Sky and NOW in Early August: Possession, Heretic and the New Sky Originals Pipeline
The first week combines an immediate horror-film premiere with a new serial drama and fresh announcements about Sky's longer-term commissioning strategy.
Culture & Features Editor ·

Why it's trending
The first week combines an immediate horror-film premiere with a new serial drama and fresh announcements about Sky's longer-term commissioning strategy.
Sky operates both as a broadcaster and a streaming aggregator, so its August story is split between scheduled channels, on-demand box sets and titles available through NOW. Viewers need to know not only what is new, but which membership carries it. Heretic on Sky Cinema, Possession on Sky Atlantic from 6 August and the Up Next pipeline are the three stories that matter this week.
Heretic on Sky Cinema
The psychological horror film gives Hugh Grant a deliberately unsettling role and arrives as a premium movie-window attraction. It may also be available on demand, but the listing and expiry date should be checked.
Possession on Sky Atlantic
The new drama begins on 6 August and is positioned as one of the week's main scripted premieres. Weekly scheduling can create appointment viewing while the NOW box-set pattern may differ.
The Up Next pipeline
Sky has announced a broad slate including new originals, returning favourites and US acquisitions. Announcements such as Saturday Night Live UK and future seasons build brand expectation even when precise dates remain unavailable.
Membership and hardware
NOW separates entertainment, cinema and sport, while Sky customers may access content through satellite, Stream or Glass packages. A title's presence in Sky publicity does not mean it is included in every plan.
Broadcast and on-demand windows
A programme can premiere on a linear channel, appear simultaneously on demand or arrive as a full box set. Guides should state the model clearly, especially for viewers trying to avoid weekly waits.
What to watch for
Check Sky's official programme page for final transmission time, episode count, UHD availability and expiry. Acquired US shows can move because of production or rights decisions outside the UK.
What happens next
Membership, channel and on-demand availability differ. Confirm final schedules and avoid stating that undated Up Next projects launch in August. The split between Sky packages and NOW memberships is where reader confusion is most likely, so it deserves the clearest labelling.
Sources & verification
- Sky - Up Next 2026 announcements
- The Guardian - television guide for 1 August
Filed under Entertainment · Written by Sophie Bennett



