NOW TV is a UK-based streaming service owned by Sky, offering flexible monthly passes for TV, movies, sports, and kids’ content without a long-term contract. It’s available only in the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man. Watching on-demand content doesn’t require a TV licence, but live TV does. Geo-restrictions apply abroad.
NOW TV is a popular UK-based streaming service owned by Sky. It provides flexible access to a wide range of TV shows, films, live sports, and kids’ content without a long-term contract. Instead of a traditional satellite or cable subscription, users purchase monthly “passes” for specific content types, such as Entertainment, Cinema, Sports, Kids, or Hayu (reality TV).
NOW TV is designed as a streaming-only platform, meaning you watch via the internet on supported devices, not via a satellite dish or aerial.
NOW TV is officially available to residents of the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man. Access is geo-restricted, so users outside these areas cannot stream content, even with a valid subscription, unless they use a solution to bypass regional restrictions.
Some temporary EU access is possible for UK residents travelling abroad, depending on licensing agreements and the Brexit transition period, but this is not guaranteed and may change.
NOW TV restricts access based on your geographical location due to content licensing agreements. These agreements mean that certain films, shows, and sports are only licensed for broadcast or streaming in specific regions. When you try to use NOW TV outside the UK, the platform checks your IP address and blocks access if you are not within the permitted region.
This is why many users look for technical solutions to access their subscriptions while abroad or to unlock additional content libraries.
To use NOW TV, you must:
NOW TV does not offer a free tier; all content is behind a paywall, though free trials may occasionally be available for new users.
NOW TV is compatible with a wide variety of devices:
Some older devices may no longer be supported, so check NOW TV’s official device list for up-to-date compatibility.
UK law requires a TV licence to:
This applies regardless of the device you use, including TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones. If you only watch on-demand (catch-up) content on NOW TV and do not use BBC iPlayer, you typically do not need a TV licence. However, if you watch any live TV broadcast (even if it’s not BBC), a licence is required.
It’s important to note that “live TV” means any programme being shown at the same time as it is broadcast on TV, regardless of channel or platform.
Always check the official TV Licensing website for the most current rules and guidance for your situation.
If you are unsure whether a show is being broadcast live or is on-demand, check the NOW TV interface or contact customer support for clarification.
UK TV licensing law is enforced by TV Licensing. Watching live TV or BBC iPlayer without a valid licence is a criminal offence and can result in a fine. If you only watch on-demand (non-BBC) content, you are generally exempt, but you may be asked to prove your viewing habits if investigated.
The law applies regardless of how you access content – via TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone. If you live in shared accommodation, check whether your household requires a licence.
Accessing NOW TV from outside the UK may breach terms of service. Always review the latest legal and licensing information from official sources before making changes to your setup.
NOW TV is geo-blocked outside the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man. If you travel abroad, you will typically lose access to your subscription. Some temporary access may be available in the EU, but this is limited and not guaranteed.
For users who want to watch their UK subscription while travelling, platforms like StreamLocator can help. StreamLocator uses Smart DNS and proxy technology to route your streaming traffic through the correct region, allowing you to access NOW TV as if you were at home. Unlike traditional VPNs, StreamLocator is optimised for streaming and works on devices that often do not support VPN apps, such as Smart TVs and streaming sticks.
Always check the NOW TV terms of service and consider your legal obligations before using any geo-unblocking service.
NOW TV is a paid service. There is no ongoing free tier, but new users may occasionally access a free trial for select passes. These offers change periodically, so check the official NOW TV website for current promotions.
There are no legal ways to watch full NOW TV content for free on a permanent basis. Avoid unofficial streams or “hacks” as these may be illegal and put your devices at risk.
NOW TV is designed to work seamlessly on a range of devices. For the best experience:
If you want to stream NOW TV abroad or bypass geo-restrictions, consider using a device compatible with platforms like StreamLocator, which supports a broad range of streaming hardware.
If you’re travelling outside the UK and want to keep up with your favourite NOW TV shows, StreamLocator offers a straightforward solution. With its Smart DNS and hybrid proxy technology, StreamLocator automatically routes your streaming traffic through the correct region, so you can access NOW TV as if you were still at home. This is especially useful for devices that don’t support VPN apps and for users who want to avoid the hassle of manual server switching.
Remember: Always use streaming services in accordance with their terms and local laws. For more information or to start a free trial, visit StreamLocator.com.