Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about Waiting for the Out, the new BBC drama series starring Josh Finan.
How to watch Waiting for the Out in the US on BBC iPlayer
To watch Waiting for the Out in the US, connect a VPN to a UK server, then open BBC iPlayer and sign in. With a valid TV licence, you can stream the full series on demand. Search the title on iPlayer and press play to start watching.
- 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 new account. A UK postal code is required for registration. You can use a UK postcode generator if needed.
- You are all set to watch Waiting for the Out series online!
Waiting for the Out Synopsis
Waiting for the Out is a 2026 British TV series that follows a philosopher who begins teaching weekly discussion classes inside a men’s prison, where abstract ideas about freedom, power, and fate collide with lived experience. Dan, a thoughtful but emotionally guarded academic, enters the prison believing knowledge alone can create change, only to discover that his lessons awaken unresolved memories and buried trauma from his own past.
As the weeks pass, philosophical debates about dominance, luck, and moral responsibility take on sharper meaning when filtered through the inmates’ stories, forcing Dan to confront uncomfortable truths about family, inheritance, and cycles of harm. The classroom becomes a volatile space where intellectual curiosity sparks connection but also fuels tension, drawing Dan deeper into the emotional lives of the men he teaches. What begins as an educational experiment gradually transforms into a reckoning with identity, accountability, and whether true freedom is possible within or beyond prison walls.
When Does Waiting for the Out Premiere?
Waiting for the Out premieres on January 3, 2026, on BBC One.
Waiting for the Out Season 1 Episodes
The first season of Waiting for the Out consists of six episodes:
- Episode 1 – Premiere date: January 3, 2026
Dan’s first day teaching philosophy in prison shocks him emotionally, awakening paternal instincts and revealing how deeply he has underestimated both his students and his own past. - Episode 2 – Premiere date: January 3, 2026
Dan is pulled into a tense rescue situation that exposes the brutal world Lee has fled, forcing him to confront realities far beyond the classroom. - Episode 3 – Premiere date: January 3, 2026
As long-buried memories resurface, Dan’s anxiety intensifies, and a possible lead about their father threatens to fracture his relationship with Lee. - Episode 4 – Premiere date: January 3, 2026
A moment of optimism collapses when a reckless decision reveals how closely Dan resembles the man he has spent his life trying not to become. - Episode 5 – Premiere date: January 3, 2026
Spiralling out of control, Dan faces a dangerous stand-off with Keith that puts his career, safety, and future at serious risk. - Episode 6 – Premiere date: January 3, 2026
With his future hanging in the balance, Dan must decide whether he can finally break the cycle of damage or is destined to repeat it.
Waiting for the Out Cast
Here’s the cast list:
- Josh Finan as Dan Stewer
- Stephen Wight as Lee Gifford
- Gerard Kearns as Dan’s Dad
- Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo as Officer Stephens
- Neal Barry as Officer Guthrie
- Steven Meo as Daniel “Macca” McKenzie
- Josef Altin as Greg Turner
- Ric Renton as Wallace Robson
- Tom Moutchi as Tom “Junior” Kouame Jr
- Nima Taleghani as Malik Zahir
- Charlie Rix as Zac Colton
- Alex Ferns as Keith McKellar
- Jude Mack as Jessica Atherton
- Phil Daniels as Frank
Is Waiting for the Out Suitable for All Ages?
Waiting for the Out is intended for mature audiences due to its prison setting, intense emotional themes, and exploration of violence, trauma, and psychological distress. While an official rating has not been confirmed, the content is best suited for older teens and adults.
On What Devices Can You Watch BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer supports a wide range of devices:
| Device Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | iOS smartphones and tablets, Android smartphones and tablets |
| Computers | Windows PCs, macOS computers via web browsers |
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Android TV |
| Streaming Devices | Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast |
| Game Consoles | PlayStation, Xbox |
FAQs
Is Waiting for the Out based on a true story?
The series is inspired by real-life experiences and is based on the memoir The Life Inside: A Memoir Of Prison, Family and Learning to be Free by Andy West, giving the drama a strong foundation in lived prison education.
Who created Waiting for the Out?
The series was written by Dennis Kelly, whose screenplay adapts Andy West’s memoir into a fictionalised but emotionally grounded television narrative.
Who directed Waiting for the Out?
Waiting for the Out is directed by Jeanette Nordahl and Ben Palmer, combining grounded realism with character-focused storytelling.
How many episodes are in Waiting for the Out?
The series consists of six episodes, all of which are available to stream on BBC iPlayer following the premiere.
Does Waiting for the Out focus more on philosophy or prison life?
The series balances both, using philosophical discussions as a lens to explore prison life, family trauma, and the emotional consequences of confinement.
Waiting for the Out Trailer
You May Also Check This Out
When you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about how this works.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings