Are you wondering how to watch TCM in the UK? If you possess a cable TV subscription, you are set; however, TCM in the UK is restricted based on geographical location due to licensing constraints. The most viable method to access it is by utilizing a premium VPN application such as ExpressVPN. Turner Classic Movies, commonly known as TCM, is a pay-TV channel based in the United States and managed by Warner Bros. This movie-focused channel predominantly showcases classic films released between the 1950s and 1980s from studios such as Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and RKO Pictures.
How to Watch TCM in the UK
- Get a premium VPN [Recommended: ExpressVPN ]
- Download the VPN app and sign in
- Connect to a server in USA [Recommended: New York ]
- Visit TCM and log in to your account
- Start streaming TCM in UK
What else to watch with a VPN: French TV
What is TCM?
TCM stands for Turner Classic Movies. It is a U.S.-based cable and satellite television channel owned by Warner Bros. The channel is dedicated to showcasing classic films, including those from the silent era to the more recent classics. TCM is known for airing a diverse range of movies, primarily from the Golden Age of Hollywood, and it often features insightful commentary and background information about the films. The channel aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of classic cinema, making it a popular destination for movie enthusiasts.
Sign Up To Watch TCM in the UK
Can I watch TCM in the UK?
TCM is a popular service in the USA, offering the opportunity to stream great movies and shows. Regrettably, TCM is not accessible in the UK. Nevertheless, if you wish to watch TCM in the UK, a specialized VPN tool can be employed. This tool works by creating the appearance that you are located in a region where TCM is available, allowing you to enjoy the content from the UK.
Which error will appear upon trying to watch TCM in the UK?
If you attempt to access the live stream of TCM via DirecTV Now in the UK, you will encounter the following error message on your screen:
We couldn’t figure out your location, which is required for streaming the program. Please try again.
How can a VPN help you watch TCM in the UK?
A VPN can assist you in watching TCM in the UK by providing a method to circumvent geographical restrictions. When you connect to a VPN server located in the USA, it masks your actual location and assigns you a US IP address. This creates the illusion that you are accessing TCM from within the USA, allowing you to bypass the geographic restrictions that would otherwise prevent access from the UK.
Essentially, a VPN establishes a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server in the USA, enabling access to TCM as if you were physically located there. It’s important to choose a reliable VPN service to ensure a seamless streaming experience and optimal performance.
How can I sign up to watch TCM in the UK?
- Ensure the security of your online activities by subscribing to ExpressVPN and installing its application, with ExpressVPN recommending the use of their New York server while within the US.
- Immediately access the DirectTV website or mobile app.
- Initiate the account creation process by clicking on the Sign-Up link.
- Conveniently pay for your selected streaming service plan using any major credit card, debit card, PayPal, or digital gift card issued in the United States.
DirecTV presents six distinct pricing options, each accompanied by a 14-day trial period.
TCM Price & Plans
How much does it cost to watch TCM in the UK?
DIRECTV Now provides a selection of four subscription packages, and TCM is included in every package. Each subscription plan features a 14-day free trial period. The details for the plans are outlined below:
| Subscription Package | Price | No. of Channels |
| Entertainment | US$69.99 per month | 75+ |
| Choice | US$84.99 per month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | US$114.99 per month | 140+ |
| Premier | US$159.99 per month | 150+ |
Best VPNs to watch TCM in the UK
Being a VPN Product analyst, I can confidently say that ExpressVPN is a wonderful choice for your daily streaming needs. For the following reasons, we believe it is the best VPN.
However, we recommend that you make your buying selection after carefully considering all of the values you need:
ExpressVPN
Eight connections
89.7 Mbps download speed
84.6 Mbps upload speed
49% off & 3 months extra free in 1 Year plan
$12.95 (1 Month package), $59.95 (1 Year Package), $99.95 (2 Year Package)
NordVPN
Six connections
88.1 Mbps download speed
83.7 Mbps upload speed
Save 83% on a two-year plan offered
$12.95 (1 Month package), $9.99 (6 Month Package), $8.32 (12 Month Package)
SurfShark
Unlimited connections
86.5 Mbps download speed
79.4 Mbps upload speed
60% off on a two-year plan is offered
$14.99 (1 Month Package), $6.99 (1 Year Package), $5.79 (2 Year Package)
ExpessVPN – Our Recommended VPN
ExpressVPN, the optimal choice to watch TCM in the UK, boasts a vast network of 3,000+ servers spanning 94+ countries, with a strong presence in Mexico. Its MediaStreamer feature ensures compatibility across diverse devices. The VPN’s robust AES encryption enhances data protection, which is particularly beneficial on public Wi-Fi networks.
While slightly pricier, ExpressVPN’s heightened security justifies the cost. It caters to both privacy-conscious users and those seeking fast, reliable streaming. In 2024 tests, it exhibited a minimal 18% speed reduction, ensuring an exceptional streaming experience. All in all, ExpressVPN excels as the premier VPN to watch TCM in the UK.
| Offering | Pros | Cons |
| – 20+ server locations US – 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries. – Data protection with AES encryption. – Lighting bolt fast servers. – 18% speed reduction in 2024 tests. | ✔️ Fast servers ✔️ Best device compatibility ✔️ 30-day money-back | ❌Subscription plans are slightly more expensive than others ❌ Feature-light service |
NordVPN – Biggest Server Network
NordVPN boasts an extensive server network, encompassing 5,310+ servers in over 59 countries, positioning itself as a server infrastructure leader. In 2024, it stands out as one of the top VPN choices due to its remarkable speed, robust online security features, and excellent support for streaming and torrenting.
Users are particularly impressed by its web browsing capabilities. Nevertheless, compared to ExpressVPN, it falls short in certain aspects, including the absence of a graphical user interface for Linux clients, speed variations, the lack of an unlimited free subscription, and limitations on simultaneous connections. As a result, ExpressVPN continues to be the preferred choice for these reasons.
| Offering | Pros | Cons |
| – 5,310+ servers in 59+ countries. – Good speed and security tools. – Not preferred over ExpressVPN by us due to fewer simultaneous connections and poor graphic interface for Linux. | ✔️ Biggest number of servers ✔️ Accesses almost all streaming sites ✔️ Good device compatibility | ❌ Graphic User Interface not good for Linux ❌ Limited simultaneous connections ❌ No unlimited free plan |
Surfshark – Affordable VPN
For individuals seeking robust online privacy protection, Surfshark emerges as the top choice. It stands out for its user-friendly interface, unrestricted simultaneous connections, blazing-fast speeds, and comprehensive security features. Notably, Surfshark is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding your privacy, upheld by a stringent no-logs policy that ensures complete online confidentiality.
With a global network of 3,200+ servers spanning 65+ countries, it offers impressive worldwide coverage at a budget-friendly rate. However, its limited support for iOS split tunneling and slightly reduced compatibility with Apple product apps led us to favor ExpressVPN over Surfshark. Despite Surfshark’s strengths, ExpressVPN remains the superior choice for these specific reasons.
| Offering | Pros | Cons |
| – 3200+ servers in 100 countries. – No-logs policy in place for complete privacy. – Not preferred over ExpressVPN due to inconsistent compatibility with iOS devices. | ✔️ Cheaper long-term plans ✔️ Camouflage and NoBorders mode ✔️ Strong speed and security | ❌ Unsupportive to iOS split tunnelling ❌ iOS product apps weaker |
TCM Device Compatibility
Watch TCM in the UK on Android Devices!
- Sign up for a VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Get the VPN app and install it on your device.
- Launch the app and connect to a server in the USA.
- Clear the cache and history of your Google Play Store in the app settings.
- Look for the TCM app and download it on your Android device.
- Install the app and sign in.
- That’s it! Now, you can start streaming TCM in the UK!
Watch TCM in the UK on iOS Devices!
- Sign up for a VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Get the VPN app on your iPhone by downloading and installing it.
- Launch the app and connect to a server in the USA.
- Change your App Store region setting to the USA.
- Find the TCM app and install it on your iPhone.
- Log in to your TCM app to start streaming TCM in the UK.
Watch TCM in the UK on Roku!
- Ensure your Roku device is connected to your TV and has internet access.
- Go to the Roku Channel Store and search for the “ExpressVPN” app.
- Download and install the ExpressVPN app on your Roku.
- Open the ExpressVPN app and sign in with your account details.
- Connect to a server in the USA using the ExpressVPN app.
- Once connected, launch the TCM app on your Roku.
- Log in to your TCM account and start watching TCM in the UK.
Watch TCM in the UK on Kodi!
- Open Kodi on your device.
- Navigate to “Add-ons” and select “Download.”
- Search for the “ExpressVPN” add-on and install it on Kodi.
- Open the ExpressVPN add-on, log in with your account credentials, and connect to a server in the USA.
- Once connected, go back to the Kodi main menu.
- Access “Add-ons” again and select “Install from repository.”
- Find and install the TCM add-on from the official repository.
- Configure the TCM add-on with your account details.
- With the VPN connection established, open the TCM add-on and stream TCM in the UK.
What are the Best Movies on TCM?
- Carmen and Lola (2018)
- Contratiempo (2011)
- Aire (2015)
- The Chase (1966)
- Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)
- Mildred Pierce (1945)
- King Kong (1933)
- Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
- The Thrill of It All (1963)
FAQs
Can I get TCM on Amazon Prime?
Accessing TCM as a standalone channel on Amazon Prime is not available. However, you have the option to download its app on Amazon streaming devices such as Fire TV or Firestick. To log in and access TCM content, you can use either a DIRECTV subscription or the credentials from your cable TV provider.
Can I subscribe directly to TCM in the UK?
Watching TCM is exclusive to those with a cable or satellite TV subscription at home. The premium content offered by TCM is available at no additional cost, provided you have an existing TV service subscription.
Will a free VPN work with TCM in the UK?
While free VPNs can potentially work with TCM in the UK, it’s important to note that they come with drawbacks. Free VPNs often offer an unstable internet connection and may result in continuous buffering, causing frustration and hindering the overall streaming experience. For a more reliable and seamless streaming experience, opting for a reputable and paid VPN service is recommended.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined earlier and utilizing a VPN, you can unlock the world of classic films and rich cinematic content offered by TCM, bringing a wide range of movie classics to your screen in the UK. Welcome a cinematic journey with the assistance of a VPN and dive into the timeless collection presented by TCM.
