How to watch The People vs Robodebt (2025) in the US

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Discover everything about the SBS original three-part documentary series The People vs Robodebt (2025)—including its official premiere date, streaming details, complete episode guide, full cast lineup, and an easy guide on how to watch it online from the US.

How can I watch The People vs Robodebt (2025) in the US on SBS On Demand

To watch The People vs Robodebt (2025) on SBS On Demand in the US, you need to use a reliable VPN. By connecting to an Australian server, you can bypass geo-restrictions and unlock the series from anywhere in the world. This method ensures a smooth, secure, and uninterrupted streaming experience on both the SBS website and app.

Subscribe to NordVPN
Install the VPN app on your device.
Connect to an Australia-based server.
Open SBS On Demand website or its app, then log in or sign up for a new account.
Finally, you can watch The People vs Robodebt in the US.

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The People vs Robodebt (2025) Plot

The People vs Robodebt is an emotionally charged political thriller that shines a light on one of Australia’s darkest scandals. The series revisits the government’s Online Compliance Intervention scheme, which wrongfully demanded repayments from almost half a million citizens. Known widely as Robodebt, this automated system was later ruled inaccurate, unethical, and illegal. Victims were hounded with debt notices, leading to financial ruin, fractured families, and even loss of life. But amidst the despair, a handful of extraordinary Australians rose up to challenge the injustice. Through their courage, resilience, and determination, they exposed the truth and fought for accountability. Blending documentary evidence with dramatized scenes, the show creates a visceral experience of both the cruelty of the scheme and the bravery of those who resisted. Ultimately, it is a story of David versus Goliath, where ordinary citizens took on a government that had betrayed their trust.

When does The People vs Robodebt premiere?

The People vs Robodebt aired on September 24, 2025 on SBS.

The People vs Robodebt Cast

Jenny Miller – Mother of Rhys Cauzzo, the first Robodebt suicide reported in the media.
Deanna Amato – Took the pivotal court case that proved Robodebt illegal.
Felicity Button – One of the lead applicants in the class action against the scheme.
Sandra Bevan – A victim who battled to prove her innocence.
Colleen Taylor – Veteran public servant who warned her superiors about Robodebt’s flaws.
Jeannie-Marie Blake – A frontline Centrelink worker who blew the whistle from inside.
Chris Knaus – Journalist who first broke the story of Robodebt’s systemic issues.
Rachelle Miller – Insider and government media adviser who managed the political narrative.
Lyndsey Jackson – Founder of the #NotMyDebt website, who rallied Australians from her kitchen table.
Asher Wolf – Renowned digital activist and co-creator of #NotMyDebt.
Dr Darren O’Donovan – Leading legal expert on Robodebt.
Miles Browne and Charley Brumby-Rendell – Victoria Legal Aid lawyers who defeated Robodebt in court.

How many episodes does The People vs Robodebt have?

The People vs Robodebt is a three-part series.

Episode Guide:

Episode 1 – Two young Australians suddenly receive debt notices from Centrelink, pulling them into what would become one of Australia’s biggest political scandals. The episode sets the stage for the human cost of Robodebt, exposing the fear and confusion that gripped victims.
Episode 2 – Whistleblowers, journalists, and lawyers begin to unravel the truth. This episode dives into the tenacious legal and media battles, showing how cracks in the government’s story started to appear.
Episode 3 – The scandal explodes into the public eye, with victims, activists, and legal teams joining forces. The final chapter captures the David versus Goliath struggle as citizens demand justice, leading to the eventual exposure of the scheme’s illegality.

What is the Robodebt scheme?

Robodebt was an automated government program that used income-averaging to estimate welfare debt. Many were charged amounts they never owed. The method was later found to be unlawful.

Is The People vs Robodebt free to watch?

Yes, SBS On Demand is a free streaming service. You only need to create a free account, and with a VPN if you are in the US, you can stream all three episodes without paying extra.

How to Sign Up for SBS On Demand:

#	Action	Details
1	Visit SBS On Demand	Go to sbs.com.au/ondemand on a web browser or download the SBS On Demand app on iOS/Android.
2	Click “Create Account”	On the website, find the Create Account button in the top-right corner. On the app, tap the profile icon and select Create an Account.
3	Enter your details	Provide your name, valid email, birth year, gender, and create a password (at least 5 characters with one number).
4	Verify your email	Check your inbox for a verification email from SBS. Click the link to activate your account.
5	Sign in	Return to the app or website, log in with your email and password, and you’re ready to stream.
6	Smart TV setup (optional)	On Smart TVs, scan the QR code shown on-screen with your phone to link your device to your account quickly.

Can I download The People vs Robodebt for offline viewing?

No. SBS On Demand doesn’t support downloads or offline viewing—it’s a streaming-only service via the website and app. To watch The People vs Robodebt, you must stay online

The People vs Robodebt Trailer

SBS has released the trailer for The People vs Robodebt.

FAQs

How many episodes are there and how long are they?
The series consists of three episodes, each roughly 52 minutes long. It’s a concise but powerful retelling of the scandal.
Who directed The People vs Robodebt?
The documentary was directed by Ben Lawrence, combining dramatic reenactments with interviews to bring the story to life.
Did the Royal Commission examine Robodebt?
Yes. A Royal Commission ran from August 2022 to July 2023 and produced a final report with 57 recommendations, strongly condemning the scheme as “neither fair nor legal.”
Has there been compensation for those harmed by Robodebt?
Yes. The Australian government has agreed to pay up to $475 million in compensation to victims. In later developments, a class action appeal settled for $548.5 million, pending court approval.

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