Fans of Channel 4’s gripping documentary series 24 Hours in Police Custody found themselves in a whirlwind of confusion and relief this week, after several episodes briefly vanished from the broadcaster’s streaming service—only to reappear just as quickly. Meanwhile, Channel 4 has been making waves in the drama department as well, announcing a star-studded reboot of A Woman of Substance that promises to bring a beloved rags-to-riches story to a new generation of viewers.
It all started on January 13, 2026, when Channel 4 aired a brand new episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody titled "The Secret Network." The true crime series, which has become a staple for fans of real-life drama, continued its tradition of following detectives as they investigate serious and sometimes harrowing cases. Viewers, who have long described the show as "TV gold," were delighted to see another fresh installment hit their screens. As one fan put it on X (formerly Twitter), "24 hours in police custody is the best show ever." Another chimed in: "It’s a fact that 24 hours in police custody is the best show on tv."
But the excitement quickly turned to bafflement for many. After the broadcast, fans flocked to Channel 4’s streaming platform to catch up on recent episodes—only to discover that the December installments, collectively titled "A Family Vendetta," had seemingly disappeared. The two-part special, which delved into the chilling story of how a child custody dispute spiraled into a double execution, had gripped audiences with its raw intensity. Channel 4’s own teaser for the episodes asked: "How did a child custody dispute become a double execution?" The disappearance of these episodes sparked a flurry of messages across social media platforms, with one confused viewer asking, "Does anyone know why 'A family vendetta' episodes have been removed from #Ch4 #24hoursinpolicecustody @Channel4."
Channel 4’s 4Viewers account responded, acknowledging the issue: "...these particular episodes of #24HoursInPoliceCustody are not available on #C4Streaming but we'll be sure to pass along your interest in them." The confusion deepened as some users reported being able to access the episodes on their devices, while others could not. Over on TikTok, one user commented, "Is it just mine but the Vendetta one has been taken down, both eps," to which another replied, "I've just checked it's not on mine either."
By January 14, 2026, the missing episodes were restored to the streaming platform, much to the relief of the show’s dedicated following. Channel 4 confirmed they were investigating the issue, suggesting it may have simply been a technical glitch—an explanation that, while plausible, did little to soothe the nerves of fans who feared their favorite episodes might be gone for good.
The emotional impact of "A Family Vendetta" was evident in the reactions of viewers. One person commented on social media, "Omg the phone ringing on the body cam with the other one filming the family trying to call the phone is haunting." Another remarked, "Wow, this one’s gonna be a wild ride." The series, which allows audiences a rare, unfiltered look inside the high-pressure world of police investigations, continues to strike a chord with viewers who crave authenticity and suspense in equal measure. And with a new episode set to air on January 20, anticipation for what comes next is only growing.
If Channel 4’s documentary arm is keeping viewers glued to their screens, its drama division is working just as hard to capture hearts and imaginations. On January 14, 2026, it was announced that Jo Joyner, best known for her role in Harlan Coben’s Stay Close, would be joining the cast of Channel 4’s eagerly awaited reboot of A Woman of Substance. The new series is based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s 1979 novel, which had previously been adapted by Channel 4 back in 1985.
In this fresh adaptation, Brenda Blethyn—famed for her role as Vera—takes on the lead role of Emma Harte, a "housemaid-turned-mogul, daughter, mother, lover, fighter and a 20th century feminist icon who refused to know her ‘place’." Jessica Reynolds, of House of Guinness fame, will portray the younger Emma, tracing her journey from humble beginnings to dizzying heights. The official synopsis paints a vivid picture: "1911. Emma Harte, an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire, England goes on a dizzying journey to become the world’s richest woman, gazing down from a sprawling luxury New York penthouse. A rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century, Emma defies the expectations of her society, fearlessly challenging the roles she's given, smashing glass ceilings, and never, ever deviating from her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes."
Jo Joyner’s addition to the cast as Elizabeth Harte Ainsley—Emma’s daughter, whose betrayal sets off a dramatic chain of events—adds another layer of intrigue to the saga. The ensemble cast is packed with talent, including Emmett J Scanlan as Adam Fairley, Lydia Leonard as Olivia Wainwright, Leanne Best as Adele Fairley, Ewan Horrocks as Edwin Fairley, Harry Cadby as Gerald Fairley, Will Mellor as Jack Harte, and Lenny Rush as Frank Harte. Other notable names include Niall Wright, Robert Wilfort, Toby Regbo, Hiftu Quasem, Sophie Bould, and Georgina Sadler, ensuring a dynamic and multi-generational portrayal of the Harte family’s rise and fall.
Co-writer Katherine Jakeways expressed her excitement about bringing the story back to Channel 4, saying, "The original Channel 4 adaptation was packed full of rolling Yorkshire hills, hairspray, shoulder pads and heaving bosoms and I desperately wanted in. So, it’s an incredible thrill for me to be bringing this blockbusting, epic saga of ambition, lust and revenge back to exactly where it belongs… Channel 4."
With the reboot set to air soon, expectations are high for a drama that not only revisits a classic tale but also speaks to contemporary audiences about ambition, resilience, and the enduring power of women’s stories. Channel 4’s commitment to both hard-hitting documentary and sweeping drama demonstrates its unique ability to capture the complexities of real and fictional lives alike.
As Channel 4 navigates the occasional technical hiccup and forges ahead with bold new programming, one thing is clear: whether it’s the raw immediacy of 24 Hours in Police Custody or the sweeping saga of A Woman of Substance, the broadcaster continues to shape the landscape of British television in ways that keep viewers coming back for more.
