Sky offers you free TV this week, but time is running out to watch blockbuster upgrade

It's often that you get something for nothing, but that's exactly what Sky is offering for the next few days. The telly company says that some customers can get a free upgrade this week, which will add 35 channels to their screens without paying a penny extra. It's a nice boost, but how do you get it and what's included?

This freebie, which is available until Wednesday, October 16, instantly upgrades those with basic Essential TV packages to the more content-packed Sky Ultimate TV option at no extra cost.

So, without reaching for the credit card, there's access to premium channels such as Sky Max, Sky Crime, Sky Documentaries, U&Gold, and Comedy Central.

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Explaining more, Sky said in an email sent to Mirror Online, "From 10–16 October, Sky Essential TV customers can access Sky Ultimate TV at no extra cost.

"This will unlock 35+ extra channels to watch, including Sky Max, featuring unmissable shows from the final series of Brassic to BAFTA-winning Mr Bigstuff, as well as other favourites like Sky Crime, Sky Documentaries, U&Gold, and Comedy Central.

"Other shows to enjoy include new mockumentary The Paper on Sky Max, The Office on Sky Comedy, as well as FBI and Fire Country on Sky Witness."

If you subscribe to Sky's Essential TV bundle, then you shouldn't need to do a thing with the upgrade instantly appearing on your TV. If you like what you see, you can then upgrade to Sky Ultimate TV for a new low price of just £3 extra a month.

Sky isn't the only firm dishing out free upgrades this month.

Virgin Media is offering full access to channels including Sky Kids, Cartoon Network and Baby TV throughout October.

That means homes will be able to tune into content such as Pip and Posy’s Spooktacular Party (Sky Kids), The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball (Cartoon Network), SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon), and Peppa Pig without facing the usual subscription fees. Virgin says it has launched the freebie in time for the October half-term