In recent years, streaming services have revolutionized the way we consume TV shows and movies. No longer are we limited to the schedules of traditional TV networks, or having to buy box sets and DVDs to catch up on our favourite programmes. Instead, we can watch what we want, when we want, and often without any ads. For British TV fans, this has been particularly exciting, as it means we can now access a wide range of shows that were previously only available in the UK. But with so many streaming services available, which ones are the best for British TV fans? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top options, along with their pros and cons.
Netflix
Netflix is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in streaming, and for good reason. It offers a wide range of TV shows and movies, including some of the most popular ones from the UK. Some of the most notable British shows available on Netflix include The Crown, Peaky Blinders, and The Witcher. The service also has a good selection of children’s shows, documentaries and original content, such as Stranger Things and House of Cards.
Pros:
– A huge library of TV shows and movies
– Easy to use interface
– No ads
– Works on a wide range of devices
Cons:
– Some of the best British shows are not available in all regions
– Regular price increases
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is another popular streaming service for British TV fans, with a lot of great shows on offer. One of the biggest advantages of Amazon Prime Video is that it’s included in an Amazon Prime subscription, which also offers free delivery on eligible purchases, access to music streaming and other benefits. Some of the most popular British shows on Amazon Prime Video include Downton Abbey, The Office (UK) and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Pros:
– Comes as part of an Amazon Prime subscription
– A good selection of British shows and movies
– No ads
– Offline viewing available
Cons:
– Some shows require an additional purchase or rental fee
– Some people find the interface confusing
BritBox
If you’re specifically looking for British TV content, then BritBox is definitely worth a look. It’s a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, and offers a selection of shows from both networks, as well as Channel 4 and Channel 5. Some of the most popular shows on BritBox include Doctor Who, The Vicar of Dibley, and Broadchurch. The service also offers some exclusives, such as the crime drama Grace.
Pros:
– Dedicated to British TV content
– Offers a selection of shows from multiple networks
– No ads
– New content added regularly
Cons:
– Limited range of shows compared to other services
– No original content
Disney+
If you’re a fan of Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, or Pixar, then Disney+ is the streaming service for you. It offers a huge selection of movies and TV shows from these brands, as well as National Geographic. One of the biggest draws for British TV fans is that it’s the exclusive streaming service for original shows from Disney-owned channels such as Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior. This means you can access shows like Phineas and Ferb, Hannah Montana, and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody on demand.
Pros:
– A huge selection of family-friendly content
– No ads
– Offline viewing available
– Includes new original content
Cons:
– Limited range of non-Disney content
– Not all Disney-owned shows are available in all regions
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a newer streaming service, but it’s already making a name for itself with some excellent original content. Although its range of content is somewhat limited compared to other services, its original shows have received critical acclaim, and it’s definitely worth a look if you’re after high-quality programming. Some of the most popular shows on Apple TV+ include The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, and Dickinson.
Pros:
– High-quality original content
– No ads
– Available on all Apple devices
Cons:
– Limited range of content
– No back catalogue of shows
FAQs
Q: Can I watch live TV on streaming services?
A: Some services, such as BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub, offer live streaming of their channels. However, most streaming services only offer on-demand content.
Q: Do I need a TV licence to watch streaming services in the UK?
A: Yes, if you watch shows live as they’re broadcast or if you use BBC iPlayer, you need a TV licence.
Q: Can I access all shows on all streaming services in the UK?
A: No, some shows are only available on certain services, and some services may not be available in certain regions. It’s worth checking which shows are available on which services before subscribing.
Q: How much do streaming services cost?
A: Prices vary by service, but most offer monthly subscriptions ranging from £5-£10 per month. Some services offer free trials or student discounts as well.
Q: Can I watch streaming services on multiple devices?
A: Yes, most streaming services allow you to use multiple devices and offer the ability to stream on more than one device at the same time. However, some services may have additional charges for multiple streams.
In conclusion, there are a range of streaming services available for British TV fans, each with their own pros and cons. Depending on your specific interests and needs, you may find that one service is better suited to you than others. Whether you prefer classic British comedies, gritty dramas or family-friendly content, there’s sure to be a streaming service out there for you.