Help & FAQs

BBC iPlayer Help

How long are programmes available for on BBC iPlayer?

Rights agreements affect how long we can offer a programme for, but in general, programmes are available to catch up for up to seven days after their original broadcast.

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, giving you even more time to catch up on watching it through series catch-up. 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, such as Click or Today, offer programmes beyond seven days on their website.

Click to Play (streaming)

Most programmes are available up to seven days from their last broadcast, but 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, giving you even more time to catch up on watching it.

In some cases, you can catch up on certain television series until seven days after the last episode is broadcast. Not every series is available, and you won't be able to catch up on repeats of series.

Downloads - BBC iPlayer Desktop

Most 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.

Downloads - 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.

S4C

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

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