Magpie Murders is a popular British mystery drama based on the novel of the same name by Anthony Horowitz. The series premiered in the UK in 2017, but has not yet been officially released in the US. Here are the best ways for viewers in the US to watch Magpie Murders right now.
Use a VPN
One of the easiest ways to watch Magpie Murders in the US is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to access streaming content that is geo-restricted to certain countries. Here’s how it works:
- Sign up for a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK server location.
- This will make it appear like you are accessing the internet from the UK.
- You can then visit UK streaming sites like BritBox or Acorn TV and watch Magpie Murders.
The benefit of using a VPN is that it’s fast, easy, and gives you access to not just Magpie Murders but lots of other great British shows. The downside is you have to pay for the VPN service, usually $6-$12 per month.
BritBox
BritBox is a streaming service created by the BBC and ITV that offers British TV shows. Magpie Murders is available to stream on BritBox in territories including the US. Here’s how to watch:
- Go to BritBox.com and select “Sign Up Now” to create an account.
- Choose a monthly or annual subscription plan starting at $6.99/month.
- Once subscribed, you can stream Magpie Murders on demand along with thousands of other British shows.
- BritBox is available via web browser, Roku, FireTV, Apple TV, and iOS/Android apps.
The benefit of BritBox is it has the largest collection of British shows available for streaming. The downside is it requires a paid subscription.
PBS Masterpiece
Magpie Murders aired as part of PBS Masterpiece in the US. Many PBS stations offer on demand streaming through the PBS app or website. Here’s how to watch:
- Go to PBS.org and find your local station.
- Check if they offer PBS Passport, which includes on-demand access to Masterpiece programs.
- If available, signup for PBS Passport and login through the PBS app or website.
- Find Magpie Murders in the available programs and stream all episodes on demand.
The benefits of PBS Passport are it unlocks lots of great Masterpiece content, and may be cheaper than other streaming options. The downside is that it’s not available in all areas.
Purchase Episodes
You can purchase digital copies of Magpie Murders to watch on various platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video – Purchase individual episodes or the full season starting at $1.99 per episode, or $12.99 for the full season.
- Apple iTunes – Get the full season in HD for $19.99.
- Google Play – Buy the entire season for $17.99.
- Vudu – Get the complete series starting at $12.99.
Purchasing digital copies gives you permanent access to stream whenever you want. The downside is the cost, which can add up if you want to watch more than one show this way.
Check Your Local Library
Many public libraries now allow you to borrow and stream movies and TV shows for free with just a library card. Apps like Hoopla, Kanopy, and OverDrive let you access streaming content through your local library. To see availability:
- Go to your public library website and see if they offer these apps.
- If available, sign up for an account with your library card.
- Install the app on your device or access through a web browser.
- Search for Magpie Murders and borrow or stream if available.
The benefit of using the library is it gives you free access. The downside is that selection can be limited compared to paid services.
Use a Free Trial
You may be able to watch Magpie Murders for free with a streaming service trial. Options include:
- BritBox – 7 day free trial, then $6.99/month after.
- Acorn TV – 7 day free trial, then $5.99/month.
- Sundance Now – 7 day free trial, then $6.99/month.
- AMC+ – 7 day free trial, then $8.99/month.
The benefits here are you can access Magpie Murders for free to try out the service. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be charged.
Wait for Official US Release
Magpie Murders still has not gotten an official US network release outside of PBS. It’s possible it could eventually air on a network like Masterpiece on PBS, or be made available on a streaming service like BritBox or Acorn TV. If you don’t mind waiting, it may get a mainstream release that allows you to watch for free or via an existing subscription.
The downside is that there is no guarantee of if or when this might happen. It could take months or even years for Magpie Murders to become officially available without using one of the other methods above.
Conclusion
While Magpie Murders has not been officially released for most US viewers, there are still several solid options to watch the British drama. Using a VPN or streaming service like BritBox provides the easiest and quickest access. Purchasing digital copies, getting it free from a library, or using a free trial let you access the show without an ongoing subscription. Or you can wait and see if Magpie Murders eventually gets a mainstream US release. With the popularity of British mysteries like this, hopefully it will become more widely available to audiences across the US soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Magpie Murders about?
Magpie Murders is a mystery drama based on the novel of the same name by Anthony Horowitz. It follows editor Susan Ryeland as she reads the final unpublished book by famous mystery author Alan Conway. Ryeland soon realizes the fictional book mirrors mysterious events in Conway’s real life that lead to his death.
How many episodes is Magpie Murders?
Magpie Murders is a single season limited series with a total of 6 episodes.
Who stars in Magpie Murders?
The cast of Magpie Murders includes:
- Lesley Manville as Susan Ryeland
- Tim McMullan as Alan Conway
- Daniel Ryan as Charles Clover
- Michael Maloney as Antony Waites
- Bertie Carvel as Dr. Redmayne
When did Magpie Murders air in the UK?
Magpie Murders originally aired on BBC One in the UK in 2017. It premiered on December 27, 2017 and concluded on January 3, 2018.
Has Magpie Murders been officially released in the US?
No, Magpie Murders has not gotten an official US network release outside of airing on PBS stations as part of Masterpiece. It has not been made available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu in the US.
Service | Availability in US | Cost |
---|---|---|
BritBox | Yes | $6.99+/month |
Acorn TV | No | $5.99/month |
PBS Passport | Only in some areas | Varies by station |
iTunes Purchase | Yes | $19.99 |
Amazon Purchase | Yes | $12.99 |
Is Magpie Murders based on a book?
Yes, Magpie Murders is adapted from the novel of the same name written by Anthony Horowitz. The book was published in 2016. The TV series stays closely faithful to the source material.
Will there be a second season of Magpie Murders?
No, Magpie Murders is a limited series and is unlikely to have a second season. The show covers the complete story from the novel in one self-contained season.
Other British Mystery Shows to Try
If you enjoy Magpie Murders, here are some other acclaimed British mystery shows to check out next:
- Sherlock
- Endeavour
- Broadchurch
- Shetland
- Vera
- Agatha Raisin
- Father Brown
- Grantchester
- Midsomer Murders
- Miss Marple
- Poirot
- Maigret
- Murder on the Blackpool Express
- The Bletchley Circle
- Jonathan Creek
- Wallander
Many of these acclaimed British mystery dramas can be found streaming on services like BritBox, Acorn TV, and PBS Passport.