Ways to Stream BBC on Roku TV [Guide]
BBC iPlayer is not officially available to viewers in the United States, and it is different from BBC Select. BBC iPlayer is primarily intended for viewers in the UK, while BBC Select provides selected BBC documentaries to audiences in the US and Canada.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the different ways to watch BBC programming on Roku TV.
How to Stream BBC with Roku TV
To stream BBC content on Roku TV, follow these steps:
- Turn on your Roku TV and connect it to the internet.
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
- Open the Streaming Store and search for BBC Select or BritBox.
- Select your preferred streaming service and add it to your Roku TV.
- Open the installed channel and sign in or subscribe if required.
- Browse the available BBC shows, documentaries, and other programs.
- Select a title and start streaming.
Note: BBC Select is available through The Roku Channel in the US and Canada. BBC iPlayer is not an officially supported option for US viewers.
There are several ways to enjoy BBC programming on your Roku television.
Let’s explore each method individually so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Method 1: Stream BBC Using BBC Select on The Roku Channel
BBC Select is one of the easiest ways to watch BBC documentaries on Roku TV. It offers a collection of British documentaries covering history, politics, culture, travel, true crime, and other interesting subjects.
The service is available through The Roku Channel, so you don’t need to install a separate BBC Select application.
Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Turn On Your Roku TV
First, turn on your Roku television using your remote control. Make sure your TV is connected to a working Wi-Fi network.
If you haven’t connected your Roku TV to the internet yet, navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection. Select Wireless, choose your Wi-Fi network, and enter your password.
Step 2: Open The Roku Channel
Press the Home button on your Roku remote to access the main screen.
Now, locate The Roku Channel in your installed channels. Select it and wait for the application to open.
If you cannot find it, navigate to the Streaming Store and search for The Roku Channel.
Step 3: Search for BBC Select
Once The Roku Channel opens, navigate to its search option.
Enter BBC Select using your Roku remote’s on-screen keyboard. Select the correct result from the search results.
You should now see information about BBC Select, including its available programming and subscription details.
Step 4: Start Your BBC Select Subscription
Select BBC Select and follow the on-screen instructions to start watching.
BBC Select offers a 7-day free trial for eligible subscribers. After the trial, its subscription charges apply. Check the current price and renewal terms before confirming your subscription.
Step 5: Choose Your Favorite BBC Documentary
After completing the subscription process, browse the available documentary categories.
You can explore historical programs, true-crime documentaries, travel shows, and other factual entertainment.
Select any title you’re interested in and press OK on your remote to begin streaming.
Method 2: Watch BBC Programming Through BritBox
If you enjoy British television dramas, mysteries, comedy, and entertainment, BritBox is another excellent option.
BritBox is a streaming service offering a large collection of British television programming. It is available as a Roku app, making it convenient for people who want British entertainment in one place.
Step 1: Open the Roku Streaming Store
Turn on your Roku TV and press the Home button on your remote.
Navigate to the Streaming Store from the left-hand menu.
Step 2: Search for BritBox
Select the search option and enter BritBox.
When the official BritBox application appears, select it to view its details.
Step 3: Install the BritBox Application
Select Add app to install BritBox on your Roku TV.
Wait until the installation finishes. You should now see BritBox on your Roku home screen.
Step 4: Sign In or Create an Account
Open the BritBox application.
If you already have a BritBox account, select the sign-in option and enter your account information.
If you’re new to the service, visit the official BritBox website to create an account and choose a subscription plan.
Step 5: Start Watching British Shows
Once you’re signed in, explore the available categories.
You can find British dramas, mysteries, comedy shows, and documentaries.
Keep in mind that BritBox and BBC Select are different services. Some BritBox Premier plans also include BBC Select documentaries, while availability depends on your subscription.
Method 3: Watch BBC America Through a Supported Streaming Service
If your main interest is watching BBC America, you can explore supported streaming services that carry the channel.
BBC America is different from BBC iPlayer and BBC Select. It is a television channel featuring a selection of British and international entertainment.
Depending on your location and subscription, services such as Philo, DIRECTV, and other participating TV providers may offer BBC America.
Step 1: Check Your Streaming Provider
Before installing anything, visit your preferred streaming provider’s official website.
Check whether its current channel lineup includes BBC America.
Remember that channel availability can vary depending on your location and subscription package.
Step 2: Find the Provider’s Roku App
Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
Open the Streaming Store and search for your streaming provider.
For example, if you have a compatible Philo subscription, search for Philo.
Step 3: Install the Application
Select the correct application and choose Add app.
Wait for Roku to complete the installation.
Step 4: Sign In to Your Account
Open the application and sign in using your existing streaming subscription credentials.
If you don’t have an account, follow the provider’s instructions to create one.
Step 5: Find BBC America
Open the live TV guide or channel list.
Search for BBC America and select it if it is included in your subscription.
You can now watch the available programming directly on your Roku TV.
Method 4: Watch BBC News on Your Roku TV Using Screen Mirroring
If you’re mainly interested in BBC news coverage, you can also explore screen mirroring from a compatible smartphone or computer.
The BBC provides a live BBC News stream through BBC.com and its mobile app to viewers in the United States. However, the BBC does not officially list Roku as a supported device for its BBC.com streaming service.
Screen mirroring may provide an alternative, depending on your device and compatibility.
Step 1: Connect Both Devices to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Make sure your Roku TV and smartphone are connected to the same wireless network.
This helps compatible devices discover one another.
Step 2: Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku
On your Roku TV, navigate to:
Settings > System > Screen mirroring
Select Screen mirroring mode and choose Prompt or Always allow.
The available settings may vary depending on your Roku model.
Step 3: Open BBC News on Your Smartphone
Open the BBC app or visit the official BBC.com website using your smartphone’s browser.
If you’re in the US, BBC News offers a live news stream through its supported platforms. Some features require a subscription.
Step 4: Start Screen Mirroring
On an Android phone, open the Cast, Smart View, or screen-sharing option, depending on your device.
On a compatible Windows computer, press Windows + K to check for available wireless displays.
Select your Roku TV if it appears.
Step 5: Start Watching
Once the connection is established, open the BBC News livestream on your source device.
The content may appear on your Roku TV.
Keep in mind that screen mirroring is not guaranteed to work with every phone, browser, or streaming service. Some content may restrict mirroring or casting.
Method 5: Use the Official BBC App on a Compatible Device
Another option is to use the official BBC app on a supported smartphone or tablet.
The BBC app provides access to news, videos, and other BBC content. However, the international BBC app is designed for supported Android and iOS devices, not direct installation on Roku TV.
Step 1: Download the BBC App
Open Google Play Store on Android or the App Store on your iPhone.
Search for the official BBC app and install it.
Step 2: Open the Application
Launch the BBC app and follow the instructions to access its available content.
Depending on your location, some features may require a subscription.
Step 3: Explore BBC Content
Browse news reports, videos, documentaries, and other available programming.
Step 4: Connect to Your Roku TV if Supported
Check whether your phone and Roku TV support a compatible screen-sharing method.
If available, connect your devices and display the BBC content on your television.
Remember, this method uses your smartphone as the source. It does not install the BBC app directly on Roku.
FAQs
1. Can I watch BBC on Roku TV for free?
Yes, you can access some free BBC-related content through available streaming options. However, BBC Select requires a subscription after its eligible 7-day free trial. Other services may also require paid subscriptions.
2. Is BBC iPlayer available on Roku TV in the USA?
No. BBC iPlayer is intended for UK audiences and is not officially available to viewers in the United States. BBC iPlayer access is also subject to UK TV licensing requirements.
3. Does Roku have an official BBC app?
Roku’s available applications vary by region. In the US, BBC Select is available through The Roku Channel. The international BBC mobile app is not a direct Roku TV application.
4. Can I watch BBC documentaries on Roku?
Yes. You can subscribe to BBC Select through The Roku Channel and watch its available documentaries directly on your Roku TV.
5. Do I need a cable subscription to watch BBC on Roku?
No. You can watch BBC Select through The Roku Channel without a traditional cable subscription. However, you will need a paid BBC Select subscription after the free trial.
6. Why can’t I find BBC Select on my Roku TV?
First, check your Roku region and software updates. Make sure you’re searching within The Roku Channel and that your device supports the service. Availability can vary by region.
7. Can I watch BBC America and BBC Select using the same subscription?
Not necessarily. BBC America and BBC Select are separate services. BBC America is a television channel, while BBC Select is a documentary streaming service. Their subscriptions and availability differ.