ITV announces all-new schedule for 2026 as Emmerdale airs in later slot for 'soap power hour'

ITV has announced a new Emmerdale schedule for 2026 – with the introduction of what is being called a soaps ‘power hour’ starting from next January. Viewers already know that the soap currently airs on ITV from 7:30pm – 8pm on weekdays, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays…. but that’s set to change next year.

The broadcaster has revealed plans to shake up schedules with an all-new viewing schedule. This will be a big-shake up for the soap’s sister series, Coronation Street, whose episodes will be slashed to half an hour.

But what does this mean for Emmerdale?

April looks desolate as she sits in a deserted house — 2025 has already gotten off to a dramatic start (Credit: ITV)

ITV releases plans for new Emmerdale schedule in 2026

In good news for fans of the soap, Emmerdale will continue to air five nights a week. New episodes will also drop on ITVX every morning at 7am as usual – meaning we don’t have to wait all day for the outcome of big stories such as Anthony’s murder or April’s disappearance.

However, the soap will move to a new time slot at 8pm. Producers have also slashed the Thursday double bill to make way for additional episodes of Coronation Street.

This ensures faster-paced, digestible episodes – a 30-minute format which has already proven popular with viewers.

The foursome thought they had it all sorted... (Credit: ITV) — Bosses have big plans for the soap (Credit: ITV)

ITV boss reveals ‘soap power hour’ amid schedule shake-up

Revealing details of the plan, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo said: “In a world where there is so much competition for viewers’ time and attention, and viewing habits continue to change, we believe this is the right amount of episodes that fans can fit into their viewing schedule, to keep up to date with the shows.”

He continued: “Research insights also show us that soap viewers are increasingly looking to the soaps for their pacey storytelling. Streaming-friendly, 30 minute episodes better provide the opportunity to meet viewer expectations for storyline pace, pay-off and resolution.

“Whilst viewing is growing on ITVX, we know a significant proportion of our soaps’ audience still watch us via the schedule. This new pattern is in the DNA of the soap genre – nobody else does 30 minute drama this successfully.”

He added: “It creates a soap power hour that’s consistent, and easy to find in the linear schedule, for the UK’s biggest soaps.”

With so much still on the cards for 2025 (including that big limo crash) it’s a bold move. But can viewers get on board?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLANbaQVxes?si=CdKBVdz7nEaC-5kx]

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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