See children in need (and maybe put your hand in your pocket, yes?)
Children in need turns 45 this year and is set to return to the if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it format that has made it a UK institution. it’s a breathless, non-stop rampage from Media City in Salford, hijacking the prime Friday night slot on BBC One (and BBC iPlayer) and refusing to stop until viewers stump up money for worthy causes…
Here’s where you’re going clock Children in need online for free – from anywhere.
The most loved aspect is often seeing the nation’s biggest celebrities out of their comfort zones and in unusual situations that bring them right back down to Earth – and this year Sir Alan Sugar from The apprentice must get a boardroom grilling from several young interrogators.
Gladiators! and The One Show also get new blood with kids entering the arena in the former and taking on personal fundraising challenges – including a special duet with Sam Ryder and skating with the cast of Starlight Express – in the latter.
There will also be music from Lewis Capaldi and another from the BBC Children in Need Choir performing Coldplay’s Yellow and the arrival of Radio 2’s Sara Cox in the studio after completing the distance of five marathons over five days.
Read on as we explain how to watch Children in need from anywhere in the world.
Can I see children in need for FREE?
You can. Viewers in the UK can watch Children in need before FREE on both BBC One and that BBC iPlayer.
Don’t forget that you can use a VPN to view Children in need on your usual streaming service from abroad. We recommend NordVPN.
Unblock any stream with a VPN
If you want to see Children in need but you’re away from home and access to the show is geo-blocked, then you can always use a VPN to access it (assuming you’re not violating any TV provider’s terms and conditions, of course). You might be surprised how easy it is to do.
Use a VPN to watch Children in need anywhere from:
Can you watch Children in Need in the US?
There are no plans to make Children in need available to watch in the US – they have plenty of their own charity phones.
Britons currently away from home can use a VPN to view Children in need on BBC iPlayer from abroad.
How to see children in need for free in the UK
Can you see Children in Need in Canada?
As with the United States, Children in need will almost certainly not ship in Canada.
However, British citizens currently traveling in Canada can use a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch the show from anywhere in the world. We recommend NordVPN.
Can you see Children in Need in Australia?
Children in need will not be available in Australia.
Britons currently away from home can use a VPN to view Children in need on BBC iPlayer from abroad. we recommend NordVPN.
When did Children in Need start and how much has it raised to date?
The live telethon started on the BBC in 1980 and by the start of 2025 had raised over £1 billion for charity.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
