Sky Atlantic celebrates first birthday

Sky is celebrating the first anniversary of Sky Atlantic, the exclusive UK home of content from US networks and studios such as HBO, Lionsgate and CBS.

The channel, which is only available on the Sky platform, launched at position 108 on the satellite broadcaster's electronic programme guide on February 1st 2011.

Among the high-profile shows to have appeared on Sky Atlantic so far are Mad Men, The Borgias, Blue Bloods and Sir David Attenborough's documentary Flying Monsters.

Director of Sky Atlantic Elaine Pyke hailed the milestone achievement, but insisted: "Our story has only just begun."

In the coming months, a selection of new UK shows will join their US counterparts on the pay TV channel, with highlights including Paul Abbott's Hit + Miss and Falcon, based on Robert Wilson's acclaimed series of crime novels.

"One year on, Sky Atlantic feels more fresh and exciting every day," Ms Pyke commented.

The news comes in the same week the broadcaster added Sky Atlantic to its Sky Go service, allowing subscribers to access content from the channel on laptops, tablets and other mobile devices.

Sky1, Sky Living and Sky Arts1 are also set to launch on Sky Go within the next month.