How to Watch Shows Before They're Available in Your Region

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How to Watch Shows Before They're Available in Your Region

It’s common knowledge that content often becomes available in certain countries before others. With the rise of streaming services, TV shows and movies can premiere weeks or months earlier across different regions. If you don't want to wait for a new show to be released in your area, there are a few ways to access the content early.

Use a VPN

One of the simplest methods is to use a VPN. A VPN, or virtual private network, allows you to mask your real location and IP address by routing your traffic through servers in different countries. So, you can connect to a server in a region where the content you want to watch has already been released.

For example, say a new Netflix series comes out in the UK first. If you connect to a UK VPN server, Netflix will think you're located in the UK and allow you to stream the new show right away. The same goes for any geo-restricted platform like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc. A good VPN will have servers worldwide, making it easy to switch your virtual location. 

Likewise, you can also use a VPN to download the shows you want to watch.  The VPN experts at Cybernews have compiled a list of the best VPN for torrenting, making the job easy for you.

When choosing a VPN for accessing shows early, look for ones with fast speeds for smooth streaming. Paid VPNs usually offer better performance than free ones. Also, make sure the VPN you select doesn't keep usage logs or monitor torrenting activity.

Use Foreign Streaming Accounts

Instead of using a VPN with your existing accounts, you can simply create new accounts with streaming services based in other countries. For example, get a UK Netflix account to watch UK content, an Australian Stan account for Australian shows, etc.

The easiest way is to purchase gift card codes for foreign streaming platforms online. Redeem the gift card when you sign up for the new account. Then you'll be able to log into that country's streaming library directly from anywhere.

The drawback is this can get expensive paying for multiple international accounts. Also, some services may require a foreign credit card or IP address to initially create an account. That's where a VPN comes in handy again.

Change Your DNS Settings

Less conveniently, you can manually change your device's DNS settings to access foreign libraries of certain streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. DNS stands for Domain Name System and acts like an address book for the internet.

By default, your DNS is provided by your internet service provider. But you can switch to public DNS servers based in other countries to fool services into thinking you're located there. For example, use DNS codes from the UK to watch UK Netflix.

The problem is that DNS spoofing isn't as effective as a VPN for streaming. It's slower, can stop working, and only applies to your chosen device. Still, it's a free option if you just want to briefly access some foreign shows.

Be Patient

Ultimately, the easiest solution is to just wait until the content you want becomes available in your region. With worldwide releases getting faster, you usually only have to wait a few weeks or months after an international premiere.

Jumping through hoops to access shows early often provides a less than ideal viewing experience. Between VPN network issues, foreign language options, pricing, and inconsistent workarounds, it's not always worth the hassle.

In many cases, patience pays off with a smoother, higher quality stream in your own language. If you absolutely can't wait, the methods above can help hold you over until the worldwide release.