Club Benefits
“Eras: Phil Collins” is for fans who want the story behind the songs, not just a greatest hits run-through. Across five episodes, Zoe Ball follows Collins from his childhood and early performances through Genesis, solo megastardom, and the personal cost that came with it, culminating in a more stripped-back final instalment that focuses on Collins himself.
Here’s how to watch “Eras: Phil Collins” from anywhere with a VPN, including the free UK options and the most straightforward way to stream when you are abroad.
All five episodes are already available to stream, with the series launched on BBC Sounds on January 19, 2026.
- U.K. — audio via BBC Sounds, plus the video interview on BBC iPlayer (also aired on BBC Two, depending on schedules)
- U.S. — audio via BBC Sounds and podcast platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify)
- WATCH FREE — BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
- Watch iPlayer anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk-free
The timing matters, too. Landing in January 2026, the series works as both a career retrospective and a candid check-in on where Collins is now.
That honesty has clearly hit home. Fans who have followed his arc for decades have been vocal about the final episode in particular, with media coverage highlighting Collins's confirmation of 2 years of sobriety and his upbeat outlook, even as he talks through ongoing physical challenges.
Before you press play, it helps to know this series splits into two experiences. Episodes 1 to 4 are audio-led, and you can listen worldwide via BBC Sounds and major podcast platforms.
Episode 5 is the one many people will actively seek out because it has a video option, titled “Eras – Phil Collins: In Conversation”, and that version is available on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Below, I will break down exactly where to watch or listen in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, plus how to use a VPN if you are travelling and your usual services are geo-blocked.
How to watch and listen to 'Eras: Phil Collins' in the U.K.
'Eras: Phil Collins' is already available for you to listen on BBC Sounds and Spotify in the U.K..
You can find his video interview on BBC iPlayer which is available for free with a valid TV licence and U.K. postcode (e.g. SE1 7PB).
Those outside of Blighty right now will need a VPN to access the show — our favorite is NordVPN.
Watch 'Eras: Phil Collins' from anywhere
If you are travelling and a streaming app suddenly appears different or refuses to load the content you pay for at home, a VPN can help. It works by routing your connection through another country so websites and apps treat you as if you are there.
We have tested many options, and NordVPN is our current top choice for speed, reliability, and broad device support. You can try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we mentioned earlier, NordVPN is our top choice.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.S. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select a U.K. server from the list.
3. Sit back and watch. Open your streaming service and sign in as normal.
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Watch 'Eras: Phil Collins' in the U.S.
You can listen to the full 'Eras: Phil Collins' series in the U.S. as audio, with all five episodes available via BBC Sounds and podcast apps such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
If you are specifically looking for the video interview version, that is currently a BBC iPlayer exclusive for UK users.
If you’re a British citizen in the United States for work or on holiday and want to watch the U.K. version as it airs, you can use a VPN like NordVPN to access BBC iPlayer.
Watch 'Eras: Phil Collins' in Canada
In Canada, the official option is the audio series, available through BBC Sounds and podcast platforms.
The video interview is accessible only on BBC iPlayer and restricted to the UK, so it will not appear in Canadian streaming lineups.
Meanwhile, travellers from the U.K. can still watch the show on BBC iPlayer by using a VPN like NordVPN.
Watch 'Eras: Phil Collins' in Australia
In Australia, you can stream the full audio run via BBC Sounds and podcast apps.
As with the U.S. and Canada, the video interview is currently limited to BBC iPlayer in the UK.
If you’re a Brit Down Under, you can use a VPN to watch on BBC iPlayer just as if you were back at home.
'Eras: Phil Collins' episode guide
There are five episodes in total. Episodes 1 to 4 are audio-only, while Episode 5 offers a visualised interview option.
- In the Beginning…
- Can You Feel It?
- The Imperial Years
- Against All Odds
- The Man Himself (final interview, with a visual version available)
'Eras: Phil Collins' FAQs
Who else appears in the series? The show features new and archival contributions from Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Sir Bob Geldof, Mike Rutherford, Craig David, and Phil’s son, Nic Collins.
Will he release new music? Phil hinted at a possible return to the studio, mentioning he has "half-formed" song fragments and would like to "have a fiddle about" to see if more music is possible.
Will he ever perform live again? While he said "never say never," he admitted he is currently unable to play the drums. Most fans view the 2022 Genesis tour as his final stage appearance.
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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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