The Replacement is available on several streaming services depending on your location and subscription

The Replacement is a British psychological thriller that aired on BBC One in 2017. You can watch it through BBC iPlayer if you are in the UK, or through BritBox in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Some episodes may also be available for purchase through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, though pricing and availability change by region and over time.

The series consists of five episodes, each about an hour long. It stars Morven Christie as Ellen, a woman whose life unravels when a new nanny arrives at her home. The show is complete, so you can watch the entire story without waiting for new seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • BBC iPlayer is the primary source for UK viewers, and you need a valid TV licence to watch.
  • BritBox offers The Replacement in North America and Australia as part of a subscription service focused on British television.
  • Digital purchase options through Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV let you own individual episodes or the full series, though prices vary by retailer.
  • The series is five episodes long and tells a complete story, so you can watch it all at once or spread it across several days.

Watching through BBC iPlayer in the UK

If you are in the United Kingdom, BBC iPlayer is your main option. The service is free to use, but you must have a valid TV licence. You can check your licence status on the TV Licensing website, and if you do not have one, you can purchase it there as well. The licence covers all BBC services, not just iPlayer.

Once you have a licence, visit the BBC iPlayer website or read the app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV. Search for "The Replacement" in the search bar. All five episodes should appear in one collection. You can watch them in any order, though starting with episode one is recommended since the story builds across the series.

BBC iPlayer allows you to pause, rewind, and resume where you left off. Episodes typically remain available for 30 days after broadcast, though older series like this one may stay longer. There are no ads on BBC iPlayer.

Watching through BritBox outside the UK

BritBox is a subscription streaming service dedicated to British television and is available in the United States, Canada, and Australia. A BritBox subscription costs around $6.99 USD per month in the US (prices vary by country), and you can cancel anytime. The service includes thousands of British shows, films, and documentaries in addition to The Replacement.

To watch The Replacement on BritBox, create an account on the BritBox website or read the app. Search for the title, and all five episodes will be available to stream. Like BBC iPlayer, you can pause and resume at any time. BritBox has no ads on its standard plan.

BritBox often offers a free trial period for new subscribers, usually seven days. This means you could potentially watch the entire five-episode series during the trial without paying, though you would need to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

Buying or renting episodes through digital retailers

Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and similar digital retailers allow you to buy individual episodes or the complete series. Prices typically range from $2 to $4 per episode for purchase, or $1 to $3 for rental (rental access usually lasts 24 to 48 hours). Buying the full series is often cheaper per episode than buying them one at a time.

To purchase through these services, search for "The Replacement" on the platform, select the episode or series, and complete the payment. Once purchased, the episodes are added to your library and you can watch them as many times as you want. Rental episodes expire after the rental period ends.

Availability and pricing vary by retailer and region. Check multiple platforms to compare prices before buying. Some retailers may not carry the show in all countries.

What to know before you start watching

The Replacement is a psychological thriller with dark themes, including paranoia, obsession, and family conflict. It is rated 15 in the UK, meaning it contains material that may not be suitable for viewers under 15. The show includes some violence and disturbing imagery, though it is not graphic.

Each episode ends on a cliffhanger, which makes the series compelling to watch back-to-back but also means stopping mid-series will leave you in suspense. Plan to watch at least two or three episodes in one sitting if you want to avoid waiting between episodes.

The series was written by Morven Christie, who also stars in it. It was directed by Kate Herron. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators and twists, this show is worth your time.

Checking if the show is available in your region

Streaming rights vary by country, and The Replacement may not be available in every region. If you cannot find it on BBC iPlayer, BritBox, or the digital retailers listed above, try searching for it on JustWatch or a similar service. These websites show you which streaming platforms carry a specific show in your country.

If the show is not available in your region through any of these services, it may become available later as licensing agreements change. You can also check your local library, as some libraries offer free access to streaming services or may have the series on DVD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TV licence to watch The Replacement on BBC iPlayer?

Yes, you need a valid TV licence to watch any content on BBC iPlayer in the UK, including The Replacement. The licence costs £159 per year for a colour licence and covers all BBC services. You can check your licence status and purchase one on the TV Licensing website.

Can I watch The Replacement for free?

In the UK, it is free if you have a TV licence. Outside the UK, you can watch it free during a BritBox trial period (usually seven days), or you can purchase individual episodes through digital retailers. There is no other free option.

How long does it take to watch the entire series?

The Replacement has five episodes, each about 60 minutes long. The entire series takes roughly five hours to watch. Most viewers watch it over two to three days, though you can watch it all in one day if you prefer.

Is The Replacement available on Netflix?

The Replacement is not on Netflix in most regions. Your best options are BBC iPlayer (UK), BritBox (North America and Australia), or digital purchase through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.

Can I read episodes to watch offline?

BBC iPlayer and BritBox both allow you to read episodes to watch offline on their apps. Digital purchases through Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV also allow offline viewing on some devices. Check the specific app for read options.