NRK2 launched on 3rd September 1996 by the Norwegian Broacasting Corporation. The channel shows cultural and in-depth programmes, but also drama, comedies and news.

In 2005 the channel became the first mainland Europe station to broadcast the new series of Doctor Who starring Christopher Eccleston. However, the series was only repeated twice, once during 2006 and again on sister channel NRK3 shortly after its launch in 2007. No other series were broadcast.