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There are few fictional characters quite as iconic as James Bond, and we have legendary author Ian Fleming to thank for the creation of the super spy. Now, we have a new documentary that offers never-before-seen insight into the writer and his experience of crafting the Bond novels.
You can watch "Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond" online from anywhere with a VPN.
"Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond" premieres on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 9 p.m. BST on Sky Arts HD.
• U.K. — Sky Arts
• U.S. & AUS — N/A
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
Fleming published 15 Bond novels during his writing career, drawing on his own experiences serving in the Second World War to build a complex, compelling character and putting him into enthralling, dangerous situations for our entertainment.
With narration from Helena Bonham Carter, and expert contributions from the likes of actor Ralph Fiennes, writer William Boyd (who penned a new Bond novel in 2013), and biographer Nicholas Shakespeare, "Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond" details the author's thought process and extreme commitment to the character, as well as a look at what made the stories so enduringly popular.
This 92-minute documentary will be perfect for devoted fans of the James Bond franchise, and could well be the ideal entry point for anyone wanting to get stuck into these spy novels for the first time.
You don't need any classified documents to watch "Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond" online — we can show you how to access the documentary from anywhere, plus the international rollout confirmed so far.
Watch 'Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond' in the U.K.
In the U.K., "Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond" airs at 9 p.m. BST on Tuesday, May 12 on Sky Arts HD. If you'd rather stream it, NOW will have the documentary available on demand.
Sky subscribers can also watch live or on demand through Sky Go on compatible mobiles, tablets and PCs. Virgin Media customers with a Virgin TV 360 or Stream box and a package that includes Sky Entertainment can access Sky Arts and watch "Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond" on demand, too.
Watch 'Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond' from anywhere
If you're away from home, a VPN can help you access the streaming services you already use. A VPN, or virtual private network, routes your connection through a server in your home country so you can log in as usual while traveling.
NordVPN is usually the option we recommend for streaming. It's quick to set up, works across phones, laptops and streaming devices, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Using a VPN is simple.
1. Install the VPN app on the device you’ll watch on. NordVPN is our pick.
2. Connect to a server in your home country. For example, choose a UK server to access your British streaming services.
3. Open your streaming app and play as normal.
Can I watch 'Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond' in the U.S.?
At present, it doesn't look like anyone has picked up "Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond" in the U.S..
If you're a U.K. resident traveling in America, a VPN like NordVPN can help you access this service as usual.
Can you watch 'Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond' in Australia?
There is currently no dedicated streaming service for "Ian Fleming and The Curse of James Bond" to be housed on in Australia. However, the documentary does have international distribution in place so we can expect it to arrive Down Under eventually.
If you're an Aussie working away from home, a VPN like NordVPN can help you access your usual streaming platforms.
Which James Bond novels did Ian Fleming write?
Ian Fleming wrote 15 Bond novels, all of which were published between 1953 and 1966. Here they all are, in release order:
- Casino Royale (1953)
- Live and Let Die (1954)
- Moonraker (1955)
- Diamonds Are Forever (1956)
- From Russia, with Love (1957)
- Doctor No (1958)
- Goldfinger (1959)
- For Your Eyes Only (1959)
- Thunderball (1961)
- The Spy Who Loved Me (1962)
- On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1963)
- You Only Live Twice (1964)
- The Man with the Golden Gun (1965)
- Octopussy (1966)
- The Living Daylights (1966)
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