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What to watch in ultra HD this month

Experience one of television's greatest dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, gripping thrillers and more in stunning UHD on Virgin TV's dedicated 4K Ultra HD channel. Discover our picks this August

By Teresa Rodriguez, Feature Writer

Published
30 July 2026

Ready for a month of brilliant films 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 August. Relive every unforgettable moment of Breaking Bad as the first two series arrive in stunning Ultra HD, enjoy comedy favourites including Bridesmaids and The 40-Year-Old Virgin, or settle in for blockbuster films such as Atomic Blonde, Us and First Man. Whatever you're in the mood for, every title is available in stunning Ultra HD, bringing every scene to life with exceptional clarity and detail.

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 movies 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.

Breaking Bad Seasons 1 and 2

Season 1 from Wednesday 5 August, 9pm; Season 2 from Wednesday 26 August, 9pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999) 

Bryan Cranston (Malcolm in the Middle) delivers an unforgettable, Emmy-winning performance as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher whose life changes forever after a cancer diagnosis. Desperate to provide for his family, he teams up with former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul, Big Love) to manufacture crystal meth, setting him on a dangerous path with life-changing consequences. As Walter's double life spirals out of control, the stakes grow ever higher in one of television's greatest dramas. From its unforgettable characters to its nail-biting twists, Breaking Bad is just as gripping the second time around as it is on a first watch.

Atomic Blonde

Sunday 2 August, 9.30, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Charlize Theron (Mad Max: Fury Road) stars as elite MI6 spy Lorraine Broughton in this action thriller set against the backdrop of Cold War-era Berlin. Sent on a mission to recover a priceless intelligence dossier, Lorraine must navigate a web of double agents, betrayals and deadly secrets. Also starring James McAvoy (Split), John Goodman (The Big Lebowski) and Sofia Boutella (The Mummy), Atomic Blonde delivers explosive action with slick fight sequences.  

Mary Queen of Scots

Sunday 9 August, 9pm, with repeat screenings on Tuesday 11 August and Friday 14 August, 10pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Saoirse Ronan (Little Women) and Margot Robbie (Barbie) deliver powerful performances in this historical drama about two rival queens whose lives become inextricably linked. As Mary Stuart returns to Scotland to claim her throne, tensions with England's Queen Elizabeth I threaten to tear the kingdoms apart. With a stellar supporting cast including Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) and David Tennant (Doctor Who), Mary Queen of Scots blends political intrigue, royal rivalries and compelling drama. 

Us

Saturday 15 August, 9pm, with repeat screenings on Monday 17 August and Thursday 20 August, 10pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Lupita Nyong'o (Black Panther) and Winston Duke (Nine Days) star in Jordan Peele's psychological horror about a family whose holiday takes a terrifying turn when they're confronted by sinister doppelgängers. As the mystery deepens, they uncover a shocking truth that will change everything they thought they knew. Clever, unsettling and packed with suspense, Us blends social commentary with plenty of twists and unforgettable scares. 

Hannibal

Sunday 16 August, 9.30pm, with repeat screenings on Tuesday 18 August and Friday 21 August, 10pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Anthony Hopkins (The Father) returns as the brilliant and terrifying Dr Hannibal Lecter in this gripping psychological thriller. Years after escaping custody, Lecter resurfaces in Italy, where FBI agent Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore, Still Alice) finds herself once again drawn into his dangerous world. Also starring Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) and Ray Liotta (Goodfellas), Hannibal delivers plenty of suspense, shocking moments and standout performances. 

8 Mile

Saturday 22 August, 9.30pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Eminem makes his big-screen debut in this acclaimed drama inspired by his own early life. Set against the backdrop of Detroit's underground rap scene, the film follows aspiring rapper Jimmy "B-Rabbit" Smith as he battles self-doubt, difficult circumstances and fierce rivals in pursuit of his dreams. Also starring Kim Basinger (L.A Confidential), Brittany Murphy (Clueless) and Mekhi Phifer (Dawn of the Dead, 2004), 8 Mile combines powerful performances, gripping drama and an unforgettable soundtrack. 

First Man

Sunday 23 August, 9pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Ryan Gosling (Barbie) stars as astronaut Neil Armstrong in this drama exploring the years leading up to the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing. As Armstrong prepares for one of humanity's greatest achievements, he must also navigate the personal sacrifices and challenges that come with the mission. Also starring Claire Foy (The Crown), Jason Clarke (Oppenheimer) and Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), First Man is a moving and visually spectacular look at one of history's most remarkable journeys. 

The 40-Year Old Virgin

Saturday 29 August, 9pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Steve Carell (The Office US) stars in this comedy as Andy, an electronics store worker whose friends make it their mission to help him find love before his 40th birthday. Along the way, Andy's awkward attempts at dating lead to plenty of hilarious moments and unexpected romance. Also starring Catherine Keener (Get Out), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) and Seth Rogen (Knocked Up), The 40-Year-Old Virgin blends outrageous humour with plenty of heart. 

Bridesmaids

Sunday 30 August, 9.30pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Kristen Wiig co-wrote and stars in this comedy as Annie, whose life begins to unravel after she's asked to be maid of honour at her best friend's wedding. Determined to make the celebrations perfect, Annie soon finds herself competing with the polished Helen (Rose Byrne), leading to one hilarious disaster after another. Featuring scene-stealing performances from Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly), Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live) and Chris O'Dowd (The IT Crowd), Bridesmaids is a warm-hearted comedy packed with unforgettable moments and outrageous laughs.


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.