Programme availability

When do programmes become available on �� iPlayer?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:47:06 +0000

When do programmes become available on �� iPlayer?

This depends on whether the programme was pre-recorded or live.

It was pre-recorded
Usually pre-recorded programmes (like a dramas, soaps or documentaries) are available just after the broadcast ends, but sometimes it can take a while to process.
It was broadcast live
Live, or close-to-live, programmes (like sports coverage, Question Time or Have I Got News for You) can take longer to process than pre-recorded programmes because they need to be made available in a format suitable to be published on �� iPlayer before they can be uploaded. It can take up to 15 minutes for it to become available after the end of the live broadcast of the programme.

Remember that you can use Live Restart and rewind live channels in �� iPlayer by up to two hours. For more on this, check the How do I use Live Restart? page.

Programme still not available?

On some TV devices, there may be a longer time between the live broadcast finishing and it being available on-demand. If you are seeing a message on your TV advising to 'Check back later today,' have a look here for more info: Why am I seeing a 'Check back later today' screen ?

If you see a message saying, "This programme is not currently available on �� iPlayer," this probably means we don't have the necessary rights to make it available on �� iPlayer. Check the Are all programmes that are broadcast available on �� iPlayer? page for more information.

If it is listed as 'available soon' and it's still not available after a full day, Contact Us to let us know.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

Why aren't all programmes available to download?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:42:28 +0000

Why aren't all programmes available to download?

There are several reasons why a programme may be unavailable for download (where the download option is greyed out). Unfortunately, as there are so many different programmes on the ��, we can't talk about specific programmes or episodes, but these are some of the reasons the content may be unavailable for download.

Live programmes
It's not possible to download programmes that are currently broadcasting. A downloadable version of the programme may be available shortly after it has finished its broadcast. Not all live episodes will be downloadable due to the other reasons listed on this page.

The programme has only just been made available to stream
If a programme has only become available in the past few minutes, there may be a delay in processing the download files. This is most likely if the programme was broadcast live or close to live (recently recorded) and the files could not be prepared in advance. Try checking again later.

Rights
Sometimes we can’t acquire the rights to allow a programme to be downloaded. This is most common with some sports programmes, live music coverage and films.

Mobile or tablet devices
When using a mobile or tablet, downloading is only possible via the �� iPlayer app. You can install the app to download programmes.

Technical error
Technical problems can cause a file not to be available. If you think you've spotted a programme fault on �� iPlayer, check the known issues page. If it's not listed, please let us know by using our web form.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How do I find live programmes on my connected TV?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:50:03 +0000

How do I find live programmes on my connected TV?

Here's how you can watch live TV through �� iPlayer:

Choose Channels (TV icon) from the menu on the left-hand side
Scroll to the channel you would like to watch
Select the On Now panel
Choose whether you want to watch the current programme live or from the beginning

Can't see the On Now panel?

There are two possible reasons for this:

If the channel isn't currently broadcasting, you won't see the On Now panel. For example, CBeebies and C�� broadcast between 7am and 7pm, so outside those times the On Panel won’t show for those channels.
It's possible your TV doesn't support watching live TV through �� iPlayer. Check the following page for information on this: Does my TV device support Live or Watch from Start?

Live online-only content

Sometimes there will be live content available on iPlayer that isn't showing on any �� channel. This commonly happens with sporting or music events, where additional streams are available online. These streams are often available from the iPlayer homepage, but can also be found by searching for the programme name, for example Question Time, Glastonbury or Tennis, or within the category of the stream, for example Music, News or Sport.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How can I watch national and regional programmes?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:43:36 +0000

How can I watch national and regional programmes?

You can watch national and regional programmes on �� iPlayer no matter where you are in the UK. Here's how:

Watching on demand

To watch national and regional programmes on demand, just search for the programme in the �� iPlayer search bar. Most programmes are available shortly after broadcast. You can also easily find a selection of programmes in the Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales categories.

You can also use the TV Guide to find the programme you're looking for. The TV Guide you see will depend on the location you've set �� iPlayer to, so you might want to change your location. Scroll down to find out how to do that on your device.

Watching live

Once you’ve set your location, you’re all set to watch live local news and programmes from your selected region by going to Channels > On Now. On the mobile/tablet app, tap Explore then choose the channel you'd like to watch from the channels rail.

How to change your location

Website

On the �� iPlayer website on your computer, mobile or tablet, the Change Location option is located at the bottom left of the �� iPlayer page.

Having trouble setting your location on the website? If you haven't accepted cookies for the �� website, we won't be able to remember your location settings.

Head to the How can I change my �� cookie settings? page to make sure your �� cookies are switched on and to find out more about how we use cookies across the �� website.

Mobile and tablet app

On our �� iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets, you can change your location by going to Settings (cog icon on the top right of the home page) and selecting Location.

Connected TV

On our �� iPlayer TV app, you can change your location by going to Settings and selecting Change Location.

You can choose from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or any of the English regions.

Why does �� iPlayer forget my location?

If you find you have to change your location each time you use �� iPlayer, it may be because you've opted out of �� cookies. Check the How can I change my �� cookie settings? page on the Using the �� website to make sure your �� cookies are switched on and to find out more about how we use cookies across the �� website.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

What channels can I watch live in HD?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:50:44 +0000

What channels can I watch live in HD?

All �� channels are now available in HD, including English regions, �� ALBA and �� Parliament.

You can change your nation or region by selecting Change location, located at the bottom left of any �� iPlayer page, or by heading to the Settings menu on the �� iPlayer app.

Live channels can be found under the Channels menu, choosing the channel and selecting either Watch live or Watch from the start.

If the picture quality is poor when watching in HD, have a look here for more info: Why is HD picture quality poor sometimes?

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How long are programmes available for?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:43:36 +0000

How long are programmes available for?

We aim to make programmes available for as long as possible. And while much of our content is available for 30 days after broadcast, many more programmes are becoming available for longer (365 days or more). So you don’t miss out, we display how long a programme is available just below its description on the playback page.

Most programmes are available to download on the mobile/tablet app and will have the same availability as it would if you were streaming it.

It may take a while to make a programme available on demand after broadcast if the programme was live or recorded close to live. Rather than wait, you may be able to rewind the live TV channel by up to 2 hours.

Some films may not be available either to watch live or on demand.

We're busy working towards making even more programmes available for longer.

Programmes with a longer availability

Some current affairs programmes, such as HARDtalk, Click and Panorama, are available for 365 days
Most �� Three programmes are available for more than a year
More drama, documentaries, comedy and children's series are becoming available for longer

Programmes available for 30 days

Much of our content is available for 30 days. However, if a programme is repeated, its availability will be extended, usually for another 30 days.

Programmes with a shorter availability

News bulletins may only be available for up to 24 hours after broadcast or until the next bulletin is broadcast
For legal reasons, Crimewatch Roadshow is only available for 24 hours after broadcast
Some sport coverage and films may have a shorter availability
Sometimes we'll remove a programme for editorial/legal reasons; when we do this, we list it on our known issues page

Can you extend the availability of a programme if I get in touch?

Unfortunately not. But please be assured that we always try to make programmes available as long as our rights allow.

You can, however, check to see if a programme is going to be repeated in the near future by visiting the programme website for a particular programme. When using �� iPlayer through a web browser, a link is displayed at the bottom left of the playback page.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

What programmes can I watch in Ultra HD?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:50:02 +0000

What programmes can I watch in Ultra HD?

If you've got a supported TV, you can enjoy our selection of programmes in stunning Ultra HD (UHD) and High Dynamic Range (HDR).

Latest:

Live events

Previous live events have included live coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, Wimbledon 2024 Centre Court matches, the Pyramid Stage performances at Glastonbury 2024, as well as full coverage of the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, and live action from the FIFA World Cup 2022.

More information

For more information and help with UHD on �� iPlayer, have a look here: Can I watch programmes in Ultra HD on my connected TV?

Full list of Ultra HD programmes:

Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster
Attenborough's Wonder of Song
Blue Lights
Blue Planet II
Boarders
Boat Story
Boiling Point
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Champion
Doctor Who
Doctor Who: 60th Anniversary Special
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor
Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks
Domino Day
Dynasties
Eden: Untamed Planet
The English
Everything I know about Love
Frozen Planet II
The Gold
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
The Green Planet
His Dark Materials
Industry, Series 2
The Jetty
Life After Life
Life and Death in the Warehouse
Mammals
The Mating Game
Men Up
Mood
Murder is Easy
Nightsleeper
A Perfect Planet
Planet Earth III
The Reckoning
Red Rose
The Responder
SAS Rogue Heroes
Serengeti, Series 3
Seven Worlds, One Planet
Sherwood
The Sixth Commandment
Squad Goals: Dorking 'Til I Die
Ten Pound Poms
This Town
Tokyo Vice
The Tourist
A Very British Scandal
Vigil
The Way
Wild Isles
Winter Journey: Schubert's Winterreise
The Woman in the Wall
Wreck

Anonymous (not verified) 10 August 2023

Why aren't all live streams available on �� iPlayer?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:43:36 +0000

Why aren't all live streams available on �� iPlayer?

For rights reasons, we occasionally can't make live streams available on �� iPlayer. When this happens, it's most likely because we're broadcasting a film or sporting event for which we don't have the online rights.

If you're watching a live stream on �� iPlayer and see the following message, it means that we aren't able to make that content available online: 'This programme is not available on �� iPlayer.'

We try to make as much of our programming available on �� iPlayer as we can. Although some films may not be available on �� iPlayer, we have a Films category with those that are, as well as some iPlayer exclusives.

Seeing a different error message?

If you're seeing a message telling you incorrectly that you're outside the UK, check our Why does �� iPlayer think I'm outside the UK? FAQ.

For other error messages, try using the search bar above or take a look at our troubleshooting FAQs:

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

Why am I seeing a 'Check back later today' screen?

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:35:03 +0000

Why am I seeing a 'Check back later today' screen?

Users on certain devices will see a 'Check back later today' screen when they select to play programmes which were live, or close-to-live. These programmes (like sports coverage, Question Time, Have I Got News for You) will take longer to process than pre-recorded programmes because they need to be made available in a format suitable to be published on �� iPlayer before they can be uploaded. It can take up to four times the length of the live programme for it to become available.

The full messages reads: "Check back later today. This programme is not yet available for your TV or set-top box. We are still preparing the video, and it will be ready later today.”

Anonymous (not verified) 05 October 2023

Are all programmes that are broadcast available on �� iPlayer?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:44:09 +0000

Are all programmes that are broadcast available on �� iPlayer?

Unfortunately not. We can’t always acquire �� iPlayer rights for every programme we broadcast. This is sometimes due to the cost involved in acquiring licences from third parties or maybe for other legal or contractual reasons. Sometimes we're only able to acquire the rights to stream a programme, but not to download it.

Here are some of the types of programmes that can be subject to rights restrictions:

Film, sport and music – Sometimes rights agreements mean sporting events, live music events and films are only available for streaming on �� iPlayer (not for downloading). We may have to remove films, sporting footage or live music coverage from some programmes for which we haven’t been able to acquire the rights.
Imported programmes – Programmes from overseas may not be available because our agreement with the rights holder doesn’t extend to putting them on �� iPlayer.
Specific episodes in a series – Very occasionally, certain episodes from a series may not be available while others are. This is because we haven’t been able to acquire the rights for those individual episodes.
News magazine programmes – Some news magazine programmes are unavailable on �� iPlayer for rights reasons. Many news bulletins and programmes are available for 24 hours, but may also be unavailable due to rights or technical problems.

On rare occasions, we may not be able to make programmes available due to technical faults or issues, or if there was an issue with the original recording.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

Programme availability

When do programmes become available on �������� iPlayer?

Programme still not available?

Why aren't all programmes available to download?

How do I find live programmes on my connected TV?

Can't see the On Now panel?

Live online-only content

How can I watch national and regional programmes?

Watching on demand

Watching live

How to change your location

Why does �������� iPlayer forget my location?

What channels can I watch live in HD?

How long are programmes available for?

We're busy working towards making even more programmes available for longer.

Can you extend the availability of a programme if I get in touch?

What programmes can I watch in Ultra HD?

Latest:

Live events

More information

Full list of Ultra HD programmes:

Why aren't all live streams available on �������� iPlayer?

Seeing a different error message?

Why am I seeing a 'Check back later today' screen?

Are all programmes that are broadcast available on �������� iPlayer?

When do programmes become available on �� iPlayer?

Why does �� iPlayer forget my location?

Why aren't all live streams available on �� iPlayer?

Are all programmes that are broadcast available on �� iPlayer?