ITV Share By Carena Crawford Jan 9 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 9 2026 The viewer verdict on the 'soap power hour' as we end the huge first week and there's one major complaint Emmerdale and Coronation Street are now in a new time slot Coronation Street and Emmerdale Crossover Share By Carena Crawford Jan 9 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 9 2026 The soap ‘power hour’ seeing Emmerdale and Coronation Street on every night back to back has kicked off this week. And after a dramatic first week, featuring the much-anticipated crossover Corriedale, fans have had their say on whether they love it or hate it. A dramatic explosion kicked off the first week of the soap ‘power hour’ (Credit: ITV) ITV introduces a soap ‘power hour’ for Emmerdale and Coronation Street In October 2024, Emmerdale and Coronation Street began streaming the episode om ITVX from 7am on the day they were due to air. Despite some concerns that it meant the soap was in trouble, coupled with lots of cast exits, it was then revealed that actually it was a great move by ITV as stats confirmed viewing was way up. The soaps then announced a new schedule. The soap ‘power hour’ started from January 2026. It saw Emmerdale continue to air five nights a week with new episodes still dropping on ITVX at 7am every morning. However it moved to a new time of 8pm, instead of the old 7.30pm slot. Coronation Street has gone from airing Monday, Wednesday and Friday for an hour, to daily half-hour episodes at 8.30pm. Emmerdale’s Thursday double bill has also been cut to half an hour to make way for the additional episodes of Coronation Street. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers This ensures faster-paced, digestible episodes – a 30-minute format which has already proven popular with viewers. But has it worked in this case? The new half-hour eps are a hit (Credit: ITV) Soap fans have their say Well, one week in and it’s so far so good, it would seem. Viewers are here for the half hour episodes. “I love the new soaps schedule,” said one on social media. “So much better having the episodes on 30 mins a night in my opinion,” added another. “Finally, I can watch my three favourite soaps in a row. Much prefer this schedule and the 30 min episodes,” agreed a third. Plenty more said the same thing and many commented that the quality of the episodes has been better too. “Since Corriedale Emmerdale has been so much better. The longer scenes and actual fallout from events has been so good,” said one. Someone else added: “These shows this week feel different. Better. Somewhat character driven which is all I’ve ever wanted to return to the shows.” There’s no Traitor in this midst! (Credit: ITV) Traitors clash! However despite the love for the everyday for 30 minutes, there is one major complaint – it’s on too late and clashes with The Traitors on BBC One! “I think Emmerdale should be on at 7pm then Corrie at 7.30pm so it won’t be too late,” commented one person. Another agreed: “Can’t help feeling that the 8pm timeslot will mean losing viewers who watch it live. You’re up against bigger programs such as The Traitors in that time slot. 7pm was the best slot for Emmerdale I felt (only The One Show and Channel 4 News on). Hope the 8pm slot works out but have my doubts.” “Why couldn’t this ‘power hour’ be from 7-8pm, returning both shows to their traditional, long held timeslots? Bad move, ITV. The likes of The Traitors and The Apprentice will simply move forward and hour…” stated a third. A fourth said: “It would be better if it was an hour earlier. Emmerdale belongs at 7pm, and Coronation Street at 7.30.” So what do you think? Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Good to Know Share By Carena Crawford Jan 9 2026 By Carena Crawford Jan 9 2026 Previous Story Next Story
