TV 2 began test broadcasting on 13 November 1991, and a year later, it was officially launched on 5 September 1992, becoming Norway's first commercial free-to-air television channel.

[1] The license was announced on 31 January 1991, with the requirement that no owner could own more than 20 per cent of the shares in the channel.

The company was a consortium owned by Schibsted, Vital Forsikring, Gutenberghus, NTN, Selvaag, Bergens Tidende and Sissel Ditlevsen.

TV 2 had its official start on 5 September 1992 with the show For første gang (For the First Time), led by Dan Børge Akerø.

Other broadcasts in HD during 2009 include Tour de France, Friday and Saturday movies, Sunday night football, Jakten på kjærligheten, Skal vi danse and American series such as Grey's Anatomy, Cleaners, Scrubs, Brothers & Sisters, Modern Family and Criminal Minds.