How to watch It's a Sin online: stream every episode from anywhere

It's a Sin: what to know

The five-part drama follows a group of young gay men who leave their homes and move to London, in the 1980s, in the hopes of building an exciting new life. But their plans and lives are shattered by the beginning of the Aids epidemic. 

The series is both painfully devastating and hilarious. A moving and beautiful representation of the LGBTQ+ community, their friends and allies, is brought to life by a skilled cast led by Years & Years frontman (and Skins actor) Olly Alexander, who plays Ritchie. It's a Sin also stars British TV veterans Stephen Fry and Keeley Hawes, multi-talented actor Neil Patrick Harris, as well as a host of raw new talent. 

While the story is fictional, creator Russell T Davies drew on his own experiences as a gay man growing up during the 80s, where homophobic attitudes were entrenched in British society. He depicts the shameful way that the gay community was treated following the Aids epidemic, with those suffering and dying from the (then new) disease, relentlessly ostracised and alienated. At times, the show highlights parallels with the coronavirus pandemic, showing how easily skepticism about the disease tips into conspiracies and complacency.

But despite the dark shadow of the looming HIV/Aids crisis and the painful events that ushers in, It's a Sin is also a celebration of friendship, and a funny, joyful ride through the '80s gay scene with a stomping '80s soundtrack (opens in new tab) to match.  It's a heady, if ultimately heart-wrenching, experience.

How to watch It's a Sin free online in the UK

It's a Sin is currently airing Friday nights at 9pm on Channel 4.  But if you're impatient and want to binge-watch the whole series, all five episodes are available to view on All4 (opens in new tab), Channel 4's streaming service.

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How to watch It's a Sin online in the US

In the US you can watch It's a Sin on HBO Max (opens in new tab), which co-produced the drama with Channel 4. 

A monthly subscription costs $14.99, allowing you to watch more than 10,000 hours of films, documentaries and TV shows from any connected device. And you get even better value for money if you sign up for six months (opens in new tab), at $69.99 it's a 20% saving on the regular monthly subscription cost.

How to watch It's a Sin online in Australia

Lucky Aussies can start watching It's a Sin right away. Subscribe to Australian streaming platform Stan (opens in new tab) for weekly instalments from Jan 23. Monthly subscriptions start from AUS$10.

Streaming platform rules usually mean you'll be blocked from using your subscription service if you're outside the country. But a simple solution is to use a VPN (opens in new tab) service, which changes your IP address allowing you to continue to use your subscription even when you're away from home.

Reactions to It's A Sin

It's a Sin has received rave reviews from the TV-watching public as well as from critics and celebs, with people praising its moving storyline and stellar cast. Despite launching just two weeks ago, it has become Channel 4's most-binged new show to date breaking all its streaming records.  

In addition to making headlines, It's a Sin has also prompted widespread conversations about the continuing stigma of HIV/AIDS in our (supposedly) more enlightened times. A love-letter to those whose lives were ravaged by the disease, the show has had a real-world impact, inspiring record numbers to get HIV tests.  The cast reunited in a recent appearance on the BBC's Breakfast show, and were told the news that people taking HIV tests have quadrupled. As Omari Douglas, who plays Roscoe Babatunde, says: "It's so rare that telly can have that effect".

Celebrities, including RuPaul's Drag Race star Michelle Visage and Nigella Lawson are taking to social media to praise it.

Graham Norton, who recently had Olly Alexander on The Graham Norton show (opens in new tab) (BBC), is another fan of the series. He tweeted, warning followers to brace themselves for the genius:

"The best five hours of television I’ve seen in years. Your heart will be broken, warmed and lifted. Cast amazing. Soundtrack epic but most of all it’s about the genius and compassion of @russelldavies63" 

We couldn't agree more!