How to watch Our Friends in the North on BBC iPlayer free From Australia | Step-By-Step Guide | 100% working | Tested!

Our Friends in the North is a critically acclaimed British television drama series that first aired on BBC Two in 1996. Created by Peter Flannery, the show is a sweeping epic that spans over three decades, from 1964 to 1995, focusing on the lives of four friends from Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. The series follows the intertwining lives of Nicky (played by Christopher Eccleston), Geordie (played by Daniel Craig), Mary (played by Gina McKee), and Tosker (played by Mark Strong). Each character embarks on a unique journey, grappling with personal and societal challenges as they experience the transformative events and cultural shifts of the latter half of the 20th century in Britain.

BBC iPlayer Abouts:

BBC iPlayer is a completely free British streaming service that offers a wide range of online content, including live television and on-demand programs to its users. This streaming service is owned and operated by United Kingdom’s leading broadcasting network, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and was launched on December 25, 2007. BBC iPlayer aims to provide all of BBC’s channels including, BBC One, BBC News, BBC Two, and on-demand content to a wider audience breaking the shackles of traditional television and is slowly becoming one of the most popular streaming services in the UK if not the world. We know the question coming to your mind right now is Can I access BBC iPlayer from Australia? the answer is yes. But it is a little tricky so hang on and read further to find our step-by-step guide

How to access BBC iPlayer from Australia?

You can get the answer to question by following these three easy steps to access BBC iPlayer from Australia

1. Subscribe to a secure premium VPN service and download it on your device (we highly recommend ExpressVPN as the best option after testing it out ourselves)
2. Launch the VPN app and connect to a UK server from the list (We personally recommend using the London server)
3. Now go to the BBC iPlayer website and enjoy everything it has to offer from Australia

Note: BBC iPlayer doesn’t require you to get a subscription but you will have to make a BBC iPlayer account to avoid login issues and get a better-personalised experience.

Is BBC iPlayer available in Australia?

We have a piece of unfortunate news for you, BBC iPlayer is a streaming service that is currently only available in the United Kingdom to all UK residents with a valid TV license, and accessing BBC iPlayer from outside UK regions like Australia can prove to be quite difficult because BBC has some of the strictest geo-restriction blocks in the world. But don’t fret. There is a solution to this problem, you just require two things; first, a secure premium VPN like ExpressVPN that will hide your IP address from BBC iPlayer, and second, a BBC iPlayer account which is absolutely free to create without cost.

Is BBC iPlayer a totally free-to-watch platform?

Yes, BBC iPlayer is indeed a totally free streaming service that offers a wide range of BBC channels, programs, on-demand content, and services for audiences across the United Kingdom. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones both Android and iOs, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox. BBC iPlayer is delivered to viewers across the UK with a valid TV license. A TV license is a legal requirement in the UK set by the government itself for anyone who wants to watch live TV, regardless of what device they are using to watch it. The license fee is used to fund the BBC and its services, including BBC iPlayer.

How to get a BBC iPlayer account in Australia?

Wondering how you can register for BBC iPlayer in Australia? Don’t worry we’re here for you. Follow our step-by-step guide below:

1. Select a reliable VPN service and subscribe to it. We highly recommend ExpressVPN as an option after testing it out ourselves.
2. Launch the VPN and select any UK server. We personally recommend using the London server.
3. Visit the BBC iPlayer website
4. Click the Register Now option
5. Select 13 or over and Enter your date of birth.
6. Fill in all the required fields and finally click the Register option. (note: for the Postal Code field, we recommend you use SW1A 1AA for London, E1 OAA for East London, and E16 2JE for Docklands)
7. Start watching and enjoy all that BBC iPlayer has to offer.

Note: When you will subscribe to BBC iPlayer, from Australia, it’s possible to you might get a notification inquiring if you have a TV license since we have mentioned that it is a requirement in UK law. But you don’t need to worry about that, just click on the “Yes” option, and it’ll immediately give you access to all the content without any problem.

30day money-back  guarantee

Why do you need a VPN service to access BBC iPlayer in Australia?

As mentioned above, BBC iPlayer is a geo-restricted service only available in the United Kingdom, and if you try to access it from a location out of the UK, you will receive a message saying “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to streaming rights”. 

This is exactly the time when you need a secure and reliable VPN service that can change your IP address to a region within your chosen server locations, in this case, locations within the UK. Now, because BBC iPlayer restricts you through your IP address, the VPN service will conceal it and make BBC iPlayer unable to do that.

Note: Not all VPN services are going to do the trick. BBC iPlayer uses very advanced geo-tracking technology, so you will need to get a trusted premium VPN service that offers a wide range of servers in the UK like Express VPN.

What are some best VPN service options to choose from to access BBC iPlayer from Australia? [Tested]

There are loads of options available for premium VPN services to choose from, but after some in-depth analysis we have shortlisted our top three picks for you to choose from:

1. ExpressVPN
2. NordVPN
3. Surfshark

Note: We personally recommend Express VPN as it is the most globally trusted option and best-performing VPN option that offers reasonable pricing and we have tested it ourselves.

1. ExpressVPN:

The Quickest VPN Option for Accessing BBC iPlayer from Australia

ExpressVPN is currently the world’s leading VPN service provider and a very good option for you to access BBC iPlayer from Australia. The first and foremost reason for that is its wide range of global servers, ExpressVPN offers you approximately 3000+ servers in over 94 countries, with 5 servers in the UK itself that’ll enable you to access BBC iPlayer from Australia.

Another great feature of ExpressVPN is its unlimited speed and ability to provide high-quality video streaming to its users, you must’ve heard often that connecting to a VPN may lead to a decrease in internet speed, but that is not the case with Express VPN as when we tested it ourselves we were getting a fast download speed of 89.42 Mbps on a 100Mbps internet connection. ExpressVPN also offers an excellent feature called MediaStreamer DNS, this feature enables you to get superb unblocking capacity on devices that do not include VPN support.

You can access ExpressVPN simultaneously on five devices at the same time through a single account. ExpressVPN can be accessed on various devices including but not limited to, Android and iOS devices, Windows, Linux, and browsers such as Chrome, Opera, and Firefox, etc. In terms of security, ExpressVPN offers a first-class Network Lock feature, which is basically a kill switch, split tunnelling feature, AES-256 bit encryption, and IP leak protection.

You can get 15 months for the price of 12. An ExpressVPN subscription will cost you $6.67 USD per month which is 10.12 AUD per month along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

30day money-back  guarantee

2. Surfshark:

A Pocket-friendly VPN Option for Accessing BBC iPlayer from Australia

Do you want to access BBC iPlayer from Australia but are sceptical about spending too much money on a VPN service? Then Surfshark has to be your ideal choice. Surfshark enables you to unblock BBC iPlayer in Australia for just $2.49 USD per month which is 3.78 AUD per month. And not only that, but it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

One of Surfshark’s key features is that, unlike normal VPN services, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections and enables you to connect multiple devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, mobile phones, tablets, Laptops, etc.

When we tested out the service, Surfshark showed great potential, specifically with live streaming, as no buffering or performance drops were recorded. While testing Surfshark out we were getting an extraordinary download speed of 85.48 Mbps and an uploaded speed of 48.42 Mbps. 

The range of servers offered by Surfshark is approximately 3000-3200 in more than 60 countries including four servers in the UK. In terms of security, you can get over-the-counter security features at a low price with Surfshark including, a kill switch that’s completely automatic, a Clean web feature, GPS Spoofing and Multi-hop connect.

3. NordVPN:

The Most Extensive Server Network VPN Option for Accessing BBC iPlayer from Australia

As you may have already guessed, NordVPN is a VPN service provider with the largest network of global servers in the world with more than 5500 servers in more than 60 countries, 440+ of which are UK servers that are going enable you to access BBC iPlayer in Australia totally hassle-free.

NordVPN provides you with the most solid online streaming experience in comparison to other VPN service providers with absolutely zero connectivity problems and its remarkable SmartPlay feature that combines VPN technology with Smart DNS, which allows NordVPN to bypass any streaming platform’s geo-restriction blocks smoothly.

While testing it out, we recorded a fantastic download speed of 86.18 Mbps and an upload speed of 42.13 Mbps. In terms of security, NordVPN is not falling short, packing a wide range of security features including, NordVPN has an impressive line-up of security and privacy options, including dedicated IP addresses, a kill switch that works automatically, over-the-counter encryption, and a strict no-logs policy.

NordVPN allows its users to connect to six devices simultaneously and can be easily accessed on Android and iOS devices, Linux, Mac, and Windows. Now talking about pricing, you can get a 2-year plan of NordVPN at $3.49 USD per month which is 5.3 AUD per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Access BBC iPlayer from Australia using Nord VPN

NordVPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) service provider based in Panama, offering a broad range of features and functionalities designed to enhance online security, privacy, and freedom. If you’re considering purchasing NordVPN from Australia, here is some detailed information.

Purchasing Process

1. Visit the NordVPN website: Begin by navigating to the official NordVPN website.
2. Choose a plan: NordVPN offers several different subscription plans. You can choose between a one-month, one-year, two-year, or three-year plan. The longer the subscription period, the more cost-effective the plan generally becomes.
3. Create an account: After selecting your preferred subscription plan, you’ll need to create a NordVPN account. You’ll be asked for a valid email address, which will be used for communication and account recovery.
4. Select your payment method: NordVPN accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, cryptocurrency, and other online payment systems. Choose the one that’s most convenient for you.
5. Complete the purchase: Follow the prompts to complete your purchase. Once your payment is processed, you’ll gain access to the NordVPN service.

Features and Benefits

NordVPN offers a variety of features that make it appealing to users in Australia, and globally:

1. Global Server Network: NordVPN boasts a network of over 5,000 servers spread across 59 countries. This means you can connect virtually anywhere in the world, accessing geo-restricted content or simply protecting your privacy.
2. Strong Encryption: NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, the same level of security used by many governments and military organisations, ensuring your data remains private and secure.
3. No-logs Policy: As a Panama-based company, NordVPN operates under a strict no-logs policy. This means that they do not track, collect, or share your private data.
4. Double VPN: This feature routes your internet traffic through two servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security.
5. CyberSec: This feature blocks ads and protects you from entering malicious websites.
6. Kill Switch: In case your VPN connection drops, the kill switch feature blocks your device from accessing the internet, ensuring your data is not exposed.
7. P2P Sharing: NordVPN allows peer-to-peer file sharing, which is essential for torrenting.

Remember, using a VPN is completely legal in Australia. However, it’s important to use it responsibly and not for any illegal activities.

Our Friends In The North – Official Trailer

Our Friends In The North – Plot and Synopsis

Over two decades since its original release, Our Friends in the North remains a powerful and compelling British television drama that captures the hearts of its viewers. First aired in 1996, this nine-part series follows the lives of four friends over three decades, showcasing the personal and political upheavals they experience from the 1960s to the 1990s. In this blog post, I’ll share my thoughts on this groundbreaking series, delving into its fascinating characters, complex storylines, and the broader themes it explores. The Setting and Premise: Our Friends in the North is set against the backdrop of the changing social and political landscape of the United Kingdom, spanning from 1964 to 1995. The series follows the lives of four friends from Newcastle – Nicky, Mary, Geordie, and Tosker – as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, love, and ambition. Each episode moves the story forward several years, allowing viewers to witness the evolution of the characters and their relationships over time.

The Characters: The heart and soul of Our Friends in the North lie in its characters, portrayed by an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Daniel Craig, Gina McKee, Mark Strong, and Christopher Eccleston. Each of these actors delivers a riveting performance, imbuing their characters with depth and humanity that make their stories genuinely engaging. Nicky (Daniel Craig) is the idealistic and politically motivated protagonist who grapples with his ambitions and convictions throughout the series. Mary (Gina McKee) is a strong-willed woman determined to carve out her path in a male-dominated world. Geordie (Mark Strong) is a complex character whose pursuit of success leads him down a dark and tumultuous path, while Tosker (Christopher Eccleston) is an ambitious yet often morally conflicted friend.

The Storylines and Themes: Our Friends in the North masterfully weaves personal narratives with broader historical and political events, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the complexities of the era. The series tackles a variety of themes, such as corruption, social injustice, and the impact of political decisions on ordinary lives. The show’s creators did not shy away from controversial topics, including police corruption, the miners’ strike, and the rise of Thatcherism. These storylines provide an insightful glimpse into the societal changes that shaped the UK during this period, allowing viewers to reflect on the consequences of these events on the lives of the characters. The series also delves into the characters’ personal struggles, exploring themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and the challenges of aging. As we follow the characters’ journeys through the years, we witness their triumphs and heartbreaks, making it easy to become invested in their stories.

The Lasting Impact: Our Friends in the North remains a landmark in British television drama, thanks to its compelling characters, engaging storylines, and fearless exploration of challenging themes. The series offers a unique blend of the personal and the political, providing a window into the lives of its characters while also reflecting on the broader societal changes that shaped the United Kingdom during this time. Over twenty years since its debut, Our Friends in the North continues to resonate with viewers, serving as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of examining our shared history.

Our Friends In The North – Cast and Characters

• Christopher Eccleston – Nicky Hutchinson
• Ginny McKee – mary cox
• Mark Strong – Tosker Cox
• Daniel Craig – Geordie Peacock
• Peter Vaughan – Felix Hutchinson
• Student Armstrong – Austin Donohue
• David Bradley – Eddie Wells
• Freda Dowie – Florrie Hutchinson
• Malcolm McDowell – Benny Barratt

What Else You Can Watch

• Line of Duty
• In My Skin
• Still Game
• The Royle Family
• Paris Is Burning
• Bleak House
• A Kind of Spark
• The Goes Wrong Show
• Six Wives with Lucy Worsley
• People Just Do Nothing
• Nighty Night
• The US and the Holocaust

Wrap up

Our Friends in the North is a captivating and thought-provoking series that stands the test of time. With its powerful performances, compelling storylines, and its exploration of the historical and political events of the era, the show is a must-watch for fans of British drama and those interested in the social and political history of the UK. If you have yet to experience this television gem, I highly recommend diving