Where to Watch BBC Documentaries Online
What is the BBC?
The BBC, or the British Broadcasting Corporation, is the UK’s premier public broadcaster and the world’s oldest national broadcaster. It is a public service broadcaster, established by a Royal Charter, with a mission to inform, educate and entertain. Through various channels, including radio, television, and digital media, the BBC provides news and programmes to users worldwide. It offers two news services: a global programme, focused on international affairs, and the UK’s version of the 24 hour BBC News channel. The latter can be accessed via bbc.co.uk or BBC IPlayer, though outside of the UK users are redirected to bbc.com. To access the UK’s version of the 24 hour news channel, users can use a VPN connected to a UK server, allowing them to access both bbc.co.uk and BBC iPlayer.
The BBC’s content range from soap operas to gritty dramas, and also includes a wide range of documentaries, with presenters such as David Attenborough, Brian Cox, and Louis Theroux. The BBC also offers a subscription service, BBC Select, which allows access to the latest and best BBC documentaries in exchange for a fee.
How to Watch BBC Documentaries (The Best Way)
Like everything online there’s loads of different ways to watch the BBC from outside the UK. However there’s no doubt the best one is to watch directly on the BBC iPlayer, not only will you get to watch all the latest shows as they’re broadcast. You can also enjoy loads of older documentaries in High Definition whenever you like from the iPlayer archive.
If you’re outside the UK you’ll need to use a UK VPN service to hide your location and make it look like you’re in the UK. Then you can create a BBC iPlayer account and watch whenever you like, just turn the VPN on when you need it.
Here’s how it’s done using our favorite VPN – NordVPN
Remember lots of VPNs get blocked by the BBC so check yours isn’t before subscribing. If you choose NordVPN then make sure you use their BBC Optimized servers – UK# 1840-1847, 1850-1863, 1865, 1869, 1873, 1875-1878, 1880-1881, 1900-1901, 1903-1904, 1911, 1913, 1917, 1919-1920. Select one of these manually rather than clicking quick connect.
What are the Other Ways to watch BBC documentaries online?
1. Stream BBC documentaries with Netflix
Step 1: Visit Netflix.com and sign up for an account if you don’t have one already.
Step 2: Search for BBC documentaries in the Netflix library.
Step 3: Select the documentary you wish to watch and click “play” to start streaming.
Step 4: Enjoy watching the BBC documentary.
Step 5: If you want to watch more BBC documentaries, search for them in the Netflix library and repeat steps 3 and 4.
2. Watch BBC documentaries on Hulu
Are you looking for a way to watch BBC documentaries on Hulu? You’re in luck – there are several ways to do this. Here are the steps you need to take to start watching BBC documentaries on Hulu:
- Sign up for a Hulu subscription.
- Download the Hulu app on your device.
- Log into your account and begin exploring the BBC documentaries available for streaming.
- Click on the BBC button to view all BBC content.
- Scroll through the list of documentaries and pick the one you want to watch.
- Press the “Play” button and enjoy your documentary.
With a Hulu subscription, you’ll have access to a wide range of BBC documentaries. From Sir David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet to Adam Curtis’ HyperNormalisation, there’s something for everyone. And with the easy-to-use Hulu interface, you’ll be able to find and watch your favorite documentaries in no time. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a Hulu subscription today and start watching BBC documentaries.
3. Stream BBC documentaries with Amazon Video
If you are looking to watch BBC documentaries on Amazon Video, you have come to the right place. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
- Download and install the Beebs Chrome extension. This is necessary if you would like to watch BBC content from outside of the United Kingdom.
- Open Amazon Prime Video in your preferred browser and search for the title of the BBC documentary you would like to watch.
- Select the title from the search results and click “watch now”.
- Confirm your payment details if prompted.
- Click “Play” and enjoy!
With the Beebs Chrome extension, you can now access BBC documentaries on Amazon Prime Video from anywhere in the world. Don’t forget to check out the huge range of BBC documentaries available on BBC iPlayer as well.
4. Watch BBC documentaries on BBC.com
Step 1: There are a number of ways to watch BBC documentaries for free. If you are located in the UK, you can watch them for free with a TV licence. The BBC also makes their programmes available on the BBC iPlayer archive to watch online.
Step 2: You can also catch some individual shows on various platforms like YouTube and other video platforms. In addition, there are also a few options using IPTV and pirate TV streaming channels, as well as services like Plex and Kodi.
Step 3: The best way to watch BBC documentaries is on the official media sites, especially the BBC iPlayer. It has a wide variety of documentaries covering all kinds of subjects, from natural world documentaries by presenters such as David Attenborough and Brian Cox to crime, politics and current affairs.
Step 4: The BBC iPlayer also has newer documentaries, such as Seven Worlds, One Planet, Blue Planet II, Planet Earth II, The Great British Bake Off and Wonders of the Solar System. Plus, there are also documentaries by Louis Theroux and Adam Curtis.
Step 5: To watch BBC documentaries on BBC.com, simply open the website and navigate to the BBC iPlayer. From here, you can search for the documentary you want to watch and start streaming it for free.
5. Stream BBC documentaries on Netflix
It is not possible to watch BBC documentaries on Netflix, as the streaming service does not offer any of the BBC’s content. However, there are other ways for viewers to watch BBC documentaries online. The best option is to watch them on the official BBC streaming service, BBC iPlayer. To access this service from abroad, there is a Google Chrome Add-on called Beebs. It works like a VPN, only it’s simpler, smarter and specifically designed to afford viewers access to their favourite BBC documentaries from any country in the world.
Here are the step-by-step instructions for watching BBC documentaries on BBC iPlayer:
- Download and install the Beebs Chrome Add-on.
- Log into the Beebs website using your email address and password.
- Click on the ‘BBC iPlayer’ tab to access the streaming service.
- Browse through the available options of documentaries and select the one you want to watch.
- Click on the ‘Play’ button to begin streaming the chosen documentary.
- Enjoy watching the BBC documentary!
6. Stream BBC documentaries on Hulu
Hulu is one of the most popular streaming services around and now you can watch BBC documentaries on it too! Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps:
- Install the Beebs Chrome extension. Beebs is a great tool which allows you to watch BBC content from anywhere in the world.
- Once installed, open the Beebs extension and select the BBC option. This will open a page with a list of BBC websites and services.
- Click on the BBC iPlayer option. This will take you to the BBC iPlayer page where you can find thousands of BBC documentaries.
- Once you’ve found the documentary you want to watch, click the ‘Watch Now’ button. This will open the Hulu page where you can watch the documentary.
- Finally, click the ‘Play’ button and you’re ready to watch your chosen BBC documentary!
7. Watch BBC documentaries on Amazon Prime Video
Step 1: Check if you are located in the USA or Canada. BBC Select is only available to users located in the USA or Canada.
Step 2: Go to the official BBC website and subscribe to BBC Select. You can try it out for free for 7 days using the link provided.
Step 3: Download the Amazon Prime Video app from your app store.
Step 4: Log in to your Amazon Prime Video account and search for BBC Select.
Step 5: Once you find the BBC Select page, click “Subscribe” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 6: Start streaming and enjoy the world of documentaries! You can explore the huge range of documentaries available, organised by categories like history, travel, culture, true crime, news and politics.
Step 7: Don’t forget to also check out Amazon’s Prime Video for documentaries, which has a large selection of titles and supports offline downloads, 4K titles and audio descriptions for visually impaired viewers.
8. Stream BBC documentaries on BBC iPlayer
Streaming BBC documentaries on BBC iPlayer is easy and can be done from anywhere in the world. Here are the steps to follow:
- Install a suitable VPN (NordVPN works well0
- Select a UK Server from the list.
- Visit the BBC iPlayer website and start browsing for the documentary you want to watch.
- Click on the play button next to your chosen documentary and it will start streaming in your browser window.
- Enjoy the documentary!
9. Stream BBC documentaries on Acorn TV
Acorn TV is a great way to stream BBC documentaries. It is an on-demand streaming service, providing access to a huge library of top-rated British TV, including many of the BBC’s most acclaimed documentaries.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to streaming BBC documentaries on Acorn TV:
- Visit the Acorn TV website or download the Acorn TV app on your device.
- Create an account and log in.
- Start a free trial, if you don’t have an active subscription.
- Find the BBC documentaries section. You can locate this section by using the search bar or by navigating to the ‘documentaries’ tab.
- Browse through the available documentaries and select one you’d like to watch.
- Select the title and hit ‘play’.
- Enjoy streaming BBC documentaries on Acorn TV!
10. Stream BBC documentaries with a VPN
Using a VPN is a great way to watch BBC documentaries from anywhere in the world. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Install a quality VPN with UK servers. We recommend NordVPN as it offers the best speeds and reliable servers.
- Connect to a UK server.
- Visit the BBC iPlayer website or open the iPlayer app.
- Enjoy streaming BBC documentaries!
If you’re looking for an extra layer of security, you can also use NordVPN’s specialist Onion Over VPN feature. This will route all your internet traffic over the Tor network for added privacy and anonymity.
FAQs
How can I watch BBC Documentaries online?
Step 1: Install the Beebs extension
The first step to watch BBC documentaries online is to install the Beebs extension on your Google Chrome browser. Beebs is a tool specifically designed to allow users to access BBC docos from anywhere in the world.
Step 2: Access BBC iPlayer
Once you have installed the Beebs extension, you can access the BBC iPlayer streaming service. On the iPlayer, you’ll find hundreds of documentaries produced by the BBC. You can sort through the various categories of documentaries and watch what appeals to you most.
Step 3: Find old BBC documentaries
If you’re looking for old BBC documentaries, you can find them on BBC iPlayer as well. However, some of these programmes may only be available for a limited amount of time. To make sure you don’t miss out, you can also check out the BBC Select service.
Step 4: Watch British TV from anywhere
If you’re from the US or Canada, you can watch BBC documentaries through BBC Select. It requires a subscription, with prices equivalent to around $4.99 a month. BBC Select also has a free 7-day trial so you can test out the content before you commit.
Step 5: Enjoy BBC documentaries
Once you’ve found the perfect documentary to watch, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy. The BBC produces some of the best documentaries in the world, so you can be sure to have an enjoyable viewing experience.
Where can I stream BBC Documentaries in the US?
If you live in the US and are looking for a way to stream BBC Documentaries, your best option is BBC Select. It’s an official BBC site which offers access to the best BBC documentaries for a subscription fee of $4.99 a month in the USA. It’s available on Amazon Prime and Roku, and you can also try it out on a free 7-day trial. It doesn’t have every documentary that the BBC produces, but it has a lot of great content. Alternatively, you can watch BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service, however this is usually blocked to international users. In this case, you’ll need to install a Google Chrome Add-on called Beebs in order to access the content.
Are BBC Documentaries available on Netflix?
No, BBC documentaries are not available on Netflix. While Netflix does contain some British TV content, the majority of BBC’s documentaries are only available through their streaming service called iPlayer. This service is normally blocked to international users, but it can be accessed without any problems using the Beebs chrome extension. Beebs is the best tool on the market for accessing BBC docos from overseas.
Which streaming services have BBC Documentaries?
BBC Documentaries offer an incredible range of educational content for learners of all ages and stages. But if you’re looking for a way to access these fantastic shows from outside the UK, you’ll need to know which streaming services carry them. Here is an expanded list and comparison of where you can find BBC Documentaries.
Beebs: Beebs is a Google Chrome Add-on designed specifically for accessing BBC content from abroad. It works like a VPN, and offers access to a huge range of BBC documentaries, with high quality and high definition streaming. Beebs never should be used to bypass copyright regulations, and there are some channel exclusives which you won’t find on other services.
PBS Documentaries: PBS Documentaries is the channel on Prime Video which offers viewers access to the huge range of content produced by PBS over the years. The channel is available on many platforms and devices, including mobile, streaming devices, game consoles, and Smart TVs.
BBC iPlayer: BBC iPlayer is the official streaming service run by the BBC, and offers access to a range of shows and documentaries, including those produced by the BBC. It is available to viewers in the UK only, but using Beebs, you can access it from anywhere in the world.
BBC Select: BBC Select is a subscription service which is available in the US and Canada, offering access to a range of the latest and best BBC documentaries. It is available on Amazon Prime and Roku, and you can access a free 7-day trial. It doesn’t have every documentary produced by the BBC, as some have different licensing restrictions, but it offers a great selection.
Do I need a VPN to stream BBC Documentaries?
Yes, you do need a VPN to stream BBC documentaries. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the best way to access BBC iPlayer from any country in the world. A VPN acts like a “tunnel” to protect your data, preventing activity monitoring by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), employer, or government. In addition, it enables you to bypass geographic restrictions by changing your IP address to match the location of the BBC server.
Moreover, not all VPNs are able to unblock BBC iPlayer. For this reason, it is important to use one of the VPNs that have been tested and confirmed to reliably access BBC iPlayer, such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
These VPNs have fast connection speeds, top-notch security features, and a no-logs policy – making them an ideal choice for streaming BBC iPlayer in the US or any other country. Furthermore, some of them even allow multiple connections, which makes them an even more attractive option.
Are BBC Documentaries available on Amazon Prime?
Yes, BBC Documentaries are available on Amazon Prime. The service is called BBC Select, which is an official BBC site that allows access to the latest and best BBC documentaries in exchange for a subscription. It is available on Amazon Prime and Roku, and users can try it out with a free 7-day trial. However, it does not have every documentary the BBC produces, as some have different licensing restrictions, but it does have a lot. It is a decent option if you are based in the US or Canada and want to watch BBC documentaries.
What is the BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer is a streaming service offered by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). It allows users to watch live and on-demand TV shows, sports, news, documentaries, and other content from the BBC. The service is only available in the UK and is blocked to users outside of the country due to rights agreements, but there are ways to access it with a virtual private network (VPN). To watch BBC iPlayer in Canada or other countries, users can set up a VPN connection to a server in the UK, install a browser extension like Beebs, and then head over to the iPlayer website. With this setup, users can watch streaming content and previously-downloaded shows abroad. It is important to remember to use a VPN service with servers in 80 countries including the UK for the best streaming experience.
Are BBC Documentaries available on Hulu?
Yes, another place you watch a BBC documentary online is on Hulu. BBC Select is an official BBC site which allows access to the latest and best BBC documentaries in exchange for a subscription. It is available on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Roku and is the best way to watch BBC documentaries from anywhere. Beebs is a Google Chrome Add-on that works like a VPN and is specifically designed to allow users to access BBC documentaries from any country in the world. Beebs should not be used to bypass copyright regulations, however.
What BBC Documentary series are available on the BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer offers a wide selection of documentary series, from science and nature shows to those focused on social issues and personal stories.
Science and Nature: Whirlybird (the story of a problematic marriage set against the development of the 24/7 news cycle in 1990s Los Angeles), Totally Under Control (the mishandling of the Covid-19 crisis in America), I Am Greta (the story of teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg), and Flint (the story of a life-threatening environmental disaster in Michigan).
Social Issues: Into the Storm (the story of a teenager from a tough barrio in Peru who sets his heart on becoming a professional surfer) and Hoop Dreams (the story of two inner-city Chicago teenagers who dream of playing in the NBA). You’ll find the biggest selection of BBC documentary streaming on the BBC’s official channel.
Is there a cost to stream BBC Documentaries?
Yes, there is a cost to stream BBC documentaries. BBC Select is an official BBC subscription site which allows access to the latest BBC documentaries in exchange for a subscription fee of around $4.99 per month in the USA or Canada. BBC documentaries can also be accessed on BBC iPlayer, however this is a UK-only service. Additionally, there are niche streaming services such as CuriosityStream, PBS Documentaries, MagellanTV, Ovid.tv and GuideDoc, which typically cost around $2.99 – $7.99 per month. For comparison, mainstream streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix and Prime Video start at around $6.99 – $9.99 per month, however you may need to upgrade to a more expensive tier to get all the best features.