"Waiting for the Out" is a hugely anticipated drama about Dan (played by Josh Finan) who begins teaching philosophy to prison inmates and then begins to appreciate things from their perspective. His family history makes this particularly poignant and leads to another kind of revelation...
Here's how to watch "Waiting for the Out" online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for FREE
"Waiting for the Out" lands on BBC One on Saturday, January 3 at 9.30 p.m. GMT. It will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
• WATCH FREE — BBC One / BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
Dan's father (Gerard Kearns), brother (Stephen Wight) and uncle Frank (Phil Daniels) are all familiar with life behind bars but philosophical discussions about topics such as dominance, freedom and luck as a teacher in a prison environment begin to have an unexpected effect on him.
As he begins to look at his own family history - and, in particular, his relationship with his father - and is unexpectedly forced to confront someone else from his past, he experiences something approaching a personal crisis that eventually begins to threaten both his own future and the of his family.
Read on for the other guests and to find out how to watch "Waiting for the Out" online, on TV and from anywhere.
How to watch "Waiting for the Out" for FREE in the U.K.
How to watch 'Waiting for the Out' around the world
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "Waiting for the Out" 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 "Waiting for the Out" online and on-demand.
Can I watch 'Waiting for the Out' in the United States?
Unfortunately, "Waiting for the Out" is not available to stream in the U.S. as yet. When that changes you'll read about it here first.
However, if you are a Brit in the States for work or on vacation you can catch the show for FREE now by using a VPN such as NordVPN, choosing U.K. from the list and selecting BBC iPlayer.
How to watch 'Waiting for the Out' online and on-demand in the U.K.
"Waiting for the Out" lands on BBC One on Saturday, January 3 at 9.30 p.m. GMT. It will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
And, you don't have to miss it if you a Brit exiled abroad because you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Waiting for the Out' online or on TV in Canada?
As with the U.S., "Waiting for the Out" is not available to stream in Canada.
However, if you are a Brit in the Great White North for work or on vacation you can catch the show on your own domestic streaming platform by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Waiting for the Out' online in Australia?
At the time of writing there has been no announcement about if or where "Waiting for the Out" will be broadcast in Australia. If that changes you'll read about it here first.
However, if you are a Brit working or on vacation Down Under and you want to catch the show on the BBC you can do so by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Waiting for the Out' online in New Zealand?
There are currently no plans to air "Waiting for the Out" in New Zealand but if that changes you'll read about its release date here first, so check back.
Remember, if you are a Brit currently in the land of the kiwi for work or vacation you can catch the show on BBC iPlayer by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
'Waiting for the Out' - Cast
- Josh Finan as Dan Stewer
- Stephen Wight as Lee Gifford
- Gerard Kearns as Dan's Dad
- Samantha Spiro as Dan's mum
- Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo as Officer Stephens
- Neal Barry as Officer Guthrie
- Steven Meo as Daniel 'Macca' McKenzie
- Josef Altin as Greg Turner
- Steven Meo as Daniel 'Macca' McKenzie
- Ric Renton as Wallace Robson
- Tom Moutchi as Tom 'Junior' Kouame Jr
- Nima Taleghani as Malik Zahir
- Charlie Rix as Zac Colton
- Alex Ferns as Keith McKellar
- Jude Mack as Jessica Atherton
- Sule Rimi as Samson
- Phil Daniels as Uncle Frank
- Francis Lovehall as Dris
'Waiting for the Out' - Episode Guide
Season 01 Episode 01: It is Dan’s first day teaching philosophy in a men’s prison. The lesson soon unravels as he realises he has underestimated his audience – and the weight of his own past. Fixating on small details, Dan loses control of the class, risks his chance of becoming a father and breaks an important promise to Jess. A familiar face resurfaces and he is forced to confront someone he thought he had left behind.
S01 E02: Dan finds himself drawn into Samson’s story – a prisoner consumed by grief over the life he took. As Samson struggles with guilt, Dan’s own compulsions resurface. A rare night out is cut short when the brothers are plunged into a tense search through Lee’s old haunts. Amid the chaos, Dan discovers a way to give Samson closure, but it’s clear his own past is closing in.
S01 E03: Haunted by memories of his absent father, Dan pushes his mother for answers she won’t give. When Keith presents a lead, Dan spirals into obsession, straining family ties as he unravels at a dinner party.
S01 E04: Dan’s life begins to move forward as he finds real happiness with Natasha and her son Tristan – until Frank reveals the whereabouts of his father. Curiosity gets the better of him, and Dan chooses to risk everything, hurting those closest to him. Is Dan just as destructive as the man he tried so hard to forget?
S01 E05: As Dan’s anxieties spiral, the only thing grounding him is a live feed from his stove – until it cuts out. Painful memories of his father return, while a tense encounter with Keith derails the class. As Dan’s crisis deepens, his actions threaten his entire future, and a confrontation with his past leaves Dan more alone than ever – caught between who he was and who he fears he is destined to be.
S01 E06: Dan escapes to Berlin and catches a rare glimpse of freedom from the noise inside his head. With his future hanging by a thread, Dan returns home determined to change and make amends. Until he meets a man who knew his father and old questions resurface... Faced with a chance to reconnect, Dan is forced to make a decision – will he break the cycle, or is he doomed to repeat the past?
'Waiting for the Out' - FAQ
Is "Waiting for the Out" based on a book?
It is. "The Life Inside: A Memoir Of Prison, Family and Learning to be Free" (2023) by Andy West.
Where was "Waiting for the Out" filmed?
Various locations in Southport, including Chapel Street, but mostly across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton
What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Lots – including "Riot Women", "Mr Nobody Against Putin", "Tár", "Doctor Who: Joy to the World", "Strictly Come Dancing", "Outnumbered" and plenty more.
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