After adding a VPN to my TV, I found entire streaming catalogues I didn’t know I was missing

I recently started experiencing streaming “burnout” where, despite subscribing to several services, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+, HBO, and Disney+, I felt like I had exhausted all my options. Sure, the odd series would appear from time to time that would hook me in, but for the most part, I would find myself blankly scrolling through libraries that offered little to no inspiration.

Having subscribed to ExpressVPN for years, I was surprised to see its familiar icon appear in my available apps menu, so I installed it on my Fire TV Stick via the Amazon Appstore. Accessing a virtual private network opened up a whole new world of shows (quite literally), from British panel shows to Canadian comedies, Australian indie dramas, and European arthouse cinema.

Channel 4 (UK)

A free alternative to BBC iPlayer, featuring edgier, unconventional hits

If the BBC represents the British establishment, Channel 4 is its rebellious cousin. Throughout the channel’s history, it has been known for taking risks and producing fantastic entertainment with bold storytelling, offbeat humor, and controversial topics.

Alongside some classic homegrown favorites, such as The IT Crowd, Peep Show, Derry Girls, and The Inbetweeners, there is also access to a good selection of Channel 4 movies. The channel has financed many blockbusters (including Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire, Ex Machina, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), many of which you will find in its library.

If you’re into dark comedies, experimental formats, or socially charged documentaries, Channel 4’s raw and edgy content makes a refreshing alternative to bubblegum serials and reality TV.

ABC iview (Australia)

Down Under’s public streaming service offers a window into everyday life

I knew little about the Australian Broadcasting Corporation before being granted access via VPN, and I feel better off for it. It offers a broad perspective on Australian lifestyles and storytelling, and quickly became one of the most addictive platforms I tried.

The ABC iview catalog feels both diverse and grounded, with everything from sharp political satire to slow-burning dramas set in remote communities. There’s also a strong lineup of factual programming that doesn’t feel overproduced or sensationalized, unlike many of its Western counterparts. Some top homegrown shows include Fisk, Nemesis, Muster Dogs, and Return to Paradise, and there is a varied selection of international movies and shows for good measure.

ABC iview stands out for its sense of belonging. The shows are deeply rooted in Australian life, landscapes, and issues, which gives them an aesthetic you don’t often get from global platforms.

ARTE (France/Germany)

This European cooperative offers cultural arthouse streaming without borders

Every now and again, I’ll look for something that’s completely different from the formulaic mass-appeal shows that are typical of the mainstream streaming channels. The German and French platform ARTE feels like walking into a carefully curated film festival, prioritizing quality over quantity and focusing on documentaries, independent films, and cultural programming.

You’ll come across films and series that challenge, provoke, or simply present ideas you wouldn’t encounter elsewhere. Instead of being pushed toward what’s popular, I felt encouraged to explore the ARTE library, and, even though much of the content isn’t in English, watching with subtitles adds to its exotic appeal and makes it a great option for late-night viewing.

While ARTE isn’t my most-watched channel via VPN, it consistently delivers something unexpected and often unforgettable.

CBC Gem (Canada)

Canada’s hidden gem features quirky, grounded storytelling

Growing up in Europe, I’m not overly familiar with Canadian broadcasting, but I have enjoyed many of the shows I’ve seen. The productions seem to strike a balance between humor and sincerity, without being overstated or wearing their gags on their sleeves. CBC Gem offers an impressive array of Canadian content that clearly showcases the quality of its shows. Popular examples include Schitt’s Creek, Heartland, Kim’s Convenience, and Slings & Arrows.

What I’ve noticed is that there’s a strong emphasis on community and Canadian perspectives. This is especially refreshing, as most of the shows I watch on paid streaming services are from the USA and, despite their undeniable quality, can feel like a cultural overload.

CBC Gem, on the other hand, doesn’t seem pressured to appeal to everyone, making it ideal if you’re looking for something that’s both different and compelling.

BFI Player (UK)

The British Film Institute offers a deep dive into cinema history

I wouldn’t consider myself a film buff, but having watched BFI Player for a while, I feel like an accidental film student. This is classic Sunday-afternoon territory, offering a treasure trove of independent and archival films you’ll rarely find on mainstream platforms.

Here, you’ll find everything from restored classics to lesser-known indie gems, but there’s an overarching emphasis on film history, which makes it perfect for anyone curious about how cinema has evolved over time. BFI Player is the perfect solution to streaming burnout, as its library feels meaningful, as if every selection has played a role in shaping cinema, and is a reflection of a certain point in time.

BFI Player’s choices may not instantly appeal to your mood on any given day, but when you start exploring, you’ll quickly realize what’s missing in mainstream streaming catalogs.

A wider world of streaming, just one setting away

It was a practical decision to add a VPN to my TV, as I spend a lot of time overseas and wanted to stay current with my favorite shows. What I didn’t expect was to discover a whole world of streaming options across various regional ecosystems that not only entertain but also help paint a better picture of cultures and lifestyles that I knew little about.

From public broadcasters to curated film libraries, the variety that I found is far wider than I’d imagined. Ultimately, I have found that mainstream streaming platforms can only offer so much, and variety is just as important as having the latest blockbusters on demand.

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