How to Watch Catch-Up TV Online

Understanding Catch-Up TV

Catch-up TV services let you watch shows after they’ve aired. This is different from live TV. With catch-up TV, you can enjoy programs whenever it works for you.

Availability and Restrictions

Most catch-up content is available for 30 days after it is broadcast., however, this time can change.

• BBC iPlayer has some shows available for up to 12 months.
• Some programmes might be available for less time because of licensing deals.
• Popular series usually have longer availability times.

Do You Need a TV Licence?

General Rules

In the UK, you need a TV licence if you want to watch or record live TV shows on any channel, including streaming services. But, you do not need a licence for catch-up TV, unless it is BBC iPlayer.

Specific Scenarios

• You need a license to watch live TV online.
• A license is required for using BBC iPlayer, whether live or for catch-up.
• You do not need a license for other catch-up services like ITV Hub, All 4, or My5 when viewing on-demand content.

Major UK Catch-Up TV Services

BBC iPlayer

• Channels: BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, CBeebies, BBC News, BBC Parliament
• You can find content that is available for up to 12 months.
• There is a download option for offline viewing.

ITV Hub

• Channels include ITV, ITV2, ITVBe, ITV3, ITV4, and CITV.
• Most shows are available to watch for 30 days.
• ITV Hub+ subscribers can download shows to watch offline.

All 4

• Channels: Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, 4seven
• You can usually catch up on content for 30 days
• All 4+ subscribers can download shows using mobile apps

My5

• Channels: Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA, 5SELECT, Paramount Network
• Most shows are available for 30 days.
• You can download some content using the My5 app.

UKTV Play

• Channels include Dave, Yesterday, Drama, and W.
• Shows usually stay available for about 30 days.
• You can download shows using the UKTV Play app.

Catch-Up TV Through TV Providers

Virgin TV Go

• You can access live channels and catch-up content.
• It works on mobile devices and computers.
• There are box sets and exclusive content included.

Sky Go

• Live and on-demand content from Sky channels.
• Catch-up services from other big broadcasters.
• Sky Cinema subscribers can stream movies.

BT TV App

• Watch live TV and catch up on shows anywhere.
• Subscribers can access BT Sport.
• Download shows to watch later without internet.

NOW App

• Watch live TV and enjoy catch-up content with the right passes.
• Passes for entertainment, cinema, and sports are available.
• You can also download some content.

TalkTalk TV App

• You can access live and recorded shows from your TalkTalk TV package.
• Watch on your mobile devices or computer.
• It also has catch-up options from major UK channels.

Benefits of Catch-Up TV

Flexibility

Catch-up TV allows you to watch your favourite shows whenever you want. If you miss an episode, it’s not a big deal. Want to watch several episodes at once? You can do that!

Accessibility

Access catch-up TV on various devices:

• Smart TVs
• Laptops and desktop computers
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Streaming devices (like Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick)

Cost-Effectiveness

Many catch-up services are free to use, there are also paid options for extra features.

• No ads while watching
• HD or 4K streaming
• Download for offline use
• Larger choices of content

How to Access Catch-Up TV

Online Platforms and Apps

• Download the right catch-up TV app from your device's app store.
• Create an account if you need to.
• Browse and watch content straight from the app.

You can also go to the catch-up service's website. There, you can stream content using your web browser.

Set-Top Boxes and Smart TVs

Many new TVs and set-top boxes have catch-up apps already installed. If they don't:

• Go to your device's app store.
• Look for the TV app you want and download it.
• Sign in and begin watching.

Compare TV Packages

Compare TV packages from the UK’s leading providers

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Popular Catch-Up TV Shows and Channels

Top TV Shows Available on Catch-Up

1. BBC iPlayer: "Line of Duty", "Strictly Come Dancing", "EastEnders"
2. ITV Hub: "Love Island", "Coronation Street", "The Masked Singer"
3. All 4: "Gogglebox", "The Great British Bake Off", "Hollyoaks"
4. My5: "The Gadget Show", "GPs: Behind Closed Doors", "Neighbours"
5. UKTV Play: "Red Dwarf", "Taskmaster", "Would I Lie to You?"

Exclusive Content and Series

• BBC Three's "Normal People" – only on BBC iPlayer
• ITV's "The Rubbish World of Dave Spud" – first on ITV Hub
• Channel 4's "The Great Pottery Throw Down" – exclusive on All 4
• UKTV's "Sliced" – original series on UKTV Play

Navigating the Digital TV Landscape

Understanding TV Guides in the Catch-Up Era

Catch-up services have changed how we watch TV. Traditional TV guides help with live broadcasts, but catch-up services make it easier to plan our viewing.

• Many catch-up platforms give you personalised suggestions based on what you've watched before.
• Digital TV guides now show catch-up content together with live listings.
• Some smart TVs and set-top boxes offer one guide that includes both live and on-demand content.

Exploring Genre-Specific Content

Catch-up services are great for providing unique collections of content, some popular genres are:

• Drama series: These can be crime thrillers or shows set in different time periods.
• True crime: This includes real-life case documentaries and dramatisations.
• Comedy: This covers stand-up specials as well as sitcoms.
• Lifestyle: These are shows about cooking, home improvement, and travel.

Advanced Features of Digital TV Platforms

Freeview Play TV: More Than Just Catch-Up

Freeview Play is a service that lets you watch live TV and catch-up shows.

• You can easily switch between live and on-demand content.
• You can scroll back through the TV guide to find shows you missed.
• You have access to more than 70 live TV channels and 15 HD channels.

Virgin Media's TV 360 Platform

Virgin Media's new TV service combines live TV, catch-up options, and streaming.

• A remote you can control with your voice for simple navigation.
• Watch in multiple rooms with small boxes.
• Works well with popular streaming apps.

Sky Glass: Streaming TV Without a Dish

Sky's new streaming TV offering:

• Sky services are built-in, so you don't need a satellite dish.
• It has a 4K Quantum Dot display and Dolby Atmos sound.
• You can create personalised playlists for live and on-demand content.

Niche Content and Special Interest Channels

UKTV Play (U App): Beyond Mainstream Offerings

UKTV's catch-up service offers unique content:

• You can watch channels like Dave, Yesterday, and Drama.
• There are UKTV Originals that you won’t find anywhere else.
• Enjoy themed collections like "Brit-com Legends" or "Real Crime."

Vampire and Supernatural Content

For fans of the supernatural:

• BBC iPlayer has a great mix of vampire shows, like "Dracula" and "Being Human."
• All 4 offers supernatural shows, including "True Blood" and "The Vampire Diaries."
• My5 has a range of paranormal documentaries to watch.

Compare TV Packages

Compare TV packages from the UK’s leading providers

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Technical Considerations for Catch-Up TV

Broadband Requirements

To enjoy uninterrupted catch-up TV:

• The lowest speed you need is 2 Mbps for SD and 5 Mbps for HD.
• For 4K streaming, try to get at least 25 Mbps.
• Think about unlimited broadband data plans so you won’t exceed limits.

Mobile Viewing: iOS and Android

Most major catch-up services offer mobile apps:

• iOS apps can be used on iPhones and iPads.
• Android apps can be used on smartphones and tablets.
• Common features are downloads for offline viewing and options to cast to TV.

YouView: Bridging Live TV and Catch-Up

YouView set-top boxes offer:

• You can easily mix live TV with catch-up services.
• You can look back through the TV guide to find old programs.
• This is included in BT TV and TalkTalk TV packages.

Freesat: Catch-Up Without Broadband

For areas with poor internet connectivity:

• You can watch free satellite channels without needing a subscription.
• Some Freesat boxes allow you to catch up on shows through satellite for certain channels.

This is perfect for rural areas that have few broadband options.