How to watch 'Spent' online and from anywhere

Michelle de Swarte stars as Mia in "Spent"
(Image credit: BBC)

"Spent" is a new comedy series that follows a past-it catwalk model facing poverty and trying to readjust her life as she approaches 40. It is hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure across six episodes.

Here's how to watch "Spent" from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for FREE.

'Spent' dates, channel, start time

"Spent" will be available in full on BBC iPlayer and airs on BBC Two from Monday July 8 at 10 p.m. (BST).
• WATCH FREE BBC iPlayer (U.K)
Unblock any stream with NordVPN

Michelle de Swarte (The Baby, The Duchess) stars as Mia, whose modelling career has come crashing down, leaving her broke and homeless. De Swarte also created and wrote the show.

We see the main character couch surfing, which is rather a shock given her penchant for the finer things in life. Her high-quality skin-care regime cannot save her from the reality in which she finds herself. Worst of all, Mia won’t admit her issues to even herself, let alone ask for help.

"Spent" is about personal renewal in the face of difficult times. It also highlights some of the issues in the fashion industry, something de Swarte is personally aware of having been a catwalk model herself. Amongst the comedy, we are reminded that our successes can be short-lived. The series features Juliet Cowan, Amanda Wilkin, Matt King, Jamali Maddix, Karl Collins, Eleanor Nawal and Rachel Ofori alongside de Swarte.

Read on for everything you need to know on how to watch "Spent" online and potentially for free.

Watch 'Spent' free online in the UK

British flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)
streams for free on BBC iPlayer

"Spent" streams for free on BBC iPlayer. All six episodes drop on Monday, July 9.

Brit abroad? You don't have to miss it if you a Brit abroad because you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN. We'll show you how to do that below...

Watch 'Spent' from abroad

Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "Spent" 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.

Image
Exclusive deal

There's a good reason you've heard of NordVPN. We specialize in testing and reviewing VPN services and NordVPN is the one we rate best. It's outstanding at unblocking streaming services, it's fast and it has top-level security features too. With over 5,000 servers, across 60 countries, and at a great price too, it's easy to recommend.

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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 in the U.S. and want to view your usual U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to BBC iPlayer and watch "Spent".


Can I watch 'Spent' online in the U.S., Canada, Australia or the rest of the world?

No U.S. network has picked up "Spent" at the time of writing. The same is true for Canada, Australia and other places around the world. "Spent" is only available to watch on the BBC. 

However, Brits in the States for work or on vacation can watch the show online a month earlier with a VPN such as NordVPN. Choose U.K. and go to BBC iPlayer.

'Spent' Episode Guide

Episode 1: Bankrupt in the US, Mia flees to London to keep up appearances but instead finds herself in limbo. A glimmer of hope arrives in a rare modelling job, but there’s a sting in the tail.

Episode 2: Mia stifles her jealousy while meeting Ella, the girl now sleeping in her childhood bedroom. She then faces a moral dilemma when the model party she’s using to network reveals a dark underbelly.

Episode 3: Mia struggles to keep a roof over her head using a high-end hustle. A welcome distraction comes in the shape of a date, but Chrissy questions how Mia is maintaining her lifestyle.

Episode 4: In 2014, Mia’s at the height of her high life. A visit from Jo reveals that their friendship is complicated. In the present, Mia helps Teddy, but she doesn’t get the reception she wanted.

Episode 5: Mia reluctantly steps up as guardian for Ella. While charming social services, she accidentally promises a birthday party and reunion with her mum. But a surprise windfall doesn’t help.

Episode 6: Real life has officially arrived. Mia’s debts close in while the romantic tension with Jo reaches a head. Escaping to a swanky party, a dangerous ex has a bigger escape on offer.

More from Tom's Guide

Disclaimer

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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Charlotte Henry

Charlotte Henry is a journalist who has covered all things tech and media for a number of years for various publications. She reported in-depth as tech companies became media companies and vice versa. In her newsletter, The Addition, she focuses on the ever-changing streaming ecosystem as the likes of Netflix, Apple TV+ and Disney+ fight for supremacy. Charlotte is also a close follower of sport (she’s a Spurs fan…) watching everything from Premier League football to Major League Baseball. Charlotte’s first book “Not Buying It: The Facts Behind Fake News” was published in 2019. Away from work, she can often be found at heavy metal concerts and festivals.

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