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For British TV, neither Apple TV+ nor free streaming services are a universal winner. Apple TV+ is built around Apple Originals; free services such as Tubi and Pluto TV offer changing catalogs that may include British programs. Search for the shows you want in your country before choosing, and factor in whether you prefer an ad-supported service or a paid subscription.
First, what does “Apple TV” mean?
Apple TV+ is Apple’s subscription streaming service, focused on Apple Originals. The Apple TV app is a separate viewing and discovery interface: it can bring together supported services and offer content to buy or rent. A provider appearing in the app does not mean its programs are included in an Apple TV+ subscription.
What British TV can you find on free services?
Tubi
Tubi has a “British TV” category, which currently includes titles such as Long Lost Family (UK). That establishes that Tubi carries some British television, but not that its catalog is complete, larger than a competitor’s, or permanent. Listings can change.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV describes its UK service as free and offers movies and shows through its apps and website. Its service also includes live TV, which may suit viewers who like scheduled-channel discovery. The available information does not establish a stable count of its British programs or allow a comparison of British-TV hours with on-demand catalogs.
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#1 Best Overall
- Actors: Brendan O'Carroll
- Format: Box set, Color, Widescreen, NTSC
- Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
- Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only)
- Number of discs: 8
Apple TV+
Apple describes Apple TV+ as a service for Apple Originals. It may be a good fit if those originals are what you want to watch, but you should not assume it replaces a broad collection of older and current British broadcast television.
How to choose for your country and the shows you want
- Search for specific programs. Check each service’s current listings for the titles and genres you care about. A category page is a snapshot, not a guarantee that a title will remain available.
- Check your country’s service availability. Apple lists supported providers by country. Its country-by-country provider list names BBC iPlayer, BritBox, Channel 4, ITVX, Pluto TV and UKTV Play for the UK. This shows provider support in the Apple TV app; it does not mean those providers’ catalogs are included with Apple TV+, and the UK list does not establish what is available in the US or elsewhere.
- Decide whether you want free-with-ads viewing or a subscription. Pluto TV calls its service free. Apple TV+ is paid, although access may be offered for a limited time or bundled under specific terms. Check the services’ current terms for any price, trial or bundle before subscribing.
- Choose between originals and a changing licensed catalog. Apple TV+ focuses on Apple Originals; Tubi’s category demonstrates a separate selection of licensed British titles. There is no comparable, source-backed title count for Apple TV+, Tubi and Pluto TV, so a total-catalog ranking would be misleading.
Is BritBox worth considering?
If your main goal is a paid service centered on British television, BritBox is a more directly relevant option to investigate. A 2024 FCC report described BritBox as offering British television from the BBC and ITV. The report’s prices are historical, not current; check BritBox directly for today’s catalog, availability, plans and pricing.
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Best Value
Rank #4
![Foyle's War - Complete Collection (Series 1-8) - 17-DVD Box Set ( Foyle's War - Series One thru Eight ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - United Kingdom ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51eUjxiSCoL._SL160_.jpg)
- Foyle's War - Complete Collection (Series 1-8) - 17-DVD Box Set ( Foyle's War - Series One thru Eigh
- Foyle's War - Complete Collection (Series 1-8) - 17-DVD Box Set
- Foyle's War - Series One thru Eight
Rank #2
- British TV
- Victorian
- British Mysteries
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