Black Bird is a new psychological thriller miniseries that premiered on Apple TV+ in July 2022. The show is based on the true crime memoir “In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, A Serial Killer, and A Dangerous Bargain for Redemption” by James Keene and Hillel Levin. With its dark subject matter and strong cast, including Taron Egerton, Paul Walter Hauser, and the late Ray Liotta, Black Bird has quickly become one of the most talked about new shows of the summer. However, it is not available on two of the most popular streaming platforms, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where you can watch Black Bird and when it might potentially be available on Netflix or Prime Video.
What is Black Bird About?
Black Bird tells the story of James Keene (Taron Egerton), a young man who is offered a deal to be released from prison early if he can elicit a confession from suspected serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser). Keene is moved to a minimum security prison where he befriends Hall in hopes of getting him to reveal where the bodies of several missing girls are buried. The show is a cat-and-mouse psychological game between Keene and Hall as Keene tries to uncover the truth while deciding how far he is willing to go to get out of jail.
Where is Black Bird Streaming?
Black Bird is a Apple TV+ original series, so it is currently only available on that streaming platform. The first two episodes premiered on July 8, 2022, followed by one new episode weekly every Friday through the finale on August 5, 2022.
To watch Black Bird right now, you need an active subscription to Apple TV+. This currently costs $6.99 per month in the United States. All six episodes are available to binge for current subscribers.
Is Black Bird on Netflix?
At this time, Black Bird is not streaming on Netflix. The series was produced specifically for Apple TV+, so Netflix does not have the rights to include it in their content library.
There is always a possibility that Black Bird could be added to Netflix eventually. Netflix sometimes licenses the rights to stream series originally made for other platforms.
However, there has been no official announcement about Black Bird coming to Netflix any time soon. It may not arrive on Netflix until a year or more after it finishes airing on Apple TV+, per standard industry practices regarding streaming rights.
What Other Apple TV+ Shows are on Netflix?
While Black Bird is not on Netflix yet, some other Apple TV+ originals have made their way to Netflix down the line.
For example:
- Servant – Premiered on Apple TV+ in 2019, arrived on Netflix in 2021
- Dickinson – Premiered on Apple TV+ in 2019, arrived on Netflix in 2021
- For All Mankind – Premiered on Apple TV+ in 2019, arrived on Netflix in 2022
- The Mosquito Coast – Premiered on Apple TV+ in 2021, arrived on Netflix in 2022
So there is a good chance Black Bird will follow a similar pattern and make its way to Netflix 1-2 years after its Apple TV+ release. But nothing is guaranteed yet.
Is Black Bird on Amazon Prime Video?
Black Bird is not currently available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. As an Apple TV+ original, Amazon does not have streaming rights to the series.
The only way to watch Black Bird on Amazon right now is by adding the Apple TV+ channel. This allows you to access Apple TV+ content directly within the Prime Video app. However, you still need an Apple TV+ subscription for $6.99/month to watch Black Bird or any other Apple originals this way.
Could Black Bird Come to Amazon Prime Eventually?
While Netflix sometimes licenses rights to stream series from other platforms, Amazon rarely does this. The vast majority of content on Amazon Prime Video remains exclusive to that service.
So the chances of Black Bird making its way to the Amazon Prime content library appear very low. The only way it is likely to become available on Amazon is if you subscribe to Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels.
How to Watch Black Bird
Here are the streaming options available to watch Black Bird right now and in the near future:
Apple TV+
- Stream all episodes on demand with a subscription to Apple TV+
- Subscription costs $6.99/month in the US after a 7-day free trial
- Available on the Apple TV+ app, Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming sticks, etc.
- Best option for watching Black Bird as soon as possible
Apple TV+ on Prime Video
- Add Apple TV+ to your Amazon account for $6.99/month
- Watch Black Bird and other Apple originals in Prime Video app
- Apple TV+ content only – does not include regular Prime Video library
Wait for Potential Netflix Release
- Black Bird may come to Netflix 1-2 years after Apple TV+ premiere
- No extra cost for Netflix subscribers if it becomes available
- Best option if you prefer watching on Netflix and can wait
Summary of Where to Watch Black Bird
To recap the streaming availability options for Black Bird:
Service | Is Black Bird Available? |
---|---|
Apple TV+ | Yes |
Netflix | Not currently, but maybe in 1-2 years |
Amazon Prime Video | No, unlikely to be added |
The thriller miniseries Black Bird is considered one of the top new shows of summer 2022. But it is only accessible right now with a subscription directly through Apple TV+. Fans hoping to see it on popular services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video will most likely have to wait patiently for a while. Possibilities for Netflix down the line look good based on past Apple originals, but availability on Amazon appears doubtful. For those eager to watch now, signing up for Apple TV+ is the best option.
Conclusion
Black Bird has won over critics and viewers with its gripping story portrayed by a talented cast. But the Apple TV+ exclusive series is not yet available on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Netflix has a chance of getting rights to stream Black Bird 1-2 years after its initial premiere. However, fans shouldn’t expect it to start streaming there any time terribly soon. Amazon Prime looks very unlikely to ever license the series. For impatient fans keen on watching now, Apple TV+ membership is required. While the wait continues for wider streaming availability, the only legal way to watch Black Bird at present is directly through Apple.