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What to watch in ultra HD this month

From Everest to the Arctic, dive into spectacular wildlife, jaw-dropping landscapes and gripping drama in stunning UHD on Virgin TV’s dedicated 4K Ultra HD channel. Here are our picks this October

By Kirsten Tierney, Features Writer

Published
1 October 2026

Ready for a month of brilliant titles in breathtaking picture quality? Then read on to discover some of the Ultra HD highlights coming up on the Virgin TV Ultra HD channel (CH 175/999) throughout October.

From the soaring peaks of Everest From Above and the futuristic skylines of The UAE From Above to the remarkable marine life featured in Ocean Intelligence. Discover the extraordinary mimicry of The Message of the Lyrebird, explore centuries of craftsmanship and culture in Golden Opulence: A History of Luxury, and uncover the environmental investigation at the heart of How to Poison a Planet. Looking for edge-of-your-seat entertainment? The Wheel of Time Season 1 and Breaking Bad Season 3 deliver plenty of epic adventure, unforgettable characters and high-stakes drama.

Whether you're revisiting a favourite or discovering something new, every film is available in stunning Ultra HD, bringing every scene to life with exceptional clarity and detail. And don’t worry if you miss any of these titles when they’re first on: you’ll get more opportunities to see each one on the Virgin TV Ultra HD Channel in the following days, all in eye-popping Ultra HD on compatible TVs.

Ocean Intelligence

Thursday 1 October, 8.10pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

A fascinating documentary from TVF International that reveals the world hidden beneath the waves. From octopuses with nine brains to shoals of fish that move and make decisions as one, this eye-opening series explores the incredible ways marine life thinks, communicates and collaborates. Packed with breathtaking underwater footage and mind-blowing science, Ocean Intelligence dives into what intelligence really means, challenging everything we think we know about brains, behaviour and the natural world.

The Wheel of Time S1

First episode on Thursday 1 October, 9pm, with episode 2 on Thursday 8 October, 9pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Based on Robert Jordan’s bestselling fantasy series, this epic adventure follows Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), a member of the powerful and mysterious Aes Sedai, as she arrives in the quiet village of Two Rivers with a mission that could change the world. As an ancient darkness begins to rise, five young villagers are swept into a dangerous quest filled with magic, prophecy and peril. Along the way, long-buried secrets are uncovered, powerful forces collide and the boundaries between destiny and choice become increasingly blurred.

Arming the Arctic

Monday 5 October, 8.05pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

This gripping documentary explores how the rapidly transforming Arctic is reshaping the global geopolitical landscape. As melting ice opens up new shipping routes, unlocks access to vast natural resources and creates fresh strategic opportunities, nations are increasingly competing for influence in one of the planet’s most important emerging regions. From expanding military presence and cutting-edge defence technology to the economic and political ambitions driving activity in the far north, Arming the Arctic reveals how global powers are preparing for a new era of Arctic competition.

How to Poison A Planet

Thursday 8 October, 7.40pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Katrina McGowan and produced by iKandy Films, this powerful documentary investigates how “forever chemicals” have contaminated communities across the globe, from the US to Australia. Featuring investigative journalist Carrie Fellner and actor and environmental campaigner Mark Ruffalo, the film follows the ongoing fight to expose the dangers of PFAS pollution and hold those responsible to account. Through personal stories, expert insights and in-depth reporting, How to Poison a Planet reveals the far-reaching consequences of chemical contamination and the decades-long battle for answers, accountability and environmental justice.

Message of the Lyrebird

Monday 12 October, 8pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

This captivating documentary, directed by Mark B Pearce and produced by Balangara Films,  explores the extraordinary abilities of the superb lyrebird, a bird famous for its astonishing talent for recreating the sounds of the world around it. From the calls of other wildlife to the unmistakable sounds of human activity, the film uncovers how lyrebirds learn, adapt and communicate through their complex songs. Featuring scientists, wildlife experts, activists and First Nations knowledge holders, The Message of the Lyrebird offers a fascinating insight into what these unique birds can teach us about environmental change and our connection to the natural world.

Breaking Bad S3

First episode Wednesday 14 October, 9pm with second episode Wednesday 14 October, 10pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

The stakes are higher than ever in Breaking Bad Season 3 as Walter White’s double life spirals further out of control. With his relationship with Skyler on increasingly shaky ground and new threats emerging from all sides, Walt is pulled deeper into the dangerous world he helped create. Meanwhile, Jesse Pinkman grapples with the consequences of his past decisions as the pair’s partnership faces new challenges. Packed with mounting tension and shocking twists, this gripping season sees loyalties tested, rivalries intensify and the consequences of every choice become harder to escape.

Golden Opulence: A History of Luxury

Thursday 15 October, 8.05pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Explore the rich legacy of luxury in Anatolia, a historic crossroads where East meets West and centuries of craftsmanship, culture and innovation have flourished. Directed by Khadifa Wong, this fascinating documentary takes us on a journey through time, from fashion and art to food and architecture, uncovering the traditions and influences that have shaped ideas of luxury across generations. Featuring insights from renowned names including Victoria Beckham, Olivier Rousteing, Tuba Büyüküstün, Erdem Moralıoğlu and Alfonso Dolce, Golden Opulence: A History of Luxury offers a captivating look at the enduring appeal of life’s finer things.

Everest from Above

Monday 19 October, 8.05pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

See the world’s highest mountain from a whole new perspective in Everest From Above. Directed by Colin Mills, this spectacular aerial documentary journeys across the Himalayas, soaring over snow-capped peaks, dramatic valleys, glacial lakes and remote landscapes surrounding Mount Everest. Filmed in stunning 4K, the documentary explores Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park and the extraordinary wildlife that calls this extreme environment home. Along the way, it reveals how plants and animals have adapted to survive in one of the harshest landscapes on Earth.

The UAE from Above

Monday 26 October, 8.05pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

This spectacular aerial documentary from Navigation Films flies over the iconic skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, showcasing landmarks including the world-famous Burj Khalifa, before heading beyond the cities to explore the country's breathtaking natural landscapes. The documentary, filmed in 4K, reveals sweeping sand dunes, hidden oases and the rugged peaks of Jebel Jais from a unique bird’s-eye perspective. Highlighting the rich heritage, ambitious vision and remarkable engineering that have helped shape the modern UAE we see today, The UAE From Above offers a captivating look at a country where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.


How to access the Virgin TV Ultra HD channel

If you watch on our Stream box, Virgin TV 360 or our V6 box and have an ultra HD-compatible TV, simply go to CH 175 or CH 999 to access Virgin TV Ultra HD.

If you watch TV on our TiVo® box, you will not be able to access the Virgin TV Ultra HD channel even with an ultra HD-compatible TV. But it’s super-simple to upgrade to our latest Virgin TV box by contacting us on 0345 454 1111 (or call 150 from a Virgin Media phone).

Upgrade my Virgin TV package

TV channels: Channels, content and features available depend on your chosen package. Channel line-ups and content are subject to change at any time and to regional variations. 

Virgin TV UHD channel: Available to Mix/Maxit/MegaTV customers with compatible TVs only. Primetime only – see channel for programming schedule each day. 4K enabled TV/device and V6 or TV 360 box or Stream box required to watch content in UHD. Quality assumes your equipment is working at optimum standard. 

Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for up to 7 days or up to 30 days after broadcast, depending on content.

On Demand: Content available to view depends on TV package. Time limits apply for viewing chargeable On Demand content – see virginmedia.com. Once purchased, all chargeable On Demand content must be viewed within 48 hours. Premium channels and upgrades must be kept for at least 30 days.

Virgin TV 360 Box: Not available with full fibre. Minimum of M50 Fibre Broadband required for operation. Boxes require a HDMI cable to connect to your TV. Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for seven days after broadcast.

Virgin Stream box: Virgin Media broadband required (min. 50 Mbps). Compatible with Hub 3 and above. Stream box requires an HDMI cable connected to TV. HD TV set and a Stream box connected with HDMI cables required for viewing HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package. 4K compatible TV/device required to watch Ultra HD. Stream box and remote remain property of Virgin Media.

Flex: Virgin Media broadband required (min. 50 Mbps). Not available with other Virgin Media TV services. Compatible with Hub 3 and above. Stream box requires an HDMI cable connected to TV. HD TV set and a Stream box connected with HDMI cables required for viewing HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package. 4K compatible TV/device required to watch Ultra HD. Stream box and remote remain property of Virgin Media. There is a £5 a month charge for Flex service, and a one-off activation fee of £35 may apply, along with charges & terms for each Flex entertainment subscription chosen. Some Flex subscriptions require 30 days’ notice to cancel. New Virgin Media broadband customers subject to 18 month contract and set up fees may apply. See full details.