How to watch 'Murder Case' online for free — stream the BBC Scotland true crime series from anywhere
The award-winning "Murder Case" offers unprecedented access to Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Teams (MITs)
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If you like your true crime grounded in process rather than sensationalism, "Murder Case" is worth your time. This BBC Scotland documentary series gives rare, fly-on-the-wall access to Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Teams as they work complex homicide investigations, often over long timelines, with a clear focus on forensic detail and the impact on families.
Here’s how to watch “Murder Case” online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for FREE.
The next new two-part special, "Murder Case: The Hunt for Arlene Fraser’s Killer" premiered on February 26, 2026.
• WATCH FREE — BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
Produced by Firecrest Films, the series won two BAFTA Scotland awards in 2019, including Best Features and Factual Series. It also received multiple honors at the 2020 Royal Television Society Scotland Awards, including Best Documentary.
It has become one of BBC Scotland’s most successful brands. In 2025, the special The Vanishing Cyclist was the channel's most-watched commissioned series, drawing an audience of 2 million.
The production team spends years building relationships with the justice system, often filming for over 15 months to capture an investigation from the initial crime scene through to the final trial.
Read on to find out how to watch “Murder Case” online, on TV, and from anywhere.
How to watch 'Murder Case' for FREE in the U.K.
BBC iPlayer has all episodes of "Murder Case", streaming now, including "The Hunt for Arlene Fraser's Killer" (2 part special).
If you are outside the UK temporarily and cannot access iPlayer, you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN, provided you meet the BBC’s account and TV Licence requirements.
If you are catching up, multiple seasons and specials are available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the UK now
Watch 'Murder Case' from anywhere
Traveling and blocked from your usual apps? A VPN, or virtual private network, lets your device appear to be back in your home country, so you can securely use your existing subscriptions while abroad.
We have tested many options, and the best VPN you can get right now is NordVPN. It delivers fast, reliable connections and works across most devices. You can try it risk-free for 30 days thanks to its money-back guarantee.
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Use NordVPN to access your usual streaming services while travelling and watch “Murder Case” on BBC iPlayer during its U.K. window.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're outside the U.K. and want to access a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to stream "Murder Case" live or on demand.
How to watch 'Murder Case' around the world
Watch 'Murder Case' in the U.S.
"Murder Case" is a BBC Scotland series that is not consistently available on mainstream U.S. streaming services.
Your best bets are British TV services. BritBox is where many viewers find most seasons, either via the standalone app or as a channel on platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
BBC Select, a documentary-focused service, can also host BBC true crime and is available via The Roku Channel, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video Channels.
If you’re a Brit in the States, you can stream it on BBC iPlayer with a VPN such as NordVPN during the U.K. window, provided you have a valid TV licence.
Watch 'Murder Case' in Canada
In Canada, BBC Select is the most direct option for BBC documentaries and is available as a channel via the Apple TV app or Amazon Prime Video Channels, with pricing and trials subject to change.
BritBox can also carry some seasons of Murder Case, either as an app or as an add-on channel through Amazon Prime Video.
If you want the newest UK specials, expect a delay before they arrive on international platforms. New 2025 and 2026 episodes typically premiere on BBC iPlayer first, with a later window for services such as BBC Select and BritBox.
For day-one viewing, use a VPN such as NordVPN to access BBC iPlayer and watch live or on demand.
Watch 'Murder Case' in Australia
BritBox is often the primary streaming home for the series locally, particularly for earlier seasons and a curated selection of BBC true crime.
BBC First, available via Foxtel and the streaming service Binge, can also be part of the release path for high-profile BBC content, so it is worth checking listings if you prefer to watch via an Australian provider.
As with Canada, the newest specials usually arrive after the UK iPlayer debut, so if you are trying to keep up with the February 2026 special, you may have to wait a while on local platforms.
Can't wait while visiting Australia? Use NordVPN to unblock your BBC iPlayer stream.
Is 'Murder Case' real or scripted?
It is a real-life documentary series filmed in a fly-on-the-wall style, with no scripts.
Where is it filmed?
It is filmed in Scotland, often following the Glasgow-based Major Investigation Team, with locations including towns connected to each case and court settings such as Glasgow High Court.
How many seasons are there?
As of early 2026, there are four series, including 2025 and 2026 specials grouped under series 4.
What is the difference between 'Murder Case' and 'Murder Trial'?
"Murder Case" focuses on the investigation itself, including crime scene work and forensic breakthroughs. "Murder Trial" focuses on the courtroom proceedings after an arrest.
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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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Caroline is a freelance writer and product tester, previously working in roles such as smart home editor across various titles at Future, including Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and TechRadar. As a technology and lifestyle expert, Caroline specializes in smart home tech, appliances, and more. She currently operates out of her cozy Suffolk apartment and is more dedicated than ever to helping people find the best products for their own homes.
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