Piers Morgan’s Uncensored Journey: From TalkTV Flop to YouTube Success

LONDON, 28 January 2026 – Piers Morgan’s controversial talk show has completed a dramatic transformation from a loss-making television venture to a digital powerhouse, with new financial revelations showing the scale of TalkTV’s struggles before his departure. As the presenter’s YouTube channel continues to grow its global audience, a weekly highlights package now airs on Channel 5, marking an unconventional return to British terrestrial television.

The Digital Pivot

Piers Morgan Uncensored began its life on TalkTV in April 2022 with considerable fanfare and a reported eight-figure deal for its host. The launch episode featuring former US President Donald Trump attracted 317,000 viewers, but ratings quickly plummeted to as low as 10,000 within weeks. By February 2024, Morgan announced he was abandoning traditional television scheduling for YouTube, citing the “unnecessary straitjacket” of broadcast slots and poor viewing figures compared to his channel’s 2.3 million subscribers.

The move proved prescient. Financial documents reveal that TalkTV lost approximately £50 million in the year to June 2024, bringing cumulative losses since launch to around £140 million. The channel employed 135 staff before significant layoffs last summer as production shifted from television facilities back to radio studios. Despite revenue increasing to £6.7 million from advertising and clip licensing, these gains were offset by £4.5 million in closure costs for the terrestrial channel.

Current Landscape and Channel 5 Deal

Since September 2025, Piers Morgan Uncensored has maintained a television presence through a weekly 90-minute highlights show on Channel 5, featuring content from YouTube recordings. This arrangement represents what industry observers describe as the first major deal between a UK broadcaster and a YouTube channel. The show continues to be produced at News UK’s London Bridge headquarters, maintaining production standards while embracing digital distribution.

Morgan’s YouTube strategy has focused on building a global audience, with content regularly attracting millions of views. Recent episodes have covered topics ranging from Middle East conflicts and US politics to interviews with controversial figures, maintaining the confrontational style that has defined Morgan’s career across newspapers, CNN, and ITV’s Good Morning Britain.

Key Facts & Financial Timeline

Controversy and Criticism

Morgan’s approach has consistently generated controversy and complaint. During his tenure at Good Morning Britain, Ofcom received over 57,000 complaints about his comments regarding Meghan Markle’s mental health revelations in her Oprah Winfrey interview, though he was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing. His Uncensored show has faced criticism for interviews with figures including Andrew Tate, Nick Fuentes, and Kanye West, alongside allegations of insufficient fact-checking in some instances.

Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the show has developed a substantial following. Reviews on podcast platforms show the polarising effect Morgan has on audiences, with ratings averaging 3.7 stars from hundreds of reviews and comments ranging from “brilliant” and “entertaining” to “absolute trash” and “disgraceful.”

Industry Context and Future

Morgan’s journey reflects broader shifts in media consumption. As traditional news channels struggle with linear viewing declines, digital platforms offer direct audience relationships and global reach. News UK executives have acknowledged that TalkTV’s future lies in “news and views via streamed and online video,” with Morgan’s independent production arrangement serving as a potential model.

The presenter now operates as an independent producer for YouTube and other platforms under a four-year collaboration with News UK, which receives a portion of advertising revenue. This hybrid model – digital-first production with selective broadcast distribution – may indicate future directions for opinion-led journalism as traditional business models falter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch Piers Morgan Uncensored now?

Full episodes are available on the Piers Morgan Uncensored YouTube channel. A 90-minute weekly highlights package airs on Channel 5, featuring selected segments from recent YouTube recordings.

Why did TalkTV fail financially?

TalkTV struggled to attract sufficient viewers to justify its substantial investment in studios and talent. Despite high-profile launches, ratings remained low compared to rivals, with some broadcasts reportedly attracting no measurable audience. The channel’s £140m cumulative losses reflect the challenges of launching a new linear news channel in an increasingly digital market.

Is Piers Morgan still connected to News UK?

Yes, through a four-year collaboration agreement. Morgan operates as an independent producer for YouTube and social media platforms, while News UK receives a portion of advertising revenue from the Uncensored content. The arrangement allows Morgan creative control while maintaining some financial ties to his former employer.

How successful is the YouTube channel?

The channel has grown significantly since leaving TalkTV, with over 2.3 million subscribers and episodes regularly attracting millions of views. The global distribution and lack of scheduling constraints have allowed Morgan to build an international audience, particularly in the US and UK.