Search results
Nov 26, 2024 · The Freely service aims to streamline on-demand TV and live public service channels into one, easy-to-navigate service, without an aerial. It’s essentially the online streaming version of Freeview. It comes from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and will stream each broadcaster’s programming live – with more channels set to follow.
- Jack Needham
- Overview
- Where Can I Stream British TV?
- BritBox: Best Source for Classic British TV
- Acorn TV: Best for Mystery and Crime British TV
- BFI Player Classics: Best Catalogue of Old British Movies
- Netflix: Best Streaming Service You Probably Already Have
- PBS: Best Free British TV Streaming Service
- Max: Best Modern British TV
- Amazon Prime Video: Best Variety
- What Is the Best Streaming Service for UK Programs?
Trending Videos
Whether you're looking for classic British TV, old British movies, or the latest shows and movies Britain has produced, what you want is probably available on a streaming service. The platforms below work on multiple devices, including your computer, TV, phone, and even games console. Some are even free to use, while others are services you already have but hadn't considered for watching British shows.
Streaming British TV services is much like streaming other content. These British streaming services will work on most devices, including smartphones, computers, tablets, and smart TVs. The signup process is much the same as with regular streaming services.
BritBox offers a reliable mixture of new and old content. Fans of classic facial British humor will love being able to watch the likes of Mr. Bean or Fawlty Towers. From there, you can switch to something more provocative, like Inside No 9, before deviating to classic comedy like Waiting for God or As Time Goes By. Ever wanted to see famous actors like Judi Dench before they hit the big time? Here's your chance.
Many genres are covered here, so comedies, dramas, crime series, and much more are available. Original content is hit-and-miss in quality, but fantastic dramas like Line of Duty and The Pembrokeshire Murders make up for the misses.
Plans:
$8.99 per month or $89.99 per year.
Where does it work?
BritBox works on Roku, FireTV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung smart TVs, LG smart TVs, all computers, and iOS and Android systems.
Acorn TV offers plenty of British mystery and crime shows—generally the genres that Britain does exceptionally well. These include cozy mysteries like Pie in the Sky, Midsomer Murders, and Foyle's War. Each is ideal for a relaxed Sunday evening viewing.
It also has more modern content, such as Keeping Faith, a Welsh drama about a lawyer whose husband suddenly goes missing. Crime fans won't run out of content here soon, although if you're looking for movies, you might be a bit disappointed. Acorn TV is primarily about TV shows rather than anything feature-length.
Plans:
$6.99 per month or $69.99 for a yearly subscription plan.
Where does it work?
Acorn TV works on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Android mobile and tablets, smart TVs, Chromecast, and any device with a web browser.
BFI Player Classics might 'only' have a couple of hundred movies on the service, but pound for pound, these are some of the highest-quality British films out there. True classics like The Third Man and The Wicker Man (the original film) are on the service, along with terrific Ealing comedies that will make you laugh as you've never laughed before.
If you don't know where to start, the BFI Player Classics Collection tab helps you pick out some highlights, so there's something for every mood or interest here. The only downside is that content isn't available in 4K, which is unfortunate, given that some classic movies are available now.
Plans:
$5.99 per month with a 7-day free trial available.
Where does it work?
BFI Player Classics works on Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, AndroidTV, Chromecast, all iOS and Android devices, and web browsers.
You already know Netflix. The one-stop-shop for all things streaming also offers plenty of British shows and movies. These include The Great British Baking Show, The Crown, Peaky Blinders, and Broadchurch.
If you're looking for some of the biggest names, you'll be happy with Netflix—the service you probably already use.
Plans:
$6.99/month for the basic plan with ads, $15.49/month for HD viewing up to 1080p, or $22.99/month for up to 4K.
Where does it work?
Netflix works on Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, all smart TVs, Chromecast, all iOS and Android devices, and web browsers.
PBS is a subtle jewel in the crown. Still free in most of the U.S., it offers fantastic British shows like Poldark and All Creatures Great and Small. Unlike other options, it keeps up to date with the newly aired Around the World in 80 Days available on the service. Just don't count on an exceptionally stylish experience.
Plans:
Free for U.S. residents
Where does it work?
Max (formerly HBO Max) is best known for having Warner Bros 2021 movie premieres the same day as they hit theaters, but it's also the home of some of the latest British dramas too. These include Russell T. Davies's It's a Sin and I May Destroy You—both exceptional dramas.
Elsewhere, British movies like Dunkirk and The King's Speech ensure you can enjoy the best from the British easily through the service.
Plans:
•$9.99 per month or $99.99 per year for the standard/HD plan, which is ad-supported.
•$15.99 per month or $149.99 per year for the ad-free plan.
•$19.99 per month or $199.99 per year for the 4K plan
Amazon Prime Video offers a little bit of everything. That means it's not perfect, but it's convenient with the likes of Fleabag, a genuinely hilarious modern comedy, and Luther, the Idris Elba starring crime drama, both available on the service. Older British content is also sometimes available on Amazon, but its content can change rapidly, meaning some shows soon end up on other services if you wait too long.
Still, if you want the benefits of faster delivery with Amazon, the variety of Prime Video makes it even more appealing.
Plans:
With ads: $8.99/month without Amazon Prime; a Prime membership is $14.99/month or $139 annually. The student discount lowers it to $7.49/month or $69/year. Without ads, the price rises about $3/month to $11.99 without Amazon Prime and $17.99/month with Prime.
Where does it work?
Amazon Prime Video works on Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, all smart TVs, Chromecast, all iOS and Android devices, and web browsers.
There is no one best streaming service for UK programs. It all depends on what you enjoy watching. For instance, if you're keen on classic British TV, your best option is something like BritBox, while Max has you covered for newer content. It's a similar story for British movies, too, so it's essential to work out what's best for you to avoid subscribing to too many services simultaneously.
How to Stream BBC America Online
Stream your favourite live and on demand TV, all in one place, for freeeee . It's time to cut those cords, bin those clunky boxes, and stop wasting your time flicking between TV apps. Now just plug in your telly and watch via Wi-Fi. It's big news!
Nov 22, 2024 · Last updated: November 22, 2024 Launched in April 2024, Freely is a joint collaboration between the UK's four public service broadcasters - the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 - which offers free live TV and on-demand content over broadband, without the need for a satellite dish or an aerial.
Mar 18, 2024 · Back in September 2023, the UK’s biggest free-to-air broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 – announced a new smart TV streaming service that will allow users to watch live TV ...
- Rowan Davies
Apr 24, 2024 · The live TV option lets you watch from a wide variety of channels, with options from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, S4C, STV and the various smaller channels offered by these broadcasters. The video on demand library lets you search from the libraries of all of the respective apps including iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My 5 and so on. The ...
People also ask
What is the newest British streaming service?
Who owns free TV in the UK?
What is streaming British TV?
What channels are on freely?
What is freely streaming?
Can you watch live TV online?
19 hours ago · The platform, developed by Everyone TV (the organisation behind Freeview and Freesat), offers a unified interface for both live and on-demand content without requiring an aerial or satellite dish (but only for the channels that are currently available via streaming – the rest do still require an aerial).
