UK broadcasters have launched the 'BritBox' streaming service to rival the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime.
BBC and ITV launch BritBox today, while Channel 4 and Channel 5 have also signed up to join the service later. It costs £5.99 a month to watch, but curious viewers can take advantage of a 30-day free trial to see if they can be tempted to subscribe.
BritBox is billed as "the biggest collection of British box sets available in one place", with both classic programmes like Upstairs, Downstairs and Pride and Prejudice available, as well as newer shows, such as 2017's BBC One drama, Broken.
Full box sets include all the series and specials of Downton Abbey, Broadchurch, seven series of Only Fools And Horses, three series of Gavin & Stacey and both series of Extras. The Office will be available too, as will the BBC series of Great British Bakeoff, ITV's Vera and factual detective drama Little Boy Blue.
Big budget BBC documentaries presented by the likes of David Attenborough will be available to stream, too.
All 627 classic episodes of Doctor Who, dating from 1963 to 1989, will be available to watch on BritBox from Boxing Day.
Not every BBC and ITV show will be immediately available, as some have existing deals with Netflix.
But once they expire, the shows should be available to watch on BritBox. Channel 4 and Film4 content will start streaming in 2020.
C4's chief executive Alex Mahon said: "Channel 4 has always showcased distinctive and diverse British content and, in a world of almost unlimited choice, our public service brand values are more important than ever for viewers.
"The opportunity to collaborate as PSBs (public service broadcasters) on BritBox extends our track record of partnership and will ensure there is a compelling single destination for the very best high-quality, home-grown content."
Customers do not have to sign a contract and can cancel their subscription at any time. The shows will run with no adverts.
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