Isabella Thornton
Discover everything about Don’t Come Upstairs (2025)—including its official premiere date, streaming platform details, full cast lineup, and a step-by-step guide on how to watch it online from anywhere in the world. This complete viewing guide ensures you won’t miss a moment of one of the most powerful Canadian documentaries of the year.
How can I watch Don’t Come Upstairs outside Canada on CBC Gem
To watch Don’t Come Upstairs (2025) outside Canada, you can stream it on CBC Gem, the broadcaster’s free on-demand service. Since CBC Gem is geo-restricted, you’ll need to connect to a Canadian server using a reliable premium VPN to unlock access. Once connected, you can sign in or create a free CBC Gem account and enjoy streaming the full documentary seamlessly from anywhere in the world.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a Canada-based server.
- Visit the CBC Gem website, then log in or create a new account. During registration, you’ll need to enter a Canadian postal code — you can use an online Canadian postcode generator if you don’t have one.
- You can watch Don’t Come Upstairs outside Canada restriction-free!
NOTE: For the best experience, use a PC/Mac with a browser. It should force you download the app when using mobile devices.
Don’t Come Upstairs – Documentary Synopsis
Don’t Come Upstairs is a Canadian documentary directed by Mike Lobel and co-written with Mika Collins. It tells the story of a hidden 30-year family secret, revealed through intimate home recordings and powerful testimony. At its heart, the film captures the fragile bond between father and son, a relationship overshadowed by silence. Lobel takes audiences on a journey through painful discoveries, confronting a truth that risked the stability of his family. Alongside the personal pain comes an exploration of resilience, forgiveness, and reconciliation. With a 44-minute runtime, the film balances grief with hope, ensuring its message resonates far beyond one household.
Don’t Come Upstairs OTT Release Date:
The unique documentary Don’t Come Upstairs premiered on September 30, 2025, on CBC Gem, the Canadian national streaming platform.
Don’t Come Upstairs Cast
- Mike Lobel – Director and central figure. His courage in exposing a family secret gives the film its raw honesty and emotional weight.
- Mika Collins – Co-writer. She shaped the narrative’s structure, ensuring the story balances its emotional power with clarity and flow.
Where to watch Don’t Come Upstairs (2025) in Canada?
As of September 30, 2025, Don’t Come Upstairs (2025) is available to stream on CBC Gem, CBC’s free on-demand platform. Viewers in Canada can watch the full documentary at no cost by signing up for a free CBC Gem account. The platform makes it easy to access Don’t Come Upstairs on web browsers, mobile apps, and smart TVs, giving Canadian audiences multiple ways to experience the powerful story.
Is there a official way to watch Don’t Come Upstairs online for free?
Yes, you can stream Don’t Come Upstairs for free with ads on CBC Gem, making it easily accessible to viewers in Canada. For an ad-free experience, you can upgrade to CBC Gem Premium, which comes with a free one-week trial and then costs just CA $5.99 per month plus taxes. If you’re outside Canada, the platform is geo-restricted, so you’ll need to use a reliable VPN connected to a Canadian server to sign up and enjoy the documentary seamlessly from anywhere.
Do I need an account to watch Don’t Come Upstairs on CBC Gem?
Yes, you need a free CBC Gem account. Creating one is quick and simple, and once you’re signed in, you can stream the film without cost.
How to Sign Up for CBC Gem:
| # | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connect via VPN (if abroad) | If you’re outside Canada, use a premium VPN and select a Canadian server to unlock CBC Gem. |
| 2 | Visit CBC Gem | Go to cbc.ca/gem on your browser or download the CBC Gem app from iOS, Android, or supported smart TVs. |
| 3 | Create an account | Click Create Account / Sign Up to begin registration. |
| 4 | Enter details | Provide your email address, password, and a valid Canadian postal code (e.g., K1A 0B1). |
| 5 | Verify email | Check your inbox for a CBC verification email and click the confirmation link. |
| 6 | Log in and stream | Sign in with your credentials and start watching CBC Gem’s full library, including Don’t Come Upstairs (2025). |
FAQs
- Who directed and co-wrote Don’t Come Upstairs?
Mike Lobel is the director and also one of the writers. He teamed up with Mika Collins to shape the narrative and emotional arc of the documentary. - How long is Don’t Come Upstairs?
The runtime is approximately 44 minutes. - Is Don’t Come Upstairs based on real life?
Yes, the documentary is rooted in real events. It chronicles Mike Lobel’s investigation into his family’s hidden history and the impact of living with secrecy.
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I just made an account on their website and used NordVPN, but it won’t let you watch the doc in the web browser. It sends you to the app, which is not available to me as I’m not in Canada.
You should use a PC/ Mac with a browser instead of mobile devices. Mobile devices forces you download the app.
Also Make sure you’ve followed all the instructions carefully—especially that you’re connected to a Canada server. Then click directly on this link: https://gem.cbc.ca/dont-come-upstairs?autoplay=1