Across the Pond: A Guide to Watching British TV in America

Are you a fan of British television shows but live in the United States? You’re not alone. Many Americans have fallen in love with the unique blend of humor, drama, and culture that British TV has to offer. From the witty banter of The Office to the period drama of Downton Abbey, there’s no shortage of great British TV shows to enjoy. But can you watch British TV in America? The answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explore the various ways to do so.

Understanding the Challenges of Watching British TV in America

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the challenges of watching British TV in America. The main issue is that many British TV shows are not broadcast on American television networks. This is due to a combination of factors, including:

• Licensing agreements: British TV shows are often licensed to specific networks or streaming services in the UK, which can limit their availability in the US.
• Copyright laws: Copyright laws vary between countries, and British TV shows may not be cleared for broadcast in the US.
• Geographic restrictions: Many British TV shows are only available to stream on UK-based services, which can be blocked in the US due to geographic restrictions.

Streaming Services: The Easiest Way to Watch British TV in America

Despite the challenges, there are many ways to watch British TV in America. One of the easiest ways is through streaming services. Here are a few popular options:

• Netflix: Netflix offers a range of British TV shows, including The Crown, Black Mirror, and Peaky Blinders.
• Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video offers a vast collection of British TV shows, including Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, and The Grand Tour.
• Hulu: Hulu offers a range of British TV shows, including The Office, Top Gear, and The IT Crowd.
• BritBox: BritBox is a streaming service dedicated to British TV shows. It offers a vast collection of content, including EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale.
• Acorn TV: Acorn TV is another streaming service that specializes in British TV shows. It offers a range of content, including Midsomer Murders, Doc Martin, and Shetland.

How to Access British Streaming Services in America

While the streaming services mentioned above are available in the US, some British streaming services are not. However, there are ways to access these services in America:

• VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you access British streaming services by masking your IP address and making it appear as though you’re accessing the service from the UK.
• Proxy server: A proxy server can also help you access British streaming services by routing your internet traffic through a UK-based server.

TV Networks: Watching British TV on American Television

While streaming services are a convenient way to watch British TV, some TV networks also broadcast British TV shows in the US. Here are a few examples:

• PBS: PBS often broadcasts British TV shows, including Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, and Sherlock.
• BBC America: BBC America is a US-based TV network that broadcasts a range of British TV shows, including Doctor Who, Orphan Black, and The Last Kingdom.
• IFC: IFC often broadcasts British TV shows, including The IT Crowd, The Inbetweeners, and Peep Show.

How to Find British TV Shows on American TV Networks

Finding British TV shows on American TV networks can be challenging, but here are a few tips:

• Check the TV listings: Check the TV listings for PBS, BBC America, and IFC to see what British TV shows are being broadcast.
• Use a TV guide app: TV guide apps like TV Guide or Zap2it can help you find British TV shows on American TV networks.
• Set up a DVR: Set up a DVR to record British TV shows that are being broadcast on American TV networks.

Purchasing British TV Shows: DVDs and Digital Downloads

If you can’t find a British TV show on a streaming service or TV network, you can always purchase it on DVD or digital download. Here are a few options:

• Amazon: Amazon offers a range of British TV shows on DVD and digital download, including The Office, Black Mirror, and Peaky Blinders.
• iTunes: iTunes offers a range of British TV shows on digital download, including The Crown, Downton Abbey, and Doctor Who.
• Google Play: Google Play offers a range of British TV shows on digital download, including The IT Crowd, The Inbetweeners, and Peep Show.

How to Purchase British TV Shows on DVD and Digital Download

Purchasing British TV shows on DVD and digital download is easy. Here are a few steps to follow:

• Search for the TV show: Search for the British TV show you want to purchase on Amazon, iTunes, or Google Play.
• Check the availability: Check if the TV show is available on DVD or digital download.
• Make the purchase: Make the purchase and download the TV show or wait for the DVD to arrive.

Conclusion

Watching British TV in America is easier than ever, thanks to streaming services, TV networks, and purchasing options. Whether you’re a fan of The Office, Downton Abbey, or Doctor Who, there’s a way to watch your favorite British TV shows in the US. So why not give it a try? You might just discover your new favorite TV show.

Note: The table above is not an exhaustive list of streaming services and British TV shows available in the US. It’s meant to provide a general idea of the options available.

What British TV shows are popular in America?

British TV shows have gained immense popularity in America over the years, with many shows being broadcast on popular networks such as PBS, BBC America, and Acorn TV. Some of the most popular British TV shows in America include Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Doctor Who, and The Office. These shows have gained a massive following in the US and have helped to increase the demand for British TV content.

In addition to these popular shows, many other British TV series have also gained a significant following in America. Shows such as The Crown, Peaky Blinders, and Killing Eve have been widely acclaimed and have won numerous awards. The popularity of British TV shows in America can be attributed to their unique blend of humor, drama, and culture, which resonates with American audiences.

How can I watch British TV in America?

There are several ways to watch British TV in America, depending on your preferences and budget. One option is to subscribe to a streaming service such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, which offer a wide range of British TV shows. You can also purchase individual episodes or seasons of your favorite shows through online stores such as iTunes or Google Play.

Another option is to subscribe to a British TV streaming service such as BritBox or Acorn TV, which specialize in British content. These services offer a wide range of British TV shows, including many popular titles and some exclusive content. You can also watch British TV shows on traditional TV networks such as PBS or BBC America, which broadcast a selection of British shows.

What is BritBox and how does it work?

BritBox is a streaming service that specializes in British TV content. It offers a wide range of British TV shows, including many popular titles and some exclusive content. BritBox is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, two of the largest TV networks in the UK. The service is available in the US and Canada, and can be accessed through a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

BritBox offers a free trial period, after which you can subscribe to the service for a monthly fee. The service offers a range of features, including the ability to watch shows on demand, create a watchlist, and access exclusive content. BritBox also offers a range of curated collections, which group shows by theme or genre.

Can I watch British TV live in America?

Yes, it is possible to watch British TV live in America, although the options are limited. Some streaming services, such as BritBox and Acorn TV, offer live streaming of British TV channels. However, these services typically only offer a limited selection of channels, and the live streaming options may be restricted to certain shows or events.

Another option is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access British TV channels through their websites or apps. This can be a more complex and technical option, and may require some setup and configuration. However, it can provide access to a wider range of British TV channels and live streaming options.

Are British TV shows available on Netflix in the US?

Yes, many British TV shows are available on Netflix in the US. Netflix has a large collection of British TV content, including many popular titles and some exclusive shows. However, the selection of British TV shows on Netflix can vary depending on your location, and some shows may not be available in the US.

Netflix also produces some original British content, which is only available on the platform. These shows are often produced in partnership with British TV networks, and can offer a unique perspective on British culture and society. However, the availability of British TV shows on Netflix can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the platform for the latest selection.

Can I purchase individual British TV shows or seasons in the US?

Yes, it is possible to purchase individual British TV shows or seasons in the US through online stores such as iTunes or Google Play. These stores offer a wide range of British TV content, including many popular titles and some exclusive shows. You can purchase individual episodes or seasons, and download them to your device for offline viewing.

Purchasing individual British TV shows or seasons can be a good option if you only want to watch a specific show or series. However, it can be more expensive than subscribing to a streaming service, especially if you want to watch multiple shows. Additionally, the selection of British TV content on online stores can vary, and some shows may not be available for purchase.

Are British TV shows available with subtitles or closed captions in the US?

Yes, many British TV shows are available with subtitles or closed captions in the US. Most streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, offer subtitles or closed captions for many of their British TV shows. Additionally, some streaming services, such as BritBox and Acorn TV, offer subtitles or closed captions for all of their content.

However, the availability of subtitles or closed captions can vary depending on the show and the streaming service. Some shows may not have subtitles or closed captions available, especially if they are older or less popular titles. It’s always a good idea to check the streaming service for the availability of subtitles or closed captions before watching a show.