The channel launched in October 1999 and was previously owned by the privately backed Sparrowhawk Media Group, until late 2007 when it was bought out by NBCUniversal.

It also aired Shattered, which stars Callum Keith Rennie as a homicide detective suffering from multiple personality disorder.

[4] On 31 July 2013, Universal Channel unveiled a refreshed branding and new slogan it launched on 5 August, "100% Characters".

The rebranding was intended to make the network a "destination brand that celebrates world-class, high-quality, character-driven content".

[7] The channel closed down its operations on 27 January 2020, with Sky Comedy taking its place on EPG guides.