How to Watch US TV in the UK (Full Guide 2025)

U.S. TV channels aren’t directly available in the UK because of licensing restrictions. Streaming platforms and broadcasters detect your IP address and block access if it’s outside the United States. This makes it tricky for UK residents or travelers to keep up with American shows, sports, or live news. Luckily, there are reliable methods to bypass these restrictions and watch U.S. TV in the UK.

Guide: Ways to Watch US TV in the UK

1) Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN changes your online location by routing your traffic through U.S. servers. This is the most common way to unlock American platforms such as Hulu, Paramount+, or YouTube TV. Many people rely on this method to watch NBC outside the US.

CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers across the U.S., which makes it easy to unlock content smoothly. A VPN with the most US cities also helps you choose the right region for your shows.

How to set it up:

1. Download CyberGhost on your device.
2. Open the app and select a U.S. server.
3. Connect and open your streaming service.
4. Clear cookies or switch servers if content doesn’t load.

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2) Try a Smart DNS Service

A Smart DNS reroutes only the traffic needed for location checks, keeping speeds high. It’s best for smart TVs and consoles that don’t support VPN apps. You can easily access the US version of a website with this method.

How to set it up:

1. Create an account with SmartDNS Proxy.
2. Add your IP address in the dashboard.
3. Find a US based DNS server.
4. Enter the DNS addresses in your device’s network settings.
5. Restart the device and launch your streaming app.

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3) Use a Proxy

A proxy can unblock US websites, but it’s less reliable for streaming than VPNs or Smart DNS. It works well for light browsing or occasional access.

How to set it up:

1. Get Decodo proxy server details.
2. Add them in your browser or system network settings.
3. Save changes and open the U.S. site/ streaming platform.

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4) Create a U.S. Account with Gift Cards or Payment Methods

Some services won’t work without U.S. billing details. Using gift cards or a U.S. PayPal helps bypass this.

• Buy a gift card for Hulu, Peacock, or Paramount+.
• Connect to a U.S. VPN server.
• Redeem the card and sign up with a U.S. ZIP code.
• Log in and stream.

This also works for Netflix when you want to watch It Ends With Us on Netflix outside the US.

5) Watch U.S.-Style Content Already Available in the UK

Some platforms already bring U.S. programming to UK viewers:

• PBS America – documentaries and factual series.
• 5USA – U.S. dramas and reality.
• 5Action – action and crime shows.
• Hayu – NBCUniversal reality shows, same-day releases.
• Pluto TV UK – free, ad-supported U.S.-style channels.

6) Troubleshooting Geo-Blocks

• Clear cookies and cache.
• Switch to another U.S. server.
• Change app store region if needed.
• Turn off GPS for streaming apps on mobile.
• Make sure DNS requests go through your VPN.

Extra solutions are explained in VPN for geo-blocking.

U.S. Streaming Platforms in the UK

• Netflix: Larger U.S. catalog, unlocked with a VPN for geo-blocking.
• Hulu: Only available in the U.S.
• Disney+: U.S. bundles ESPN+ and Hulu; UK adds the “Star” hub.
• Max: U.S. exclusive, UK rights through Sky/Now TV.
• Paramount+: Larger U.S. catalog with CBS live/Showtime. If you want to unlock this channel specifically, see our step-by-step guide on how to watch CBS in the UK.
• Peacock: Fully available only in the U.S.; limited via Sky in the UK.
• Prime Video: More sports and add-ons in the U.S.

Learn more about how VPN encryption works and how to encrypt your internet connection for safe streaming.

Conclusion

While the UK offers some American shows through PBS America, 5USA, and Hayu, these don’t compare to full U.S. platforms. A VPN like CyberGhost, a Smart DNS such as SmartDNS Proxy, or a proxy like Decodo will let you bypass restrictions and watch U.S. TV in the UK. VPNs are the most reliable, Smart DNS is fast and simple, and proxies are a handy fallback.

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