How long are programmes available for on BBC iPlayer?

In general, programmes are available for up to seven days after their original broadcast. However, rights agreements can affect how long we can offer them for.

Watching and listening to programmes through the BBC iPlayer website

If a programme is repeated during these seven days on one of the main BBC TV channels or radio stations, we normally extend the programme availability. For some TV series, each episode is available for up to seven days after the last episode has been broadcast, as part of Series Catch-Up. We're also currently trialling this for radio.  If we offer downloads, you can download previous episodes to BBC iPlayer Desktop, but only the most recent episode will have a More downloads option.

In addition, some series offer programmes beyond seven days on their websites.

S4C programmes are offered on BBC iPlayer one week after they're broadcast, then they are available for up to seven days.

BBC iPlayer Desktop

Most TV programmes are available to download from the BBC iPlayer site and are available for seven days. Once downloaded, you have up to 30 days to play the programme, and once played you have up to seven days to finish watching the programme.

BBC iPlayer on Portable Media Players

Most programmes are available to download from the BBC iPlayer site and are available for seven days. Once downloaded, you have up to seven days to play the programme.

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