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'Carl Frampton: On Probation' is a new docuseries in which the former world boxing champion looks into the criminal justice system in his native Northern Ireland. The Jackal investigates how officers try to prevent those involved in crime from reoffending, while also checking in on the progress of those in the system.
Here's how to watch "Carl Frampton: On Probation" online from anywhere with this VPN — and potentially for free.
The first episode of "Carl Frampton: On Probation" will premiere on Monday, May 18 at 10:40 p.m. BST on BBC One Northern Ireland. All episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
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During his boxing career, Frampton won 28 of his 31 fights and is a two-weight former world champion. His days of hitting people hard in the ring are over, though, and he's now helping put together hard-hitting documentaries instead.
In this new show, Frampton meets with convicted felons, probation officers, and even victims of crimes to better understand the process of probation in Northern Ireland and how difficult it can be for former criminals to adjust to life outside of prison once they're released.
He also investigates how people's upbringing can shape their future, and how difficult it can be for them to change engrained behaviors.
The gritty and eye-opening six-part docuseries will be a fascinating watch, and we can tell you how to watch "Carl Frampton: On Probation" online and from anywhere.
How to watch 'Carl Frampton: On Probation' for FREE
"Carl Frampton: On Probation" will stream for free in the U.K. on BBC iPlayer.
A U.K. postcode (e.g. SE1 7PB) and a valid TV license are required to watch.
Outside Britain on holiday? Unlock "Carl Frampton: On Probation" with NordVPN (75% off).
How to watch 'Carl Frampton: On Probation' from anywhere
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "Carl Frampton: On Probation" should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in the U.K. and watch iPlayer for free, as if you were back home.
Not all VPNs works for this – but NordVPN does (we use it daily) and you can get an exclusive offer below:
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the U.K. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "Carl Frampton: On Probation" online and on-demand.
How to watch 'Carl Frampton: On Probation' in the U.K.
All six episodes of "Carl Frampton: On Probation will be available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer once the first episode has aired.
If you'd rather watch the episodes on TV, you can catch "Carl Frampton: On Probation" on BBC One Northern Ireland. The first episode airs Monday, May 18 at 10:40 p.m. and episode two is on Wednesday, May 20 at 10:40 p.m.
Outside the U.K.? You don't have to miss this show if you are a Brit living abroad because you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN. We'll explain how to do that below...
How to watch 'Carl Frampton: On Probation' around the world
Can you watch 'Carl Frampton: On Probation' in the U.S.?
It will be a little tricky to watch "Carl Frampton: On Probation" in the U.S. as it's not going to be readily available on any streaming service.
Some BBC docuseries such as this are later released on BritBox, so that may be an option in the future.
A Brit on vacation in the States? To watch all the episodes for free on BBC iPlayer, you'll need a VPN like NordVPN to access your regular service without being geo-blocked.
Can you watch 'Carl Frampton: On Probation' in Australia?
It's a similar issue in Australia. Sometimes, British television content makes its way over to the other side of the world, but there are no plans for "Carl Frampton: On Probation" to head Down Under yet.
Again, Britbox may be an option further down the line.
If you’re a Brit working or on holiday Down Under and want to keep using your usual U.K. streaming services, you can still catch the show with a VPN like NordVPN.
Can you watch 'Carl Frampton: On Probation' in Canada?
The only way to watch "Carl Frampton: On Probation" in Canada will be via BBC iPlayer, but there will be geo-restrictions in place.
If you’re a Brit in the Great White North for work or on holiday and would prefer to stick with your usual U.K. streaming setup, you can watch via your normal services by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
'Carl Frampton: On Probation' — all you need to know
'Carl Frampton: On Probation' - episode guide
- Episode 1: In the first episode, Carl learns the lingo, shadowing probation officer Toni in Portadown. Together they meet a service user – the term used to describe the people they supervize – who has been convicted of assaulting police officers while already on probation. Her time on probation may be coming to an end, but as Carl discovers, her freedom hangs in the balance as she could face time behind bars.
- Episode 2: Carl visits a former probationer facing fresh allegations of assault - but they are said to have happened years before she was on probation. As the threat of jail looms over her, Carl explores how the case wasn’t tried sooner, and asks what will happen to the life she has built if she is found guilty. He also meets a woman who ended up behind bars for her first offence and finds out how probation has helped her find her purpose again.
- Episode 3: Carl is back with probation officer Toni, who finds out one of her service users is about to become a father again. He is on probation for serious assault, and has a historic conviction for assault on a former partner. Toni puts measures into place to safeguard the progress the service user has made. Meanwhile, in Belfast, Carl meets a woman who successfully completed probation and has big plans for her future, but her struggles with alcohol continue to hang over her.
- Episode 4: Carl tackles head-on one service user’s violent past, as the father-to-be reveals how an historic conviction for assault against a former partner has come back into the picture. It is a development that threatens to put the man’s sporting dreams on ice - and Carl investigates how he is dealing with the situation. But with violence against women and girls reaching epidemic proportions across Northern Ireland, Carl reminds him that serious consequences come from serious crimes.
- Episode 5: Carl goes to a unique court in Belfast – one that aims to address the root causes of offending by tackling drug and alcohol issues head on. Carl also meets an old friend taking part in this substance misuse court and finds out if weekly drug tests are helping him stay on track. Carl heads to the north coast, where probation officer Stuart introduces him to a man who has recently been released from Magilligan Prison but has nowhere to live. And a former probationer overcomes her past issues with drugs to accept her university degree, making a pledge to help other people in the same situation.
- Episode 6: The last episode of the series sees Carl focus on the organisation’s role when it comes to liaising directly with victims of crime. Carl meets a young woman rebuilding her life after a violent crime. In an extraordinary turn of events, she embarks on a journey to meet the man she put behind bars to ask him questions that have been brewing since his actions changed her life. Carl also meets a man who ended up in Maghaberry Prison after funding his gambling addiction by controlling prostitution.
What has Carl Frampton said about the docuseries?
Speaking to the BBC, Frampton explained why he wanted to make this docuseries:
"Before I started working on this documentary series I didn’t know much about probation. But going behind the scenes with the Probation Board for Northern Ireland has been a real eye-opener for me. I’ve met people with long criminal records – and the Probation staff working with them, trying to make sure they get their lives back on the straight and narrow."
What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Lots – including "Kin", "This City Is Ours", "Peaky Blinders", "The Cage", and "Dublin Murders".
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