CANAL+
France
CANAL+ was launched in France as a subscription-based television service, initially built around encrypted broadcasting of recent film releases. Over time, its programming expanded to include live sports coverage—particularly football and rugby—alongside original French drama series, documentaries, and acquired international content. The channel also produces its own news and cultural magazine programs, with a focus on cinema and the entertainment industry. Its schedule often reflects a mix of premium movie premieres, exclusive sports events, and in-house productions that distinguish it from free-to-air broadcasters in the country.
Subscribers can access the channel’s live feed and on-demand library through the MyCANAL platform, which streams content across connected devices and smart TVs. The service also offers catch-up viewing for recent broadcasts, with some programmes available before their linear airtime. Printed and digital TV guides in France list CANAL+ alongside other pay-TV and public channels, noting its encrypted status and specific scheduling for sports and film blocks. The channel’s programming grid is updated weekly, with variations for regional time zones within metropolitan France and overseas territories.