SBS Australia - Free streaming of global movies and shows

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The “multicultural ABC” during its early years, SBS is known for its prolific catalogue of multilingual and multicultural content in Australia. And while the TV network has enjoyed the reputation of being the go-to channel for much more diverse programming in the country, SBS still proves to be a top-tier provider of local content as well.

What is SBS?

The Special Broadcasting Service has gone through several transitions before becoming the network it is today. Created in the late 1970s to offer programming that’s delivered in languages other than English, every excellent TV and film from around the world that SBS has screened is proof that SBS is the only network that does “reflect Australia’s multicultural society”. SBS’ programming is efficiently distributed across the network’s sister channels, SBS Viceland, SBS World Movies, SBS Food and NITV.

What shows are on SBS?

As SBS acknowledges the traditional need for both local and international content, it stands out for having TV shows and movies sourced from many parts of the world, as well as producing their own programs. There’s plenty of international content to be had – from German thrillers to Danish dramas and British favourites to South African hidden gems – SBS has it covered.

While other networks in the country have flagship programs in the reality TV and current affairs niche, SBS is largely pure fiction with hundreds of exciting TV series and documentaries, both local and foreign, and an impressive film catalogue to boot. Currently, SBS offers international shows like Alone Denmark, Sextortion, Crisis Unit, Nasdrovia, and Dark Woods. Hollywood and Canadian titles are also part of SBS’ programming, which includes Why Women Kill, Sorry For Your Loss and Letterkenny.

What’s new on SBS

For the latest episodes of your favourite series, every TV show on SBS can be streamed on demand via their free catch-up video on demand service, SBS On Demand. But before you stream a program, check out this SBS TV guide to start exploring both live TV and on demand content on SBS.

Documentaries

Channel 7, Channel 9 and even Channel 10 usually dominate the reality TV landscape, and while SBS doesn’t have any signature shows in the reality genre, it makes up for it by offering a great collection of documentaries. Some of these include the documentary Alone, alongside its international iterations, Alone Denmark, Alone Sweden and Alone Norway. They also have reality-entertainment programs like the panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Around the Traps.

Global dramas and thrillers

SBS has more than enough when it comes to TV entertainment of all genres. Familiar titles include Outlander, The X-Files, Vigil, Wayward Pines, as well as the comedy You’re the Worst and the drama Sorry For Your Loss. SBS also features engrossing German thrillers that include Beneath the Surface, Dark Woods, Das Boot and Echos. Despite its hefty catalogue of internationally-sourced shows, SBS still produces its own with the likes of The Hunting, New Gold Mountain and The Unusual Suspects.

Comedy shows

More than drama, Channel 9 also offers a bunch of hilarious programs for light viewing. Comedies include the Donald Glover-starrer Atlanta, the British comedy drama Back to Life, as well as hilarious sitcoms Chad, Good Grief, and Letterkenny.

Movies streaming

SBS and its catch up streaming service SBS On Demand offer heaps of international movies with their impressive film catalogue. Acclaimed dramas such as Parasite, Minari, and the indie comedy Colossal are just some of the titles you can stream on your TV for free.

News and current affairs

SBS has flagship current affairs programs with SBS World News and Dateline. Strengthening its news programming in Australia, the network also has news shows that delve into local and international news like Insight, The Feed, The Point, NITV News and Living Black so you’re always up-to-date.

Sports streaming

There’s a lot of niche sporting action on SBS, though this is mostly in the form of highlights, updates and documentaries rather than replays of games and matches. Since SBS has a solid footing on the world game, there is plenty of international football programming here but, as mentioned, they’re neither live streams or replays of games. Currently, SBS delivers content that features basketball, cycling, football, motorsports, figure skating and gymnastics.

SBS – Live stream shows with SBS On Demand

With the rise of streaming, it’s only apt for free to air networks like SBS to create their own catch-up streaming platform. To watch every SBS show, documentary, news, sport or movie wherever you are, the SBS On Demand app serves its purpose and more.

To stream on the platform, you must create your free account using their personal email address, create the link sent to your email, activate and confirm your registration. SBS On Demand currently has over 11,000 hours of content, which you can watch by simply signing in.

Channel	Shows
SBS Viceland	Starting as SBS TWO, it was relaunched as SBS Viceland in 2016 after the network’s deal with the media company, Vice, to feature lifestyle-oriented reality and documentary-style programming. Documentaries – The Wine Show, Saving Lives at Sea, and Vice
SBS World Movies TV Guide	Horror – It Follows Korean movies – Burning and Parasite.
SBS Food	SBS Food features TV programs about food and cooking from cultures around the world. SBS Food include The Cook and the Chef, Surfing the Menu, The Chef’s Line, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and Come Dine with Me UK.
NITV	The National Indigenous Television airs programming that’s predominantly created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and catered to Indigenous Australians.

How much are SBS’ TV channels?

Watching on SBS and its catch-up service, SBS On Demand, is absolutely free since the network generates its income via advertising. Taking advantage of its quality content is as easy as switching your TV on. As long as you have the right equipment for it, such as an antenna and a digital TV, you’re all set for SBS live streaming or on demand viewing. For streaming online, requirements include a compatible device (mobile, PC or streaming boxes) and an internet connection. 

How does SBS compare with other services?

SBS characterises itself as a network that offers a greater selection of international content than the other channels in the country. SBS World Movies, for instance, combines several foreign films in one platform, making it easier to browse and explore. And if ever there’s something that catches your eye, streaming movies on SBS is totally free.

It’s also important to point out that while SBS is best known for its international-focused content, it also has some original exclusives produced in the country throughout Australia, such as Kick and East West 101. Check out this our TV guide for a complete listing of every free to air program screening today.

How does SBS compare to Channel 7?

Both channels have their own exclusive local content and partnerships with international media companies, however; Channel 7 has greater offerings when it comes to reality TV with shows like The Voice and The Chase. Entertainment-wise, SBS matches Channel 7’s programming with several crime thrillers, dramas and comedies from around the world. In sports, Channel 7 provides sports coverage of major events like AFL and BBL, which is something that can’t be matched by SBS since the network mostly offers highlights and docos.

How does SBS compare to Channel 9?

Channel 9 may have an exciting library of local and international shows, but SBS catches up thanks to its own line-up of quality TV drama. Popular titles that you can watch on SBS include Dark Matter, Future Man and Derry Girls. Channel 9, however, has broadcasting rights to big sports like NRL and is a formidable figure in current affairs.

How does SBS compare to Channel 10?

Both SBS and Channel 10’s libraries are filled with content that’s internationally sourced, although SBS’ programming is more varied with so many shows that come from different countries. Channel 10 has popular TV dramas like This Is Us and Gracepoint, but SBS is not lagging far behind with such programs as The X-Files and Broadchurch.

How does SBS compare to ABC?

ABC is best known for remarkable local dramas with the likes of Jack Irish and The Newsreader, which SBS matches with their exclusive programs The Hunting, New Gold Mountain and The Unusual Suspects. And while ABC original shows are more popular than the ones produced by SBS, the latter still remains dominant when it comes to diversity of content.

How does SBS compare with Netflix and Prime Video?

In Australia, Netflix and Amazon Prime are established names for streaming. Both are priced reasonably considering the quantity of content they’ve amassed throughout the years. Every show and movie on these platforms are also ad-free, which is something that you can’t find on free to air networks like SBS.

But it’s only right – streaming shows on SBS is free and the only way for them to monetise the whole thing is via advertisement. As such, streaming services offer ad-free entertainment but you’ll need to sign up and pay a subscription fee every month. That is not the case when catching the latest episodes of your favourite shows on SBS On Demand.

How does SBS compare to Foxtel?

Foxtel has exclusive broadcasting rights to air HBO shows and movies in Australia, which is something that SBS or any other free to air can’t match. Foxtel also has exclusive content (Wentworth, Picnic at Hanging Rock) that’s not available elsewhere, except associated services like Foxtel Now and BINGE.

It is also through Foxtel, Foxtel Now, and BINGE that you can access complete boxsets of major shows like Game of Thrones, Sex and the City and Succession, among others. Nonetheless, SBS has something that’s unique and that is the network’s deep catalogue of foreign shows, docos and movies from across the globe.

How to watch SBS?

Once you’re all set with the required aerial to connect to your TV, accessing SBS is just a matter of turning your TV on. To access the SBS On Demand app for on-the-go streaming, all you need is a compatible device and an internet service. With the catch-up service free, you can watch SBS On Demand movies and shows anytime. To find out more about the app, check out our SBS On Demand review.

How to sign up to SBS?

You’ll need to create an account in order to watch SBS On Demand shows and movies. First, head to the website or download the app, register, accept the terms and activate. Once done, you can take advantage of free content videos on SBS. You can access SBS On Demand on the web on your computer or get the SBS On Demand app on your mobile to start streaming instantly.

SBS Review -Diverse entertainment at its best

Starting as SBS Ethnic Television, SBS continues to focus on diversified quality programming that’s reflective of Australia’s multiculturalism. But while it does a very good job at advocating foreign TV and cinema, SBS has also developed into a well-rounded network that produces exclusive originals. Whether you’re into news, the arts, British drama, arthouse cinema, or progressive Australian comedies, dramas, and documentaries, there’s going to be something on SBS on Demand to reel you in.