"Dear Viv" is billed as a "celebratory, deeply personal portrait of The Vivienne’s remarkable journey." And it was quite a journey. From roots in North Wales and Liverpool to success with "Dancing On Ice", "RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars" and a role in the West End playing the Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz."
Here's how to watch "Dear Viv" online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for free.
"Dear Viv" premieres in the U.K. on Thursday, August 28 on BBC Three at 9.00 p.m. BST and again on Monday, September 1 at 10 p.m. BST. It is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
• WATCH FREE — BBC Three / BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• U.S./ Canada/ Australia — WOW Presents+
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
'The Vivienne' was James Lee Williams and this hour long documentary made with the approval and support of his family in the wake of his untimely death in January 2025 charts his life from cheeky toddler to young man seemingly destined for stardom.
He found that as winner of "RuPaul’s Drag Race UK" Season 1 and used that as a springboard to greater success but behind the scenes he was battling an addiction to ketamine. An addiction that ultimately killed him. His sister Chanel Williams talks in the show for better awareness around the dangers of the drug.
Read on to find out how to watch "Dear Viv" online, on TV and from anywhere.
How to watch 'Dear Viv' for FREE in the U.K.
How to watch 'Dear Viv' from abroad
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "Dear Viv" should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you find yourself. Our favorite is NordVPN.
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 watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "Dear Viv" online and on-demand.
How to watch 'Dear Viv' around the world
If you're outside of the U.K., you can watch "Dear Viv" on WOW Presents+ from Thursday, August 28 in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
The prices are as follows: $5.99, CA$7.99, AU$9.99.
However, Brits traveling to any of these destinations can access their usual free BBC iPlayer streams using NordVPN.
'Dear Viv' - Need to Know
'Dear Viv' - Cast
- The Vivienne (seen in archive footage) - Self,
- Chanel Williams - sister
- Baga Chipz - Drag Race star
- Michael Marouli - Drag Race star
- Danny Beard - Drag Race star
- Tia Kofi - Drag Race star
- Cheryl Hole - Drag Race star
- Raja - Drag Race star
- Monet X Change - Drag Race star
- Trinity The Tuck - Drag Race star
- PLUS family and other friends
'Dear Viv' - FAQ
What was 'The Vivienne's' cause of death?
A formal inquest held on 30 June 2025 ruled the death as "misadventure", noting it resulted from cardio-respiratory arrest caused by ketamine use - there was no evidence of intent to self-harm.
More from Tom's Guide
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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