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How to Watch The Contestant Online from Anywhere

Published on April 30, 2024
Written by:
Isha Das
Isha Das
Streaming Staff Writer
The Contestant -- “The Contestant” is the incredible true story of a man who lived for 15 months trapped inside a small room, naked, starving and alone ... and completely unaware that his life was being broadcast on national TV in Japan, to over 15 million viewers a week. Tomoaki “Nasubi” Hamatsu, shown. (Courtesy of Disney)

The Contestant is a compelling documentary that uncovers the journey of an aspiring comedian turned unwitting TV star in Japan. It will premiere on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in the US. 

These services are geo-restricted. For instance, Hulu is only accessible in the US, and you are blocked from access if you travel abroad or live in other countries via an error message after the service reads your physical location through your IP address. But you needn't worry since a VPN can help remove geo-blockades. 

A VPN is a fast workaround that lets you watch The Contestant from anywhere by changing your IP address to a US one. You can easily remove the error message once you run the app in the background via a US server, as this step makes Hulu see you as being in the chosen country.

Let's see when, where, and how to stream The Contestant online. We’ll also tell you why you need a VPN, the series preview, cast, trailer, and more.

How to Watch The Contestant Online With a VPN

To stream The Contestant online on Hulu with a VPN app, use a US server and this will instantly unblock the streaming platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks Hulu (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download and install the VPN into your device(s).
  3. Launch and switch on the VPN using a US server.
  4. Load Hulu and stream The Contestant.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch The Contestant?

You need a VPN to watch The Contestant because Hulu doesn’t work outside the US due to geo-blockades. The streaming service enforces geo-restrictions because it has to comply with distribution agreements based on copyrights. You need a workaround to access Hulu outside the US.

Trying to access Hulu from outside the US without a VPN results in a geo-related error message shown on the service’s homepage that reads, "Hulu isn't available to watch in your location. It seems that you are located outside of Hulu's geographical service area."

Hulu Geo-Block Message

A VPN removes the geo-restrictions. Once you pick a US server and turn it on, the VPN assigns you an IP address matching the chosen server’s location, so Hulu grants access now, letting you stream The Contestant from anywhere.

We suggest using NordVPN as it is one of the best paid VPNs to unblock all live TV and streaming services, such as Hulu, Disney+, and many more. Protect your online privacy and security while accessing global content with NordVPN’s advanced encryption and vast server network. 

Where to Watch The Contestant

You can watch The Contestant on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in the US on Thursday, May 2, 2024

However, a release date for the UK, Canada, and Australia hasn't been announced yet. Here's where you can watch The Contestant:

Streaming Service Monthly Pricing Starts At Available Locations
Hulu $7.99 a month US
Hulu on Disney+ $9.99 with ads US

How to Watch The Contestant in the US

If you live in the US, the show airs on Hulu on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Hulu offers a monthly plan with ads starting at $7.99 and an ad-free plan at $17.99. The ad-tier plan offers a whopping 30-day free trial.

You can also stream The Contestant on Hulu on Disney+. You can get a Disney Bundle: Duo Basic for Hulu and Disney+ for $9.99 per month, both with ads. If you're traveling overseas, use a good VPN connected to a US server to bypass geo-restrictions.

Can I Watch The Contestant in the UK, Canada, and Australia?

No, you cannot watch The Contestant in the UK, Canada, and Australia since a release date hasn’t been announced yet. We suggest using a feature-packed VPN to unblock Hulu and watch The Contestant in these countries.

Can You Watch The Contestant Online Free?

Yes, you can watch The Contestant for free on Hulu in the US by taking advantage of Hulu’s 30-day free trial period. 

The Contestant Preview

The Contestant is a documentary showcasing the journey of an aspiring comedian who unexpectedly rises to fame as Japan's most popular TV star. Directed by Clair Titley, it premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. 

The film follows the story of Tomoaki Hamatsu, known as Nasubi, who, in 1998, found himself unwittingly participating in a challenge where he was left naked in a room for over a year, filling out magazine sweepstakes to earn basic necessities. 

His experience prompts reflection on our culture's obsession with oversharing, serving as a precursor to the rise of reality television. Despite his isolation, Nasubi's determination to complete his mission captivated millions of viewers, making him an unwitting celebrity in Japan.

The Contestant Cast

The Contestant Official Trailer

Final Thoughts

You can stream The Contestant on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in the US. You can also stream the show on Disney Plus in the US. People who travel abroad or live outside the US can use a VPN set to a US server to gain access to these services.

Our top choice is NordVPN to unblock Hulu and more. A subscription includes thousands of VPN servers worldwide, fast and stable connections, unlimited bandwidth, military-grade encryption, and the opportunity to try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days via the money-back guarantee.



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