Another week, another Emmerdale schedule change as the staple of the week night ITV schedule is taken off air again tonight (Friday March 6). It also hasn’t been released on ITVX, so when is it back?
The soap schedule can be messed around. It’s usually due to sport or one-off shows. And even now we’ve got the ‘soap power hour’, Emmerdale and Coronation Street are still not immune to changes. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered here so you know when you can watch Emmerdale next.
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Is Emmerdale on tonight?
Emmerdale is not on on Friday March 6 and neither is Coronation Street. The two soaps usually air at 8pm and 8.30pm, but they are not on at all tonight.
As there are no episodes tonight, it means no ITVX early release either. Both are usually on the streaming site and YouTube at 7am.
It’s because of rugby – there is a Six Nations match which sees Ireland play Wales. Kick-off is at 8.10pm and the build-up coverage starts at 7.20pm on ITV.
What happens in Emmerdale next week?
So it will be Monday March 9 before we go back to the Dales. It will be on at the usual time of 8pm then.
It’s a big week for Cain as he struggles with the corner Joe Tate has backed him into. After another talking to from Sarah, a reality check during a trip to the toilet and advice from Liam, Cain gives in and goes to visit Moira.
He tells her about his cancer and then shatters her world when he reveals the truth about the farm and Joe’s blackmail. Moira assures Cain his health comes first and then summons Kim to the prison. What will happen during their showdown?
Elsewhere, Graham still really wants Rhona and he once again makes a move for her. He asks her to meet him at 12.30pm or else he will leave her alone forever. Will Rhona turn up?
Neither are aware that Lydia has overheard their moment and reports straight back to Kim. Kim tries to pretend she’s not bothered, but in reality it’s clear she is. Will she confess how she really feels?
Also, Laurel finally reveals the truth about Arthur as he confesses what he did to Gabby. And, Kerry and Jai try to fly under the radar, but Nicola is suspicious.
ITV rolled out a brand new schedule for the soaps in January 2026, dubbed the soap power hour. Emmerdale continues to air five nights a week, with episodes still available on ITVX from 7am, but it has moved to a later 8pm slot instead of 7.30pm.
Coronation Street has also undergone a major change, switching from hour-long episodes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to half-hour episodes every weeknight at 8.30pm. Emmerdale’s traditional Thursday double bill has been cut back to make room.
The idea is simple: faster-paced, more digestible 30-minute episodes, a format that has already proven popular with viewers. But has it paid off?
Soap power hour verdict
The response has been largely positive. Many viewers say they are loving the shorter episodes and the nightly routine.
“I love the new soaps schedule,” wrote one fan on social media. “So much better having the episodes on 30 mins a night in my opinion.”
Another agreed: “Finally, I can watch my three favourite soaps in a row. Much prefer this schedule and the 30 min episodes.”
Others have noticed a shift in quality too, particularly since Corriedale. “Since Corriedale Emmerdale has been so much better. The longer scenes and actual fallout from events has been so good,” one viewer commented.
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.”
One change needed
Despite the praise for the soap power hour, there is one big sticking point for some fans: the timing. The 8pm slot is not a winner in some eyes and people feel it should move to 7pm instead.
“I think Emmerdale should be on at 7pm then Corrie at 7.30pm so it won’t be too late,” suggested one viewer.
Another added: “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.”
Others echoed the sentiment, arguing the power hour would work better earlier in the evening. “It would be better if it was an hour earlier. Emmerdale belongs at 7pm, and Coronation Street at 7.30,” said one fan.
Read more: Emmerdale cast shake-up 2026 as exits confirmed and big returns teased – so who’s leaving?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV.
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