Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about the new BBC drama series Dear England, starring Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate.
How to watch Dear England outside the UK on BBC iPlayer
To watch Dear England outside the UK, connect to a UK server with a VPN and open BBC iPlayer. Once connected, you can stream Dear England on BBC iPlayer with a valid UK TV licence from anywhere.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Open BBC iPlayer website, then login or sign up for a free account. A UK postal code is required when creating a new account, and you can use a UK postcode generator if needed.
- You are all set to watch Dear England series online from anywhere!
Dear England (2026 TV Series) Synopsis
Dear England is a 2026 series that follows England football manager Gareth Southgate as he tries to rebuild a team carrying decades of disappointment while changing the culture surrounding English football. Adapted from James Graham’s acclaimed stage play, the series turns real sporting moments into a character-driven drama that looks at pressure, leadership, identity, and the emotional weight attached to representing a nation.
Rather than focusing only on results on the pitch, the story explores what happens behind closed doors as Southgate challenges traditional football thinking and introduces a more open and psychologically driven approach. Across four episodes, the series follows key moments in England’s recent football history while examining the expectations placed on players, staff, and the manager himself.
When Does Dear England Premiere?
Dear England premieres on May 24, 2026, on BBC One. The four-part drama follows a scheduled release format, with new episodes airing across two weeks, and episodes will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.
Where to Watch Dear England in the UK
You can watch Dear England on BBC One and stream every episode through BBC iPlayer after broadcast. The four-part drama is available to stream on the platform with a valid TV licence.
Where to Watch Dear England in Australia
You can watch Dear England in Australia starting May 28, 2026, exclusively on BINGE. The four-part drama will be available to stream online through the platform.
Where to Watch Dear England in Spain
You can watch Dear England in Spain on Movistar Plus. The four-part drama is available to stream through the platform and can be watched online across supported devices.
Dear England Season 1 Episodes
Here are the episodes in season 1.
- Episode 1 – Premiere date: May 24, 2026
Gareth Southgate takes charge of England during one of its lowest periods and introduces a new approach shaped by his own past experiences. - Episode 2 – Premiere date: May 25, 2026
After restoring confidence through tournament success, the squad faces rising expectations as football returns home. - Episode 3 – Premiere date: May 31, 2026
- Episode 4 – Premiere date: June 1, 2026
Season finale.
Dear England Cast
Here are the main cast members.
- Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate
- Jodie Whittaker as Pippa Grange
- Jason Watkins as Greg Dyke
- John Hodgkinson as Greg Clarke
- Ben Chapman as Luke Shaw
- Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland
- Sam Spruell as Mike Webster
- Adam Hugill as Harry Maguire
- Josh Barrow as Jordan Pickford
- Lewis Shepherd as Dele Alli
- Will Antenbring as Harry Kane
- Edem-Ita Duke as Marcus Rashford
- Francis Lovehall as Raheem Sterling
- Abdul Sessay as Bukayo Saka
- Jacob Greenway as Jude Bellingham
- David Shields as Jordan Henderson
- Hamish Frew as Eric Dier
- Alfie Middlemiss as Phil Foden
- Riess Fennell as Jadon Sancho
- Daniel Quincy Annoh as Ollie Watkins
- Bobby Schofield as Wayne Rooney
- Dom Rayner as Cole Palmer
- Alexander Parsons as Jesse Lingard
Can You Watch Dear England Series Online for Free?
Yes. Dear England is available to stream for free through BBC iPlayer if you have a valid UK TV licence. You can create a BBC account and access the episodes after they air without paying an additional streaming subscription.
Is Dear England Suitable for All Ages?
No. Dear England is generally intended for older children, teenagers, and adults and is expected to suit viewers around the TV-14 or equivalent guidance level due to mature themes and sporting pressure. Some scenes may include emotional intensity, competitive tension, and realistic discussions around public scrutiny and mental performance. Parents may want to review the series first before younger viewers watch independently.
Where Can I Download Dear England Series 1 Episodes?
BBC iPlayer supports legal offline downloads through its mobile app for eligible devices, allowing viewers to watch episodes later without an internet connection.
On What Devices Can You Watch BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer works across most modern streaming and connected devices.
| Device Type | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Android TV, Hisense TV |
| Streaming Devices | Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast |
| Mobile Devices | iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets |
| Computers | Windows PCs, Mac computers |
| Game Consoles | Supported console browsers and media apps |
| Set-Top Boxes | Selected UK television and broadband boxes |
FAQs
Who created Dear England?
Dear England was created and adapted for television by James Graham.
Is Dear England based on a true story?
Yes. The series is based on real events surrounding Gareth Southgate’s time managing the England national football team and expands on the award-winning stage production of the same name.
Who produced Dear England?
Dear England was produced by Left Bank Pictures.
Where was Dear England filmed?
Filming took place in parts of southern England including locations in London.
Why is the series called Dear England?
The title references a message of reflection and change directed toward English football culture and expectations.
Trailer
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