How to find where a film or show is streaming in the UK
Three quick ways to find which UK service has a title right now, including free options, and why the answer changes from month to month.
Films and series move between streaming services all the time, and the UK catalogue is often different from the US one. Here's how to find where something is on today.
1. Use a streaming search site
Search sites such as JustWatch let you type a title and see every UK service that has it, split into "stream", "rent" and "buy". Make sure the country is set to United Kingdom: results differ by country.
2. Search your TV or streaming stick
Most smart TVs and streaming sticks have a universal search that looks across the apps you've installed. It only covers services you have on that device, so it can miss free services you haven't installed yet.
3. Check the free services first
Before paying, search the free services: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, 5 and U. Older films and big drama series often turn up there. Remember that BBC iPlayer needs a TV Licence. See our guide to free streaming in the UK.
Why the answer changes
- Licences expire. A service usually rents a title for a fixed period, then it moves elsewhere.
- Regional rights. A show made by a US network can stream on a different service in the UK.
- Catch-up windows. Broadcaster services keep many programmes for a limited time after they air.