The Essential British TV Services
These are some of the most useful services for watching British television in the U.S. Each has a different library, so the best choice depends on what you like to watch.
BritBox
A deep library of British programming in one place — mysteries, crime dramas, comedies, and long-running favourites like Inspector Morse, Vera, and Death in Paradise.
View BritBox Options →Acorn TV
Specialises in British and international mysteries. Home to Hinterland, Agatha Raisin, Doc Martin, Murdoch Mysteries, and many exclusive US premieres.
View Acorn TV Options →PBS Passport
PBS Passport gives you extended access to PBS content including Masterpiece, where many BBC dramas air first in the US.
Get PBS Passport →Amazon Prime Video
A rotating selection of British series and films, plus add-on channels for BritBox and Acorn TV. Availability changes frequently.
Try Prime Video →What Readers Ask Most
Should I get BritBox or Acorn TV?
BritBox focuses heavily on classic and contemporary British television. Acorn TV has a more mystery-focused library that also includes programming from countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Many British TV Hub readers rotate between the two rather than keeping both year-round.
Can I get BritBox and Acorn TV together?
Yes — both are available as standalone subscriptions or as Amazon Prime Video add-on channels, so you can subscribe to one, both, or neither without affecting your existing Prime membership.
Is BritBox or Acorn TV cheaper?
Acorn TV is generally the less expensive of the two. Exact pricing changes over time and varies by promotion, so check the current rate at signup rather than relying on any single source.
Do BritBox and Acorn TV offer free trials?
Both have offered free trials to new subscribers in the past, though trial length and availability change periodically and aren't guaranteed — check the current offer on each service's signup page.
What's the difference between BritBox, Acorn TV, and PBS Passport?
BritBox and Acorn TV are paid subscription services with deep on-demand libraries. PBS Passport is a member benefit tied to PBS station donations, giving extended access to PBS Masterpiece titles, often before they're available elsewhere.
What Are You Watching?
Found something worth streaming? Pull up a chair and tell fellow British TV fans what's on your screen.
Share What You're Watching →Using a VPN While Streaming
A VPN can provide additional privacy and security while you're online. Streaming availability still depends on your physical location and each service's licensing rules and terms of use. Some UK streaming platforms restrict viewing outside the UK or may block VPN connections, so check the service's current policies before attempting to stream.
Fast, Global Servers
A wide server network, with performance depending on your connection, device, and server load.
Extra Privacy & Security
Encrypts your connection for safer streaming and browsing, especially on public or shared networks.
All Your Devices
Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire Stick, and Smart TV.
Getting Started in 3 Steps
- Install and connect to your VPN provider
- Select a server location
- Check any streaming service's terms of use before relying on a VPN with it
This section contains affiliate links. If you purchase through a link here, British TV Hub may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Watch British TV for Free in the US
You don't need a paid subscription to start. These free services carry a surprising amount of quality British content. Prefer to own your favourites? Browse British Mysteries on DVD in The Snug.
Tubi
Tubi's ad-supported catalog regularly includes British mysteries, dramas, and classic television. Titles rotate, so availability changes over time.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers free ad-supported live channels and on-demand programming, with British and classic television appearing in its rotating lineup.
Kanopy
Many public libraries offer Kanopy for free, which carries British films and some series.
Explore More
More hand-picked recommendations from the editors of British TV Hub.
This month's new arrivals and premieres, plus the BritBox Originals worth the subscription alone.
Read Guide →
This month's new arrivals and premieres, plus the Acorn Originals worth the subscription alone.
Read Guide →
Everything airing on PBS Masterpiece right now — premiere dates, returning favourites, and where each one picks up.
Read Guide →
A hand-picked, monthly-updated rundown of British mystery and drama shows worth streaming right now.
Read Guide →
Warm villages, clever detectives, and murders that never turn too dark — the ultimate comfort-watch genre.
Read Guide →
From Inspector Morse to Line of Duty, the police procedurals every British drama fan should know.
Read Guide →