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How to Watch ABBA: Against the Odds Online Free from Anywhere

Published on May 7, 2024
Written by:
Lore Apostol
Lore Apostol
Infosec Writer & Editor

ABBA: Against the Odds is a new special commemorating the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s historical performance and Eurovision win. It focuses on the iconic band’s rise to fame. The special premieres in the UK on May 4, 2024, via BBC iPlayer. You can watch it on BBC One on May 8, 2024. 

This platform is geo-restricted. BBC iPlayer is a UK-exclusive service, so you can’t access it if you travel abroad or live in another country. This happens because all streaming services can read your IP address and thus learn your physical location, but a simple workaround can solve this small issue instantly.

A VPN makes you appear to be in any of its server locations, and using a UK server makes you look like you are in the UK. This step removes the error message by changing your IP address to a UK one so you can stream the title.

Let's see how to stream ABBA: Against the Odds, the special preview, the trailer, why you need a VPN and more.

How to Watch ABBA: Against the Odds Online with a VPN

You can watch ABBA: Against the Odds online on BBC iPlayer with a VPN set to a UK server. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Create an account with a VPN that unblocks BBC iPlayer (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download and install the native VPN app for your device or system.
  3. Open and turn on the VPN via a UK server.
  4. Access the BBC iPlayer platform and start streaming ABBA: Against the Odds.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch ABBA: Against the Odds?

You need a VPN to watch ABBA: Against the Odds online because BBC iPlayer and all other streaming services apply geo-restrictions these days. This platform only works in the UK unless you employ such a tool.

Streaming content on BBC iPlayer outside the UK without a VPN results in a geo-related error message over the media player, which says: "BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues."

BBC iPlayer Geo Block

A VPN easily circumvents these geo-restrictions. This tool works by routing your internet connection through a chosen server from a country where the desired streaming platform is not blocked. So pick a UK server to get a UK IP address, remove the error message, and stream ABBA: Against the Odds no matter where you are.

Looking for the best VPN? We strongly recommend NordVPN. It allows you to safely unblock all live TV and streaming services, including BBC iPlayer and more, in mere moments. 

Where to Watch ABBA: Against the Odds

You can stream ABBA: Against the Odds in the UK on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 6 am GMT on BBC iPlayer. The special also airs on BBC One on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 10:40 pm GMT. The title is 90 minutes long. 

A release date for the US, Canada, and Australia has not been made available. Here's where you can stream ABBA: Against the Odds.

Streaming Service Monthly Price Starting At Available Locations
BBC iPlayer Free (with ads) UK

How to Watch ABBA: Against the Odds in the UK

In the UK, the title premiered on BBC iPlayer on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 6 am GMT and on BBC One on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 10:40 pm GMT. Once you log in to your free BBC account, you can access the BBC's streaming platform for free.

BBC iPlayer has several interesting titles, such as MasterChef, Peaky Blinders, Inside No. 9, The Gallows Pole: This Valley Will Rise, Shetland, Gentleman Jack, Call the Midwife, The Gold, and more.

Traveling abroad? BBC’s streaming platform is geo-restricted, so consider using a secure VPN set to a UK server when you are outside the UK. This step provides you with a local IP address, thus circumventing geo-restrictions. 

Can I Watch ABBA: Against the Odds in the US, Canada, and Australia?

No, you can’t watch ABBA: Against the Odds in the US, Canada, and Australia, as its release date remains unavailable for these countries. We do know that BBC Studios will distribute the series internationally.

However, you can watch ABBA: Against the Odds online on BBC iPlayer in the US, Canada, Australia, and anywhere else with a premium VPN running on your device via a UK server.

Can You Watch ABBA: Against the Odds Online Free?

Yes, you can watch ABBA: Against the Odds for free in the UK via BBC iPlayer.

ABBA: Against the Odds Preview

ABBA: Against the Odds is a new feature-length special that celebrates the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s iconic performance and victory at Eurovision by narrating the band’s untold story. The song contest took place in Sweden in 1974. 

This documentary starts with ABBA’s struggle to get rid of the “one-hit wonder“ tag they were branded with, post-Eurovision win. It captures the incredible journey that led ABBA to greatness, featuring re-discovered archives, exclusive never-before-seen stills, and previously unheard stories.

These include unprecedented access to rare footage from the Swedish public television archives and insights from sources close to the members, a unique band archive from behind the Iron Curtain, and several exclusive access interviews that have never aired or were thought lost since transmission.

The Swedish band faced protests in their country and radio bans in the UK. But in the end, their 

unique sound led them to conquer the global charts. However, something unexpected happened when the ABBAmania frenzy took flight, with pressure threatening the relationships between the members of the band.

ABBA: Against the Odds Cast

Final Thoughts

You can stream ABBA: Against the Odds on BBC iPlayer in the UK, but this is a geo-restricted service. If you live in another country or travel abroad, we suggest using a VPN set to a UK server to unblock this British platform anywhere.

We recommend NordVPN to enjoy access to over 6000+ high-speed VPN servers with stable connections, no bandwidth or speed caps, and best-in-class security and privacy features such as no logs, double ChaCha20 protocol encryption, and more. Plus, you can test NordVPN risk-free for 30 days via the money-back policy.



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