The original ITV drama, "Mr Bates vs The Post Office" has been described as "seismic" in terms of its impact, registering as one of the most powerful pieces of television in the last decade. The shock waves are still on-going but this one-off documentary made by the same people delves into the repercussions so far...
Here's how to watch "Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for free!
"Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" is on ITV 1 on Monday, September 9 at 9 p.m. BST. It will also be available on ITVX from the same date.
• WATCH FREE — ITVX (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
A very happy Kevin Lygo (MD, Media & Entertainment ITV) summed it up like this: "Aside from [the original drama] being a ratings hit, dramatising the story with such a high calibre of British actors has reignited the campaign for justice nearly 25 years on, for a group of ordinary people — and the entire nation is behind them." The claim is justified.
In the immediate aftermath, signatures for a petition demanding extra compensation for the wronged subpostmasters rose from 15,000 to 300,000 and Google searches for "The Post Office" rose by 500%, while the government put forward a new law to exonerate and compensate the victims. The former Post Office Chief Executive, Paula Vennells, also handed back her CBE.
This, however, is just touching the surface. There is still a distance to travel in the search for justice and other cultural repercussions to consider — such as, the incredible power of linear TV to effect change.
Here's how to watch "Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for free.
'Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact' free
Watch 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact' from abroad
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" 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 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 ITVX and watch "Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" anywhere.
Can I watch 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact' in the U.S.?
There are currently no plans to air "Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" in the U.S. right now, but if you are a Brit in the States on work or vacation you can catch the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN, choosing U.K. from the list of servers, and heading to ITVX.
How to watch 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact' in the U.K.
If you live in the U.K. then you can watch "Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" for FREE on ITV1 on Monday, September 9 at 9 p.m. and also on ITVX. You'll need a valid TV licence, naturally.
If you're traveling away from the U.K., you can still catch the show by using one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact' in Canada?
As with the U.S. there are currently no plans to air "Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" in Canada. If you are a Brit in the Great White North on work or vacation, though, you can catch the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact' free online in Australia?
While there are currently no plans to air "Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" in Australia, there is every chance it will pop up on 7Plus, the channel that showed the original drama.
However, if you are a Brit down under on work or vacation and don't want to wait you can also catch the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact' free online in New Zealand?
As with Australia, there are currently no plans to air "Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact" in New Zealand but it is likely to appear on TVNZ+, the channel that showed the original drama, at some point.
But remember, if you are a Brit abroad on work or vacation and just can't wait then catch the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN and go to ITVX.
'Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact' - list of contributors includes...
- Alan Bates - subpostmaster and campaigner
- Jo Hamilton - subpostmaster and campaigner
- Jess Uppal - subpostmaster and campaigner
- Noel Thomas - subpostmaster and campaigner
'Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The Impact' FAQ
What might be the most profound impact of "Mr Bates vs The Post Office"?
Beyond the quest for justice and the effect on everybody associated with the scandal — victims and those responsible — it might be the dawning of the realization among the public of the hidden dangers of technology in the workplace.
As Kelly Williams (MD, ITV Commercial) put it, "Finally, at the heart of the Post Office scandal is the idea that a black box, algorithmic piece of software was right and the trusted, professional humans were wrong. Possibly something else for parts of our industry to reflect on."
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