How to Watch TVB Jade (Channel 81) in 2026
Last updated: 2026-10-29
Jade is TVB’s flagship free Chinese channel, launched in 1967 on channel 81. In Hong Kong watch free via DTMB, myTV SUPER or hktv.my; overseas via TVB Anywhere or licensed platforms.
At a glance
| Operator | Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) |
|---|---|
| Launched | 19 November 1967 |
| Channel no. | Channel 81 (free) |
| Language | Mainly Cantonese |
| Official platform | myTV SUPER, tvb.com |
What is Jade
Jade is TVB’s flagship free Chinese channel, launched on 19 November 1967 on channel 81, and has long been among Hong Kong’s most-watched Chinese stations. It broadcasts local dramas, variety, news and gala events mainly in Cantonese.
Over decades Jade has produced many classic dramas and variety shows, serving as a primary source of entertainment for Hong Kong households and a window into Hong Kong pop culture for overseas Chinese communities.
A short history
Jade opened in 1967 on black-and-white analogue transmission, moved to colour in the 1970s, joined TVB’s digital terrestrial rollout on 31 December 2007 and switched to high definition on 18 March 2013. Hong Kong ended analogue television late on 30 November 2020, after which Jade has existed only as digital channel 81.
The number 81 is itself a digital-era artefact: in analogue days the channel had no number at all, and viewers simply tuned to a preset. Today “81” is how Hong Kong people refer to Jade in ordinary conversation.
How a prime-time evening is built
Weekday evenings on Jade follow a fairly fixed rhythm: news and current affairs through the late afternoon, the main evening news bulletin around 18:30, an information magazine such as 東張西望 at 19:30 to open prime time, two drama episodes from 20:00, and a late news bulletin before midnight.
Weekends are built differently: drama gives way to variety, game shows, sport and films, and major festivals (the anniversary gala, Lunar New Year shows) bring special live broadcasts that reshuffle the published schedule.
Dramas, variety and news
Drama is Jade’s core product: in-house series are scheduled in an 20:00 slot and a later slot, covering family sagas, workplace dramas, crime stories and period pieces, while acquired series usually sit outside prime time. Variety leans on large-scale talent contests, game shows and infotainment, with the annual awards and anniversary gala as ratings peaks.
News comes from the TVB news division; Jade’s evening bulletin is one of the most-watched news programmes locally. Round-the-clock rolling news is handled separately by TVB News Channel on 83, so the two do not compete for the same slot.
How to watch Jade
In Hong Kong the easiest way is DTMB terrestrial — a channel scan picks up ch 81. You can also install the myTV SUPER app or visit tvb.com for live and on-demand viewing; hktv.my also lists Jade’s schedule with a live entry point.
Overseas viewers can use licensed platforms such as TVB Anywhere; the exact playable catalogue depends on regional rights.
Catch-up and watching from overseas
Missed an episode? myTV SUPER carries catch-up: a free registration covers part of the catalogue, while the full drama library and new series usually need a subscription. Abroad, TVB Anywhere offers Jade live and on-demand in selected countries, but rights change often, so check availability before you travel.
If you only need the listings, the Jade page on tv.hktv.my lists every slot for the Hong Kong day from 00:00 to 23:59 with start and end times, and marks whichever programme is on air right now.
Where to watch
| Option | Type | Link |
|---|---|---|
| DTMB terrestrial | Free terrestrial (ch 81) | Visit |
| myTV SUPER | TVB official | Visit |
| tvb.com | Official site | Visit |
| hktv.my schedule | Schedule / live entry | Visit |
FAQ
What channel is Jade?
Free channel 81.
Is Jade paid?
Watching via DTMB and basic free apps is free; some on-demand content needs a myTV SUPER subscription.
What time is the evening news on Jade?
The main evening bulletin airs around 18:30, with a late bulletin before midnight. Special live events can shift it, so check the day’s schedule.
Does TVB have an English channel?
Yes — Pearl on channel 84 is TVB’s English-language channel; Jade itself is mainly Cantonese.
Can I watch Jade overseas?
Yes via licensed platforms such as TVB Anywhere, subject to regional rights.
Official sources
Links above point to each organisation’s official site for reference only; actual availability and regional rights are subject to the official publishers.