (2004)
* ''Destination Three'' (2005)
* ''Spendaholics'' (2005–2008)
* ''[[Doctor Who Confidential]]'' (2005–2011)
* ''Generation Jedi'' (2005)
* ''Forty Years of F***'' (2005)
* ''Kick Ass Miracles'' (2005)
* ''F*** Off I'm Fat'' (2006)
* ''[[Japanorama]]'' (2006–2007)
* ''[[The Indestructibles (2006 TV series)|The Indestructibles]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Torchwood Declassified]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Most Annoying People]]'' (2006–2011)
* ''[[Freaky Eaters (British TV programme)|Freaky Eaters]]'' (2007–2009)
* ''Body Image'' (2007)
* ''[[Castaway 2007|Castaway: The Last 24 Hours and Castaway Exposed]]'' (2007)
* ''Kick Ass in a Crisis'' (2007)
* ''The Bulls**t Detective'' (2007)
* ''Say No to the Knife'' (2007)
* ''Pranks Galore'' (2007)
* ''The Most Annoying TV We Hate to Love'' (2007)
* ''The Most Annoying Pop Songs We Hate To Love'' (2007)
* ''[[Find Me the Face]]'' (2008)
* ''The Mighty Boosh: A Journey Through Time and Space'' (2008)
* ''[[Blood, Sweat and T-shirts]]'' (2008)
* ''Alesha: Look But Don't Touch'' (2008)
* ''The Most Annoying Couples We Love to Hate'' (2008)
* ''Gavin and Stacey 12 Days of Christmas'' (2008)
* ''Two Pints: Fags, Lads and Kebabs'' (2009)
* ''Comic Relief's Naughty Bits'' (2009)
* ''Two Pints: The Love Triangle'' (2009)
* ''Blood, Sweat and Takeaways'' (2010)
* ''The Autistic Me'' (2009)
* ''Stacey Dooley Investigates'' (2009–2015)
* ''[[My Life as an Animal]]'' (2009)
* ''Great Movie Mistakes'' (2010–2012)
* ''Blood, Sweat and Luxuries'' (2010) 
* ''[[Peckham Finishing School for Girls]]'' (2010)
* ''Small Teen Big World'' (2010) 
* ''Great TV Mistakes'' (2010)
* ''[[Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents]]'' (2011–2015)
* ''Pop's Greatest Dance Crazes'' (2011)
* ''[[My Brother the Islamist]]'' (2011)
* ''Stormchaser: The Butterfly and the Tornado'' (2011)
* ''Stacey Dooley in the USA'' (2012–14) 
* ''Coming Here Soon'' (2012) 
* ''Unsafe Sex in the City'' (2012) 
* ''Websex: What's the Harm?'' (2012)
* ''[[People Like Us (TV series)|People Like Us]]'' (2013–2014)
* ''[[Hotel of Mum and Dad]]'' (2013–2014)
* ''Cherry Healey: Old Before My Time'' (2013)
* ''[[Doctor Who: Greatest Monsters & Villains]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Tough Young Teachers]]'' (2014)
* ''Growing Up Down's'' (2014)
* ''[[Junior Paramedics]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Life and Death Row]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Invasion of the Job Snatchers]]'' (2014)
* ''My Brother the Terrorist'' (2014)
* ''[[Tyger Takes On...]]'' (2014–2015)
* ''Excluded: Kicked Out of School'' (2015)
* ''Bangkok Airport'' (2015)
* ''Beaten by my Boyfriend'' (2015)
* ''[[Traffic Cops]]'' (2016)
* ''Sex in Strange Places'' (2016)
* ''[[We Are England (2022 TV programme)|We Are England]]'' (2022)
* ''[[Doctor Who: Unleashed]]'' (2023–present){{div col end}}

====Chat show====
* ''[[This Is Dom Joly]]'' (2003)
* ''[[The Graham Norton Effect]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Lily Allen and Friends]]'' (2008)
* ''Comic Relief's Big Chat With Graham Norton'' (2013)
* ''[[Backchat (2013 TV series)|Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad]]'' (2013–2014)
* ''Staying In With Greg & Russell'' (2013)

====Repeats====
{{div col}}
* ''[[The Murder Game (TV series)|The Murder Game]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Angry Kid]]'' (2003)
* [[Absolutely Fabulous|''Absolutely Fabulous'' (series 5)]] (2003)
* ''[[EastEnders]]'' (2003–2016, 2022–)
* ''[[Spooks (TV series)|Spooks]]'' (2003–2009)
* ''[[Doctor Who]]'' (2005–2016, 2023–)
* ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'' (2006–2016, 2022–)
* ''[[The Apprentice (British TV series)|The Apprentice]]'' (2006, 2011–2013, 2024–present)
* ''[[That Mitchell and Webb Look]]'' (2006–2010)
* ''[[Giving You Everything]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Wallace & Gromit's Cracking Contraptions]]'' (2008–2009)
* ''[[The Voice UK]]'' (2012–2015)
* ''[[Live at the Apollo (TV series)|Live at the Apollo]]'' (2015–2016)
* ''[[Fleabag]]'' (2022–present)
* ''[[This Country]]'' (2022–present)
* ''[[Killing Eve]]'' (2022–present)
* ''[[Back to Life (TV series)|Back to Life]]'' (2022–present)
* ''[[Waterloo Road (TV series)|Waterloo Road]]'' (2015, 2023–present)
* ''[[Champion (British TV series)|Champion]]'' (2023–present)
* ''[[Planet Earth (2006 TV series)|Planet Earth]]'' (2023–present)
{{div col end}}

====Unscripted and reality====
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* ''[[The 7 O'Clock News]]'' (2003–2005)
* ''[[Re:covered]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Liquid News]]'' (2003–2004)
* ''[[The Bachelor (British TV series)|The Bachelor]]'' (2003–2005)
* ''[[60 Seconds]]'' (2003–2016)
* ''[[Little Angels (TV series)|Little Angels]]'' (2004–2006)
* ''Slam Poets'' (2004)
* ''[[The House of Tiny Tearaways]]'' (2005–2007)
* ''[[The Real Hustle]]'' (2006–2012)
* ''[[Anthea Turner: Perfect Housewife]]'' (2006–2007)
* ''[[The Apprentice: You're Fired!]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Celebrity Scissorhands]]'' (2006–2008)
* ''[[The Baby Borrowers]]'' (2007)
* ''Kill It, Cook It, Eat It'' (2007–2010)
* ''[[Comic Relief Does Fame Academy]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Last Man Standing (British TV series)|Last Man Standing]]'' (2007–2008)
* ''[[Don't Tell the Bride (British TV series)|Don't Tell the Bride]]'' (2007–2014)
* ''[[Bizarre ER]]'' (2008–2011)
* ''[[Snog Marry Avoid?]]'' (2008–2013)
* ''[[Britain's Missing Top Model]]'' (2008)
* ''Make My Body Younger'' (2008–2009)
* ''[[The World's Strictest Parents]]'' (2008–2011)
* ''[[Undercover Princes]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Young, Dumb and Living Off Mum]]'' (2009–2011)
* ''[[Freak Like Me (TV series)|Freak Like Me]]'' (2010)
* ''I Believe in UFOs: Danny Dyer'' (2010)
* ''[[Hotter Than My Daughter]]'' (2010–2011)
* ''[[Dancing on Wheels]]'' (2010)
* ''Nicola Roberts: The Truth About Tanning'' (2010)
* ''[[Undercover Princesses]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Are You Fitter Than a Pensioner?]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Junior Doctors: Your Life in Their Hands]]'' (2011–2013)
* ''[[The Call Centre]]'' (2013–2014)
* ''[[Sexy Beasts]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Hair (TV series)|Hair]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Killer Magic]]'' (2014–2015)
* ''[[Life Is Toff]]'' (2014)
* ''[[South Side Story (2014 TV series)|South Side Story]]'' (2015)
* ''[[I Survived a Zombie Apocalypse]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Asian Provocateur]]'' (2015)
* ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs the World]]'' (2022–present)
* ''[[The Catch Up (BBC)|The Catch Up]]'' (2022–present)
* ''The Fast and the Farmer(ish)'' (2022–present)
* ''Hungry For It'' (2022–present)
* ''The Drop'' (2022–present)
* ''Gassed Up'' (2022–present)
* ''Love In The Flesh'' (2022–present)
* ''[[Charlotte Crosby|Charlotte in Sunderland]]'' (2023–present)
* ''[[I Kissed a Boy (TV series)|I Kissed a Boy]]'' (2023–present)
* ''[[I Kissed a Girl (TV series)|I Kissed a Girl]]'' (2024–)
{{div col end}}

====Imports====
* ''[[24 (TV series)|24]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Taken]]'' (2003)
* ''[[The Practice]]'' (2004)<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 March 2004 |title=The Practice - 5 March 2004 - BBC Three - BBC Programme Index |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/9bf33fb90ed14a9197d96cec1216e743 |access-date=18 March 2025 |website=genome.ch.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>
* ''[[American Dad!]]'' (2007–2016)
* ''[[Assy McGee]]'' (2010–2012)
* ''[[Family Guy]]'' (2006–2016)
* ''[[Jonah from Tonga]]'' (2014)
* ''Devin'' (2010)
* ''[[The Next Step (Canadian TV series)|The Next Step]]'' (2022)
* ''[[Ghosts (American TV series)|Ghosts]]'' (airing as ''Ghosts US'') (2022–present)
* ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'' (2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Three - Schedules, Monday 1 November 2025|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p00fzl95/2025/11/01 |access-date=22 October 2025|website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* ''[[Top Gear (American TV series)|Top Gear]]'' (airing as ''Top Gear America'') (2023–present)
* ''[[The Traitors (Australian TV series)|The Traitors]]'' (airing as ''The Traitors Australia'') (2023)
* ''[[Love, Victor]]'' (2023)<ref>{{cite web|last=Darvill|first=Josh|title=All seasons of Love, Victor come to BBC Three and iPlayer|url=https://tellymix.co.uk/tv/671290-all-seasons-of-love-victor-come-to-bbc-three-and-iplayer.html|website=TellyMix|date=22 September 2023}}</ref>
* ''[[Crazy Fun Park]]'' (2023)<ref name=":2" />{{efn|Originally set to be broadcast on CBBC, but was reclassified before broadcast as a BBC Three programme.}}
* ''[[Gremlins (TV series)|Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai]]'' (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Three - Schedules, Monday 30 October 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p00fzl95/2023/10/30 |access-date=13 January 2024 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Most watched programmes ===
The following is a list of the ten most watched broadcasts on BBC3 since launch, based on data supplied by [[BARB]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/ |title=Weekly Top 10 Programmes |publisher=Barb.co.uk |date=18 October 2017 |access-date=26 January 2022 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217022433/https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Number of viewers does not include repeats. 
From January 2024, An update was made to how the Top 50 programmes are reported. Includes viewing in TV and non-TV homes. This includes repeats that aired within the reporting week and to the same broadcaster group have been aggregated since this date, whereas this was reported separately before.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Rank
! Programme
! Viewers
! Date
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|1 || ''[[List of EastEnders television spin-offs#Other documentaries|EastEnders Live: The Aftermath]]'' || 4,537,000 || 19 February 2010
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|2 || rowspan="2" | ''[[Olympics 2012]]'' || 4,289,000 || 11 August 2012
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|3 || 2,771,000 || 1 August 2012
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|4 || rowspan="2" | ''[[Torchwood]]'' || 2,510,000 || rowspan="2" | 22 October 2006
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|5 || 2,498,000
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|6 || ''[[Olympics 2012]]'' || 2,368,000 || 29 July 2012
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|7 || ''[[Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise]]'' || 2,361,000 || 8 September 2025
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|8 || ''[[List of EastEnders television spin-offs#Other documentaries|EastEnders: Backstage Live]] '' || 2,257,000 || 20 February 2015
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|9 || ''[[Olympics 2012]]'' || 2,162,000 || 4 August 2012
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|10 || ''[[Match of the Day#Related shows|Match of the Day Live]]'' ||  2,069,000 || 26 June 2013
|}

==Presentation==

[[File:BBC Three blobs.jpg|thumb|One of the former "Blobs" between 2003 and 2008]]
[[File:BBC Three ident 2013.png|thumb|The Discovery package was used between October 2013 and January 2016, prior to the channel's online move.]]
The channel's original [[television ident|idents]] were conceived by Stefan Marjoram at [[Aardman Animations]] and were used from launch until February 2008. Stuart Murphy was touring Aardman Animations looking for new programming ideas for BBC Three when he spotted the cone shaped creatures, he then took the idea back to the [[Superunion|Lambie-Nairn]] agency, responsible for the BBC Three identity package.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thetvroom.com/bbcuk/bbc-3-01-01.html|title=The TV Room – BBC Three – February 2003 – February 2008|access-date=5 April 2009}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> A feature of this identity is also the music "Three Is The Magic Number", based (only the lyrics are copied) upon ''[[Schoolhouse Rock!]]''.

[[BBC Online]] provided a number of downloads and activities based on the channel's identity, these included "BlobMate", screensavers, wallpapers and also games such as ''BlobLander'' and ''BlobBert''. The idea used by both Lambie-Nairn, who had developed the branding for [[CBeebies]] and [[CBBC]], and Aardman, was to create the BBC Three blobs as a relation to the green and yellow blobs of the children's channels. Kieron Elliott, Dean Lydiate, Duncan Newmarch, Lola Buckley, Gavin Inskip and Jen Long provided out-of-vision continuity.

On 22 January 2008 a new channel identity was unveiled, which went to air on 12 February. Rebranding was carried out by [[Red Bee Media]], along with agencies MPG and Agency Republic with music and sound design by creative audio company Koink.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koink.uk.com|title=Home – Creative Production – Original Music – Koink|access-date=11 August 2008|archive-date=4 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204135559/http://koink.uk.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In October 2013, BBC Three introduced a new series of idents with a theme of "discovery". Designed by Claire Powell at Red Bee Media, the idents utilised [[projection mapping]] effects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.redbeemedia.com/work/bbc-three-0 |title=BBC Three |date=October 2013 |publisher=Red Bee Media |access-date=16 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212140352/http://www.redbeemedia.com/work/bbc-three-0 |archive-date=12 December 2013 }}</ref> The soundtrack for the idents was composed by Chris Branch and Tom Haines at Brains & Hunch.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwGWwyQ11yM  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/lwGWwyQ11yM| archive-date=12 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=BBC Three Idents |date=9 October 2013 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=16 November 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On 4 January 2016, alongside the announcement of the date for BBC Three's relaunch as an online-only service, a third logo was unveiled. Inspired by the iconography of [[mobile application]]s, the new logo incorporated the [[Roman numeral]] for the number 3, with the third bar replaced by an exclamation mark. Marketing head Nikki Carr explained that the three bars represented the three principles of BBC Three as a service; making viewers "think", "laugh", and have a voice.<ref name="bbcnews-newlogo2016">{{cite news|title=BBC Three reveals new logo and switchover date|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35221706|work=BBC News|date=4 January 2016|access-date=10 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107054433/http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35221706|url-status=live}}</ref> The new logo received mixed reactions from the public, with some drawing comparisons to the album cover of [[Plan B (musician)|Plan B]]'s ''[[Ill Manors (album)|Ill Manors]]'', a Roman numeral "2" with an exclamation point ("BBC 2!"), and a proposed redesign of the BBC's logo seen in an episode of the dramatised documentary ''[[W1A (TV series)|W1A]]''. In regards to the ''W1A'' comparison, Carr joked that "thanks to ''W1A'' we're cursed at the BBC when it comes to marketing and I don't want to come across all Siobhan Sharpe but forgive me some lingo." The channel also parodied the comparisons in a [[Vine (service)|Vine]] video.<ref name="radiotimes-knowitlookslike">{{cite web|title=BBC3 know their new logo looks like something out of W1A – but what is the logic behind it?|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-01-04/bbc3-know-their-new-logo-looks-like-something-out-of-w1a--but-what-is-the-logic-behind-it|website=Radio Times|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="independent-w1alogo">{{cite news|title=BBC Three admits that its new logo looks like W1A spoof|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/bbc-three-admits-that-its-new-logo-looks-like-w1a-spoof-a6795871.html|access-date=17 February 2016|work=The Independent}}</ref>

The "tricon" was used as the service's primary logo until 2020, when a more conventional logo box was adopted—connecting and modifying the "T" and "H" in "Three" to resemble the tricon emblem. In October 2021, this wordmark was replaced with one in the BBC's corporate font "Reith Sans" as part of a larger rebranding of the BBC's television channels. The tricon remained in use as a secondary logo, such as in an ident used to present BBC Three programmes on BBC One after the rebrand.

With the service's linear relaunch in February 2022, BBC Three adopted a new identity developed by [[Superunion]] and BBC Creative, with idents featuring three animated, pink and purple-coloured hands named "Captain", "Spider", and "Pointer" interacting in a lime green backdrop. The channel's presentation features the hands "irreverently [observing] what's going on in popular culture and young people's lives".<ref>{{cite web|title=Captain, Spider and Pointer: BBC Three reveals handy idents for channel resurrection|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/captain-spider-pointer-bbc-three-reveals-handy-idents-channel-resurrection/1738947|access-date=2 February 2022|website=www.campaignlive.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202183229/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/captain-spider-pointer-bbc-three-reveals-handy-idents-channel-resurrection/1738947?utm_source=website&utm_medium=social|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Awards==
The channel has had critical and popular successes. Most recently, it won ''Broadcast Magazine'''s ''Digital Channel of the Year'' Award for Best General Entertainment Channel,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/03/22/bbc3-may-not-real-channel-deserves-awards-getting/|title=BBC Three may not be a 'real channel', but it deserves all the awards it's getting|work=The Telegraph|access-date=20 July 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107080022/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/03/22/bbc3-may-not-real-channel-deserves-awards-getting/|url-status=live}}</ref> and MGEITF Non Terrestrial Channel of the Year.

In 2008, BBC Three's ''[[Gavin & Stacey]]'' won the BAFTA audience award and the best comedy performance award was awarded to James Corden for his part.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Anita |last2=Martin |first2=Nicole |date=21 April 2008 |title=Gavin and Stacey wins top honours at Baftas |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1896203/Gavin-and-Stacey-wins-top-honours-at-Baftas.html |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-date=24 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624185648/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1896203/Gavin-and-Stacey-wins-top-honours-at-Baftas.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Criticism==
The channel came in for criticism from several corners, the most prominent of which came from some of the BBC's long-standing presenters. These included [[John Humphrys]], who argued that BBC Three and BBC Four should be shut down in the face of budget cuts to [[BBC Radio 4]]'s ''[[Today (BBC Radio 4)|Today programme]]'', which he presented, as well as [[Jeremy Paxman]].<ref name="jhumphrys">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/humphrys-bbc-costcutters-should-axe-new-channels-401269.html|title=Humphrys: BBC cost-cutters should axe new channels|first=Ian|last=Burrell|access-date=8 May 2008|newspaper=The Independent|date=3 September 2007|archive-date=27 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227012015/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/humphrys-bbc-costcutters-should-axe-new-channels-401269.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="times">{{cite news|url=https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/camilla_cavendish/article2028767.ece|title=BBC Three and Four, your number's up |last=Cavendish |first=Camilla |access-date=8 May 2008 |newspaper=The Times |date=5 July 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080708200946/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/camilla_cavendish/article2028767.ece| archive-date= 8 July 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref>

In July 2010 a UK music magazine printed a letter from the pressure group Friends of Radio 3 that criticised BBC Three for having 'comedies, game shows, films and documentaries, but no arts programming at all'.<ref>Letter from Sarah Spilsbury, ''Musical Opinion'', July–August 2010, p. 56</ref> In a later issue another correspondent endorsed this assessment on the basis of a search through issues of the ''[[Radio Times]]'', and cast doubt on the BBC's claim (in the document ''Performance Against Public Commitments 2009/10'') that the channel broadcast '54 hours of new music and arts programming' in that year.<ref>Letter from Mark Doran, ''Musical Opinion'', November–December 2010, p. 3</ref> Two months later the same correspondent wrote in to inform readers that the BBC had refused his '[[Freedom of Information Act 2000|Freedom of Information]]' request concerning the titles of the programmes used in calculating the '54 hours' total.<ref>Letter from Mark Doran, ''Musical Opinion'', January–February 2011, p. 4</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|BBC Three}}
*{{bbc.co.uk|id=bbcthree|title=BBC Three}}

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