Under 35s: Do you watch the BBC?

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SuperMochaCub@reddit

I’m shocked at the amount of people who are happy paying for tv license and also don’t think it’s a rip off. I have so many of friends who use those boxes with all the channels on them. The only reason why I have it is because my wife doesn’t wanna get caught not having a license 🙄. Tbf, of all the channels we watch bbc programmes is probably up there, I just think with all the other subscriptions, the fee to just watch tv is ridiculous

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GrapefruitHuge6732@reddit

i’m only JUST under 35, but no not really. i basically watch bbc news as my exclusive news source, and the very occasional documentary or seasonal tv/sport, but in terms of day to day content no, its movies and youtube! but yes i pay for it as i think its an important national institution, despite its many faults.

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Morazma@reddit

Yeah. It's brilliant, high quality content. The Traitors for example is legitimately the best thing I've ever watched and I couldn't imagine not watching that. The TV License is worth it for that show alone, but I watch (and listen to) lots of other stuff on the BBC.

I know the Tories have tried really hard to sway public opinion against it (because fair unbiased reporting is their enemy) but we would be so much worse off without the BBC.

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Last_Broccoli7178@reddit

But the BBC is not unbiased.

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sotmtwigrm_@reddit

can a news source truly be unbiased?

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Last_Broccoli7178@reddit

I agree.

But the BBC's whole thing is that it is unbiased and above all that. When in reality it isn't.

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FranzFerdinand51@reddit

If bbc isn’t then what is?

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shatnersbassoon123@reddit

The taint of the BBC

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skawarrior@reddit

It literally goes out of it's way to remain unbiased that it's coverage is sometimes terrible.

Look at Channel 4 and you'll see blatent bias there is almost zero on the BBC

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AgileSloth9@reddit

If their right leaning bias is them going out of their way, its a sad state of affairs.

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skawarrior@reddit

I guarantee there isn't a right leaning bias, you might percieved that but it's factually inaccurate

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AgileSloth9@reddit

Your guarantee means absolutely nothing after watching years of political favouring towards the tories.

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Last_Broccoli7178@reddit

Did you watch the baftas?

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Sharktistic@reddit

The Traitors for example is legitimately the best thing I've ever watched...

Really?

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Alert-Art-2618@reddit

You would really pay £180 for the Traitors alone?

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Greedy-Nature-826@reddit

If it's that good, then it would survive on subscription fees.

If it's not, then clearly the majority don't agree with you and are currently being forced to subsidise your choice of entertainment.

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Morazma@reddit

I'm not sure what you mean because nobody is forced to pay for it.

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Greedy-Nature-826@reddit

Of course people are forced to pay for it.

If you watch live news, broadcast anywhere in the world, over the internet then you have to pay the TV licence.

Sure, you could refuse to watch anything live but that's entirely impractical for most.

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Mysterious-Sock39@reddit

You are forced to pay if u watch sky sports or anything live ,why should we pay for something we don't watch. They won't ever go subscription as no one will buy, currently billions they don't deserve.

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Afraid-Series-8128@reddit

It probably would survive with a subscription but it would be very different organisation and would probably be crushed by American tech giants. I'm also not sure how I could subscribe to an FM radio station.

I think if mid-sized countries like the UK are going to hold on to their cultural independence, there probably will have to be some degree of subsidy involved.

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Remarkable_Editor749@reddit

bbc is biased though of course

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discoveredunknown@reddit

Totally agree

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gi1o83@reddit

I think this is one of the biggest problems, it's called a TV license, but it actually pays for loads more than "just" TV.

For example it pays for the BBC website, all the radio stations (including local radio), local democracy reporters (who cover local council meetings and make their reporting available to all platforms, including local papers), education programming (admittedly on TV as well as online), and generally pumps loads of money into the UK creative industry by supporting and funding new artists/actors/productions. Lots of people will have got their break at the BBC before going onto bigger and better things, Hollywood etc.

IMO the fact it's called a TV license does it a disservice. Without it we'd be making 22,000 people directly unemployed, and doing far more damage to the wider UK domestic industry. No way Netflix/Amazon make so many British productions without the supply line of actors/writers/producers the BBC creates. We'd just be left with American trash.

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Due_Peak_6428@reddit

Id rather have adverts than pay that monthly

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knightsbridge-@reddit

I'm exactly 35, but my husband is 33, so I'm gonna say we count.

We pay the license fee because we support the BBC as an institution that should exist, so it seems a decent enough use of £15/mo.

As far as whether we actually watch it; occasionally. Not often.

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Reallyboringname2@reddit

I’m 50 and have never been a watcher of the BBC but have always had to pay the licence fee, which is a complete rip off to me.

I only watch the football games that come on for Arsenal (very few) or competitive England matches that air.

I find BBC News to be heavily biased towards conservatives and have never watched, ironically preferring Sky News which I find much better quality and much more balanced.

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qash001@reddit

Lol sky news, balanced? What is the world coming to.

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cmpthepirate@reddit

Ditto. I listen to the BBC radio stations in the car. Seems good value (I value it).

People that evade the license fee and use the services piss me right off; the service is given in trust, not paying is theft.

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coops2k@reddit

Happy birthday!

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Butters16666@reddit

It’s not £15 a month is it?

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planetskeletons@reddit

why do you think it should exist? I'm under 30 and don't watch it at all (or any kind of news) so just interested in another perspective

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JonTravel@reddit

any kind of news

Also trying to understand another perspective. How do you find out what's happening in the country or the world?

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Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

Podcasts, TikTok, general internet searches.

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PerfectEmphasis9016@reddit

GB News?

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knightsbridge-@reddit

Because I think it's important that there's a source of news and entertain that is politically neutral (or at least, more politically neutral than most).

The fact that the BBC is more than half funded by license fee payers and doesn't exist to make a profit - having no shareholders to demand it does or doesn't make certain things - is valuable to me.

I don't want to live in a world where all TV media is either a) for profit, b) to advance a specific agenda or c) influencers (which is just a sub-genre of "for profit").

So I do my part and give them my £15.

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PerfectEmphasis9016@reddit

The BBC news is not politically neutral (than most) it’s also full of inaccurate spins on facts and are morally corrupt ima.

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cactusdan94@reddit

Hate to break it to you, but the BBC absolutely has a specific agenda lmao

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magicmuggle@reddit

It does, but nowhere near as much as lying politicians would like you to believe. It’s a national broadcaster and is accused by both people on the left and the right as being biased for the other side. Barring it having zero personalities on it, then it cannot be 100% neutral as humans have bias inherently. For what it has of left leaning comedians, it has right wing current affairs programs. (Not extreme left or extreme right in either case).

People honestly don’t know how lucky we are to have the BBC. It’s the same company that existed when we were kids, it’s just us who’ve changed by becoming more politically charged.

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Mysterious-Sock39@reddit

Politically neutral what BBC

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Funmachine@reddit

... BBC is more than news

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GoodThingsDoHappen@reddit

David attenborough is worth the license fee alone

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ShotInTheBrum@reddit

Couldn't agree more. Plus we have kids now and cbeebies is great as it isn't full of American crap.

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Fred776@reddit

I'm old but this is my position too. I actually listen to BBC radio far more than watching TV. Even though a licence isn't needed for that, I'm happy to contribute to its running.

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chilli_con_camera@reddit

Me too. I hardly ever watch BBC TV, in fact so little that I personally wouldn't miss it if it wasn't there. There's no reason for me to continue paying the licence fee except I think an editorially independent public service broadcaster is important in principle (even if there are issues in practice).

My mum no longer pays because she's old and gets pension credit, I'm very happy for my licence fee to help the BBC continue to give her (and people like her) content to watch, even if I'm not gonna watch it myself.

Also, the BBC World Service is funded from the licence fee, I'd prefer it wasn't but while so many millions of people rely on it, I'm happy to pay.

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Jonny_rhodes@reddit

I was gonna say I’m sure I’ve seen something about a radio only licence but that was abolished in 1971, only 2 decades before I was born 😂

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RoutineAbroad3486@reddit

😂😂😂 pull the other one.

The BBC is not an institution that should exist anymore than anything else. They’ve harbored, promoted and by proxy encouraged sexual abuse, misogyny and god knows whatever else over the years. And you’re funding it.

That aside, the quality of the shows and the radio stations has dropped drastically and you really aren’t getting your moneys worth.

Furthermore, the bully tactics and borderline harassment that the TV license people put on people is fucking disgusting to say the least.

You seem like their target audience.

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jungleddd@reddit

You’re right in everything you say. The problem is, the alternative is worse.

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cactusdan94@reddit

Why would you support the BBC as an institution? Hardly got a good track record has it lmao

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Rickietee10@reddit

You support a corrupt organisation that somehow managed to make a law designed to pay them?

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sihasihasi@reddit

Surprised I had to scroll this far to find the Reddit circlejerk response.

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Rickietee10@reddit

If you don’t pay the licence, you get court fines, which if you can’t pay means you end up in prison. You go to prison with rapists and nonces because you don’t pay to watch the shite BBC pumps out.

The irony there is, if a prison lets you watch telly. They’re exempt from the licence.

It’s a racquet

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RoutineAbroad3486@reddit

It’s the truth mate. Go walk with the other blind fuckers

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UKAOKyay@reddit

I've seen the slop on YouTube and the American model, I happily pay for the BBC for just the children's programming alone.

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Rickietee10@reddit

Cheap babysitter then.

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MyManTheo@reddit

My girlfriend and I are 25 and this is our position. We do watch it more often as well: MOTD Sunday mornings, Traitors when it’s on, Top Gear on iPlayer etc etc. It’s a hugely valuable service and worth paying for

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Whitelakebrazen@reddit

31 and yes, we pay for a TV license and watch the BBC. Usually on iPlayer - Strictly and the Apprentice (it's a guilty pleasure), sometimes MasterChef, old Doctor Who episodes, and enjoying The Other Bennet Sister at the moment.

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shazhazel@reddit

lol no

If I am not in my office then I am probably eating and watching an episode of the office on my TV… Then back to becoming a millionaire

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Dawningrider@reddit

Pretty much exclusively doctor who. It's probably un needed. I barely watch any live TV.

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user1892yo@reddit

Yes, me and my husband are both under 35. We pay and we watch, me more so than him.

Using this to highly recommend The Other Bennet Sister.

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Nearyy@reddit

Don’t watch, don’t pay.

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Expensive_Tart511@reddit

You watch NO live TV?

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FluteGunner@reddit

I’m 36. I haven’t watched live TV since I was 14 and started torrenting shows/movies. Once streaming became decent I stopped pirating. Now streaming is shit again I pirate again.

I hate adverts with a passion, that and being able to watch what I want, when I want.. I hate live TV.

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Ill-Matt-Tick@reddit

I don’t. There’s so much on demand, I don’t get the need anymore to watch live

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imcalledaids@reddit

I’m honestly surprised people can be shocked at this. I can’t remember the last time I felt the need to watch live TV. Maybe whenever I was last in a hotel with terrible wifi so I just put the telly on

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Dean_Learner77@reddit

In a premier Inn tonight and it's the only live TV I've seen in 10+ years.

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Leesbry@reddit

It's easier than you think.

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sph666@reddit

Same

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J444KDS@reddit

Miserable git

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BrilliantPrudent6992@reddit

😂

How is not watching BBC "miserable"?

Genuine question!

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Mrcooper10@reddit

Life beyond a screen so miserable!

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AmhereforyouBro@reddit

What a horrible comment, they are just answering the post question.

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sheepandlambs@reddit

Yes, frequently. The majority of what I watch on telly is BBC channels, and I frequently use the iPlayer. It's my only paid streaming service aside from YouTube Premium.

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sihasihasi@reddit

I frequently use the iPlayer. It's my only paid streaming service aside from YouTube Premium.

There's a paid tier to iPlayer?

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RIVA_LAS_VEGAS@reddit

Your TV licence is the paid tier. There's no premium.

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sihasihasi@reddit

Fair enough - I don't consider it a "paid streaming service, then"

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HenshinDictionary@reddit

Well it sure as hell ain't a free streaming service.

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AlfMisterGeneral@reddit

Is for me

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hippogriff55@reddit

Pay for what you use, rather than parasitising off the rest of us

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AlfMisterGeneral@reddit

I receive pension credit, I don’t have to pay

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hippogriff55@reddit

A-ha, i apologise. I thought you were just not paying.

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AlfMisterGeneral@reddit

Sorry I lied, I just don’t pay.

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hippogriff55@reddit

Parasite

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SkengmanFy@reddit

He's going to have a right cry now 😂

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allthatgoodstufff@reddit

😂😂

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Chemical-Lettuce2497@reddit

Nope, I'll keep mooching. I'm on benefits too, pirate everything I watch, don't have a licence but drive daily (in a car I defaulted on ages ago.. they're trying to repo) and I relentlessly shoplift

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Pure_Breadfruit8219@reddit

Bet you dodge the window cleaner too.

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sihasihasi@reddit

Sure it is. It's incidental. I'm paying my license fee because I watch broadcast TV - I don't pay any extra for iPlayer.

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Sopzeh@reddit

I on the other hand pay my license specifically for iplayer and never watch live TV.

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SteelSparks@reddit

iPlayer is included in the licence, like Amazon is included in prime subscription

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And_Justice@reddit

I do. You have to pay a tenner a month for it.

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Defiant-Aside-6673@reddit

Eh you don't "have" to pay for it.

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Puzzled-Barnacle-200@reddit

£15/month!

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knotatwist@reddit

Well you pay the license and then you can legally stream from iPlayer for free

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catmatix@reddit

Then you may want to reconsider your considerations

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NotASockPuppet88@reddit

BBC and youtube premium?

Must be a cuck

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Apple2727@reddit

Some people can afford it. Don’t be mad bro.

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Holiday-Coconut-9303@reddit

What does this mean? Genuinely, what are you trying to express here?

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Sophiiebabes@reddit

33 - occasionally, usually when doctor who is on.

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MathematicianLife510@reddit

My misses makes us pay the licence fee because she doesn't want the bother so I make sure we get the use out of it.

Between that and Amazon Prime we don't have any other paid streaming.

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Antique-Dentist2048@reddit

I only use Amazon Prime Video

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ClarkeR77@reddit

I'm 29 and haven't watched or paid in years, haven't missed it at all.

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SuperMarioStarFox@reddit

Nice try, tv licensing people.

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Killybug@reddit

No. Just can’t trust their content. They were caught red handed doctoring particular speeches and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

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spicyzsurviving@reddit

Yes, news, every piece of David Attenborough media, and use iPlayer for the odd entertainment show. I don’t tend to watch live TV.

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No-Relation1122@reddit

Everyday.

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Zs93@reddit

I’m 32 and don’t watch any live tv

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tomegerton99@reddit

I’m 27, and most of my friends are in the same boat as me. Nobody I know has a TV license or watches live TV, we all just stream our content.

A few of us are even thinking about making our plex servers…

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Cryptoisme@reddit

Lmfao! This thread is essentially an advert for the BBC. You guys are so lame! 🤣

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crispcrumbguzzler@reddit

I am 30 and I have done since I was small, the Beeb is a beautiful national institution, we should all be so proud of the value it delivers,

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Defiant-Aside-6673@reddit

I don't pay for the license. I don't watch BBC content.

I have an IPTV subscription for football and use YouTube for practically everything else.

The license fee should be abolished, but the government should have it enshrined in law that the BBC gets X billion per year (increasing based on inflation) to continue to operate.

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Ruu2D2@reddit

Yep

News - specialy if something big going on in world or breaking

Silent witness

Gladitors

Traitors

Line of duty

Happy valley

Call midwife

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mysteriousmistress66@reddit

I'm 28. I do not watch any live TV. Primarily because it's mostly shit, but also because I'm not paying a ridiculous amount to watch live TV (or catch up on BBC iPlayer).

I have YouTube Premium, Netflix and Disney+ (though Disney+ is more for my kid than for me)

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EyeAware3519@reddit

I'm nearly 50. I sometimes watch Match of the Day but that's about it. Like a mug I pay my TV licence every year and have done for 30 years. It's just another tax at the end of the day and minimal compared to all the others I pay.

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rybnickifull@reddit

I don't think you're a mug, I think you're helping to pay for programmes that literally wouldn't get made if the BBC didn't exist. Anything in Welsh or Gaelic would be gone, and as a Welsh speaker I'm glad for S4C, even if much of it is about farming.

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Adventurous-Elk-5193@reddit

yeah, another reason not to pay it lol

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rybnickifull@reddit

What a stupid thing to say.

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EyeAware3519@reddit

Tidy

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Adventurous-Elk-5193@reddit

stop paying it then. Nothing will happen ( except the "scary" letters. Why pay for something you're not using?

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EyeAware3519@reddit

I mean. I pay for schools too, not used one of those for 30 years.

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Adventurous-Elk-5193@reddit

yes, but the BBC is mostly an entertainment platform. It's not something the nation needs, just as we don't need Netflix. It's an entertainment choice

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herne_hunted@reddit

I too pay my TV licence and I watch mainly BBC channels. It'd be interesting to know how much I pay for the 190 channels FreeView that I don't watch. They're all supported by money from companies' advertising budgets and, as a consumer, I'm paying for them. I've no idea how much though.

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Tyruto@reddit

Yes but only because it has every episode of One Piece in English dub.

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Plantain-Feeling@reddit

Sometimes, usually around Christmas but that's about it and even then that's around others houses

I personally took the money I would spend on the licence and just use it to get YouTube premium, it's basically my TV

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madformattsmith@reddit

I'm 29.

I watch BBC three half of the time (usually when I feel like it) via iplayer as my flat doesn't have an aerial connection point. I've been watching it that way since 15/16.

I refuse to pay the license fee so I just click on the "yes, I have a license" box. BBC are none the wiser.

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liltrex94@reddit

Nah. I don't have a TV license and I get me news from TLDR

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Effective-Cash7286@reddit

I'm 34. Yes, I watch the BBC.

I do not pay for any other streaming services. Have Disney+ with 02 (SIM only deal)

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MakiSupreme@reddit

Im 25 and i never do

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D95vrz@reddit

I’m 30 and I don’t pay the TV licence. Haven’t watched the BBC or any other channels for many years. I might subscribe to Netflix every now and then.

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Uncle_Beanpole@reddit

WILTY worth every penny of the tv licence, I love it!

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shabading579@reddit

I occasionally watch BBC news. That and the Chase are the only programs I watch on live TV

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Flat-Ad8256@reddit

My daughter is 20. She watches Race Across the World and the Traitors. The odd other thing, but those two in particular. She loves them both.

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D0wnb0at@reddit

I’m in my 40’s and no, I don’t watch any live TV, haven’t done since I was a kid and living at home with my parents. I never understood having scheduled TV. What if I’m busy at that time?

When I was like 14-15 Napster was a thing, music took all night to download an album due to internet speeds. When broadband came out, movies and tv were popular to download and I never broke the habit. And it’s so much faster now. Can just think “ok that looks like a good film” and be watching it 5-10 minutes later.

Then some people do IPTV which is similar to buying something like Netflix but I am stuck in my ways.

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Manicmooner@reddit

So you started stealing as a child and just never stopped.

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docju@reddit

" I never understood having scheduled TV" You're in your forties- surely you remember how they did it before the internet?

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More-Yard5742@reddit

I'm 42 and never paid the LF in my life, I use all the BBC service 💅💅💅💅

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Odd-News-9749@reddit

29 here and yes, particularly their snooker coverage!

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-GuardPasser-@reddit

Don't watch don't pay. Proven to be misleading and biased on some of the biggest issues

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HotBicycle1@reddit

I am 40, and my partner is now 36. I paid for it for 20 years, realised we didn't watch cable or BBC, so this year I cancelled both. We have not once missed it in the last 6 months.

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portablekettle@reddit

Unless they're streaming sports, no

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noinch@reddit

I'm 41 and I've never paid and watched it. It's crap. I live on Netflix, Prime and YouTube.

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dettySJD99@reddit

Wife and I are both 27. Yes we pay and yes we watch lots of BBC, from comedies to news to sports to reality - the BBC put out some really good stuff.

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edge2528@reddit

Use BBC news and radio and watch documentaries and feel lucky to have the BBC compared to alternative systems like the US have

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StuckWithThisOne@reddit

No, not unless something significant is on. We actually don’t watch normal tv at all usually, we watch streaming services (sometimes including british tv channel ones) and YouTube.

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insomnimax_99@reddit

Mid 20s

I don’t watch TV either, only actual TV I watch is the F1.

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Butters16666@reddit

Jumping on the bandwagon here.. but that’s live right?

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insomnimax_99@reddit

Yeah, I watch shows on streaming services - I just don’t watch live TV (other than F1)

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OhhWolves@reddit

I only watch Match Of The Day

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Apprehensive_Oil_808@reddit

We don't have live on in our house, and will use cbeebies for the kids in the morning on iPlayer before school. Don't pay a licence.

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rpp313@reddit

44 today...listen to radio 2 everyday...refuse to pay the license fee as sooner or later they all get outed as nonses

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RandomUser22487@reddit

I’m 35, the only thing I watch regularly on the BBC is live sport. Only other thing I recall watching fairly recently was an episode of the Gladiators reboot for the nostalgia.

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onlysmaller@reddit

I’m 36 (so not totally applicable I guess) and I never bought a incense after moving out I didn’t need it. But when my partner and I bought our house he wanted one for sports mainly so he got one. I’ve only watched ‘ghosts’ and ‘the other Bennett sister’.

I don’t object to the BBC I just never really needed a license. We have Netflix, prime and Disney plus I watch a lot of YouTube.

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nikkijxd@reddit

I'm 33 and havent had a TV licence since i learnt you didnt need one (i was lied to at 19) I dont watch live tv. If i really want to see something that is live i'd invite myself to a friends house who does.

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Cheese_Dinosaur@reddit

Just make sure you do a ‘no licence needed’ declaration!

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Live_Pineapple3430@reddit

Is it legally required? I’ve been ignoring their letters for the last year as I don’t want to give them information

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Cheese_Dinosaur@reddit

I thought it was. If you genuinely have nothing in your house to watch live television or streaming. So you just watch prerecorded media.

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Live_Pineapple3430@reddit

They don’t even know my name so I’m not sure they can legally force me to reply to whether I want to subscribe to their service. I have a TV, but do not watch live TV - it is not connected to digital television.

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nikkijxd@reddit

Have been doing so for the last 10 years :)

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Cheese_Dinosaur@reddit

Ah good! 😊 Wouldn’t want you to get told off!

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Evening-Bill-9323@reddit

We don't watch a huge amount of BBC stuff, but I'm happy to pay the license fee.

BBC website for news and sport. BBC news gets moaned about from both sides of the aisle so it's not perfect but I think a reasonable source of world news.

CBBC/Cbeebies - I have a 4 year old and another on the way. Those channels are great and give a nice balance rather than kids watching the same thing for hours on Netflix,Prime etc

Radio - I travel around a lot for work and commercial radio stations have just become adverts for cash competitions with a bit of music in between. BBCs radio output and variety is far superior.

Live event coverage - love their Glastonbury/6 Nations/Olympics coverage.

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SgtBushMonkey69@reddit

The only things I use iplayer for is one piece and when a new season of blue lights comes out

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AnnoyedHaddock@reddit

Nope. That said I don’t even own a tv so don’t watch any channels.

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Fine_Shallot_8447@reddit

I always have I'm now 28 but ever since I moved out at 23 I've watched live tv or more likely on iPlayer. I LOVE only connect, death in paradise and Ru Paul's lol a bit of a mix!

I also really like just putting live tv shite on, 8 hours of a mix of four in a bed, come dine with me and life in the sun? Sure, it's garbage but I don't have to pay much attention and it comforts me, maybe because my dad did the same.

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Nandor1262@reddit

I pay for a TV licence and watch the BBC. Match Of The Day, some sitcoms, the news, Panorama, Question Time, the Olympics, Wimbledon etc.

I also watch live TV a lot especially sport so I pay it for that

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anxious_antelope813@reddit

My husband and I listen to Radio 1 every day, and probably 50% of evenings we will watch a few hours of TV that's either currently on or was originally made by the BBC (but is now on another service), and I read BBC News fairly regularly. Overall I think it's one of the cheapest services out there when you think the volume and variety of content that's produced - and for me, I think it is important it continues to exist.

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KieranCooke8@reddit

Yes absolutely. Almost exclusively through iplayer though

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OK_Cake05@reddit

Yes several times a week

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Terrible-Group-9602@reddit

Never. Plenty of good stuff on streaming channels, never watch live TV, save £180 a year. Nice one!

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SaysUselessThings@reddit

"i dOn'T wAtcH tV!!"

Lots of people still do. Get over it.

[-]

Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

Yes, they do. This question wasn't phrased in a childish sort of way, so your behaviour here is unwarranted.

[-]

w1ckedw1ckedw1cked@reddit

No I've got a dodgy firestick never paid for a TV licence

[-]

GordonW25@reddit

32, yeah. IPlayer is probably the streaming service I use the most. Collection of documentary’s specifically of excellent. Probably in the minority but I have absolutely no issues with the licence fee when you consider the width of content across the BBC.

[-]

harris_kid@reddit

Watch about 5 odd shows here and there on iPlayer, constantly have Radio 1 on in the car. I watch mainly Channel 4 stuff so I'm happy to pay license.

[-]

mkaym1993@reddit

Yes, most recently I’ve been watching Richard Osman’s House of Games, Race Across the world, and re-watching This Country as it’s bloody hilarious

[-]

cfehunter@reddit

I'm 36. I have never paid for the TV licence, and I've not watched a BBC programme since I moved out from my parents place at 19.

I could be convinced to pay for BBC news and documentaries, and the children's educational programming is a public good, otherwise I'm just not interested in much the BBC puts out.

[-]

SuccessfulNothing950@reddit

I’ve Never paid for tv licence. I don’t watch BBC tho.

[-]

BissoumaTequila@reddit

32 and yes. Love iPlayer. Big fan of Radio 5 Live and Radio 6 Music. I’m a purist and still watch Match of the Day every weekend - old habits die hard!

[-]

thacodfather@reddit

Don’t watch, never paid

[-]

WesternEmpire2510@reddit

35 on the money here. Mostly Cbeebies.....not personally, of course...

[-]

Additional-Let-5684@reddit

I'm early 30s and watch BBC all the time, I hate how American American TV shows have become and rarely watch content from there. Netflix and prime are basically graveyards of cancelled shows at this point

[-]

JohnnyMcKormack@reddit

Who the heck under 50 actually watches TV live

[-]

Adorable-Ad8209@reddit

Listen to it in the wireless - 57 so don't count.

[-]

JonTravel@reddit

Aye.

[-]

Lazy-Possibility1334@reddit

All the time. Eastenders, masterchef, great British menu, the traitors, strictly, the repair shop. I realise I am 34 but have the viewing habits of my 90year old grandmother. My kids watch cebeebies sometimes as well. Wouldn't be without it

[-]

SpareSurprise1308@reddit

I could never imagine paying for a pedo propersgander company

[-]

InfaSyn@reddit

Hate the BBC with a passion. Bias issues, factuality issues, decades long proven track record of protecting nonces, TV license sham - they've been an embarrassment since the 80s.

[-]

LemmysCodPiece@reddit

The only program I watch on the BBC is Beyond Paradise. I am not paying 175 quid for that, so I get it elsewhere.

[-]

Britkraut@reddit

Didn't for a long time.

But QI, HIGNFY, Attenborough, a whole load of One Piece and a decent film collection is pretty legit

[-]

GenitalConsumer@reddit

I'm 2 busy paneting rowndabowts ty

[-]

YesIAmRightWing@reddit

Nah don't really watch a lot of TV outside of footie these days

[-]

Radiant_Pudding5133@reddit

In my late 20s and yeah but listen to it more.

Can’t beat test match special!

[-]

dselwood05@reddit

20 and I love broadcast tv.

[-]

RDRulez@reddit

Nope. Haven't paid the licenses or used BBC services since I left for Uni. Parents cancelled it a few years ago.

[-]

EuroSong@reddit

I watch exactly two programmes on broadcast TV per year: The Eurovision Song Contest, and the King’s Speech at Christmas. Everything else is on streaming. I consider it remarkably poor value for my TV licence.

[-]

ResponsibilityNo3245@reddit

Tend to watch lesbians over BBC personally

[-]

ultraboomkin@reddit

I’m 29. Outside of Sky Sports and a football World Cup every few years genuinely can’t remember the last time I watched TV of any description.

[-]

Cirieno@reddit

The licence doesn't only fund TV.

[-]

obsessedwtravelgal@reddit

BBC iPlayer has a lot of really good shows & surprisingly good choice of movies!

[-]

obsessedwtravelgal@reddit

25 also forgot to include that part lol

[-]

HanAVFC@reddit

34 I pay, and tbf I've got young kids and cbeebies/CBBC has the best children's things, my eldest also plays the educational games on her laptop, some of which she uses at school anyway. I also work in education and have seen short clips used from many of their shows in classrooms. My eldest knows shakespeare from watching the cbeebies plays.

We also as a family like great British menu, this farming life, and I love the quiz programmes, and I like newsnight, question time, Sunday politics, so I would say at some point every day we watch something either live or on iPlayer.

So I feel happy I'm getting my money's worth!

[-]

mikeraven92@reddit

I pay the license but probably only watch something about once a year, and then only on iPlayer. I listen to the BBC stations in the car though, the lack of adverts is a big draw!

[-]

Adventurous-Elk-5193@reddit

another person paying for something they don't use! why?

[-]

Expensive_Tart511@reddit

They use the radio? The radio has no adverts because it is funded out of the BBC budget. The name TV License probably isn’t a modern fit.

[-]

AdBubbly3609@reddit

31, i don't watch regular tv unless im at someone else's house and they have it on

[-]

SilyLavage@reddit

I listen to the BBC more than I watch it. Commercial radio can't hold a candle to what the Beeb offers, and the lack of adverts makes for a much better experience.

[-]

Expensive_Tart511@reddit

Yes it’s fantastic having ad free listening!

[-]

Fragrant-Prize-966@reddit

It’s torture listening to commercial radio after becoming accustomed to Radio 4. The ad breaks every 10 minutes are unbearable.

[-]

thelegendofyrag@reddit

40 don’t watch Live TV don’t pay for the license. What I do get though are frequent threatening letters so at least I know they are putting the funds to good use.

[-]

Expensive_Tart511@reddit

Yes. I’m mainly a Newscast and Radio 1 listener, but I believe the money goes there all the same.

[-]

sambxiv@reddit

I am 36 and yes! I listen to lots of BBC radio too and pay for a tv license because I think it’s a a bargain.

[-]

Late_Temperature_234@reddit

Im 37 but rarely. At most I will watch the occasional 10pm news headlines. I barely watch any TV full stop.

[-]

skawarrior@reddit

Yes although mainly iplayer or big Rugby events.

BBC have incredible documentaries, Forensics: The Real CSI being absolute peak!

[-]

Dramasticlly@reddit

Yes, 31F and I watch News at Ten, Newsnight, Panorama, Question Time, few documentaries, like Louis Theroux, Adam Curtis, some History.

[-]

Pathfinder-electron@reddit

33, never had TV and never will.

[-]

F4C___@reddit

I do.

Our media sector is DOMINATED by American companies. Netflix is American. Amazon is American. Disney is American. Sky is owned by Comcast, who are American. HBO are American. ITV will likely sell out to Comcast. Channel 5 are owned by Paramount, who are American.

We need a British broadcaster capable of representing Britain in the world of media. The BBC isn’t perfect and I won’t suggest for a second that it is. But if we lost it, or reduced it to a shadow of itself, we would suffer later on and we would regret it.

[-]

Morganx27@reddit

I watch it (mainly Doctor Who and stuff on iPlayer) but the news output is so bizarrely biased so I don't like that aspect. Having equal amounts of complaints from both sides doesn't mean you're unbiased.

[-]

zorba-9@reddit

I don't pay as BBC's entertainment programs are pish, streaming what you want is what I like, although I watch the proms in my mums

[-]

gborato@reddit

I am 40 and never watched TV past child years and the odd Sunday movie when with family.

I don't understand people who watch TV. The quality of content is appalling.

I am talking France. So maybe UK is bettah

[-]

TheZamboon@reddit

No. I don’t support organisations that harbour nonces.

[-]

Tarvoric@reddit

Yes. IPlayer has great content for my son. I quite like the shows iplayer has on it

BBC radio and Sounds are also really good

[-]

DaughterOfATiredMech@reddit

Only when athletics is on

[-]

AugustineBlackwater@reddit

Woah, you almost got me there TV licensing people but I'll simply have to say no comment.

[-]

Fantastic_Leading_97@reddit

Nope. Haven't watched it since 2012.

[-]

Nopetynope12@reddit

I do but only to watch hignfy and nothing else. and that gets cancelled at least once a series so they can use the airtime to pretend to care about children or something

[-]

Patryllo25@reddit

33yo here, nope. I'm not interested in it all, TV can die tomorrow and I wouldn't bother.

[-]

Mysterious-Sock39@reddit

They axing 2000 jobs not long now😁

[-]

ukbot-nicolabot@reddit

A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question

[-]

Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

This news is why I made the post!

[-]

notanadultyadult@reddit

Don’t watch and don’t pay a TV licence.

[-]

PowerDrivenRdditMod@reddit

Nice try, Scott Robson. We will be having words about your most recent letter to me.

[-]

ukbot-nicolabot@reddit

A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question

[-]

Amazing-Visual-2919@reddit

Weird boast.

You're missing so much food stuff. You're probably paying for channels and watching BBC content on there.

[-]

ukbot-nicolabot@reddit

A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question

[-]

Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

It's not a boast? I don't watch any TV. I use YouTube Premium and physical media. I mostly like to read.

[-]

Amazing-Visual-2919@reddit

There's so much information on the BBC. Websites. Radio. The Sounds App is worth it alone. Just listen to Radio 4 for a day and you'll find all sorts of interesting programmes on there to broaden your horizons.

[-]

Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

My book collection is enough at the moment lmao. I used to listen to radio 3 and 4 with my mum when I lived with her. I agree, some good programming but not enough for me to really bother now.

[-]

Whole-Turnip-6938@reddit

Nice try TV license enforcement officer!

[-]

ukbot-nicolabot@reddit

A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question

[-]

Whole-Turnip-6938@reddit

Oh, serious answers only sorry.

I do not watch BBC (33m).

I have Prime, Netflix, Disney+, NOW and 4od. I do miss the apprentice and dragons den.

[-]

miuipixel@reddit

Over 45 here, have not watched anything live since 2019.

[-]

veryblocky@reddit

No, I don’t watch television

[-]

CrossCityLine@reddit

OP has enough answers and this has predictably descended into the same old boring arguments.

[-]

Jenpot@reddit

Nice try, (TV license enforcement) officer.

[-]

ukbot-nicolabot@reddit

A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question

[-]

Frothingdogscock@reddit

*licence. We're not animals 😂

[-]

Choice-Implement1643@reddit

They’ll do anything to trap ya these days

[-]

Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

Oops I'll try being more subtle next time :P

[-]

iamworsethanyou@reddit

First they were advertising in my podcasts. Now they're baiting us on my Reddit?

[-]

Gauntlets28@reddit

Yeah, I watch the BBC. I don't watch all of their output, but they do have a lot of good stuff on there, especially now they've uploaded a lot of their back catalogue to iplayer. Also, I always said I would once I could afford it, after freeloading off iplayer for most of my early 20s, so I felt like I should put my money where my mouth is on that front. I view it as just another subscription though.

[-]

Calm_Perspective_887@reddit

Normie TV is so awful. Everything is either soppy af, politically charged propaganda, or advertisements (5 minutes for every minute of content). Sometimes all three at once. I can’t stand it.

[-]

sneddsdead@reddit

I'm 50 and don't watch the BBC, just YouTube and Android apps for any films or shows I want to watch.

[-]

Poethegardencrow@reddit

Funny thing is , I don’t live in England anymore I pay for an online TV to get English telly which I watch a lot my mum has a TV licence for years now and she never ever opens iPlayer 😂

[-]

Karla_Darktiger@reddit

No, I don't even really watch TV

[-]

Stitch_Face_1982UK@reddit

Absolutely not! Corporation famous for covering up paedophiles and crooked people. After the fear mongering drivel they spouted during covid, I've not watched a single thing or funded that festering turd of a company.

[-]

FilmFanatic1066@reddit

Nope, literally nothing on there I want to watch

[-]

MFA_Nay@reddit

Usually watch the news cycle, or have it on the background sometimes.

Statistically I'm a weirdo though.

[-]

You_moron04@reddit

I listen to two BBC Sounds Programms (Games Gone & Jonathon Pie), and occasionally read the news site. That’s basically it.

Only times I ever watch it is it it’s showing the World Cup if Wales are playing

[-]

geniusgravity@reddit

I watched and paid for it until 35, and ive not watched or paid in the last 10 years.

[-]

Cantthinkifany@reddit

In my 20’s and yes

[-]

Curious_Ad3766@reddit

Same. I am 25 and I frequently watch bbc! I love bbc crime dramas

[-]

Bran04don@reddit

No unless its doctor who.

[-]

QuietlyLooped@reddit

No, I do not watch tv.

[-]

TheTwixthSense@reddit

28, never paid for it as don't watch it

[-]

Dangerbadger@reddit

CBeebies is a god send for my two kids.

Always watch News @ 6 after work. Breakfast usually on in the morning

MOTD for Saturdays.

[-]

rookinn@reddit

Only for The Traitors

[-]

CupCakesNFlatWhite@reddit

41, stopped years ago.

I know I'm an outlier though, I watch YT and Twitch daily.

[-]

Typical-Resource-286@reddit

BBC radio is my thing but there's a few tv shows that are great

[-]

IntelligentActuary86@reddit

I don't watch TV as I don't have a TV licence...

[-]

PrivateFrank@reddit

My toddler watches a careful selection of BBC iPlayer shows.

100% worth the license fee to have good shows with no adverts.

[-]

Brave_Assumption6@reddit

Good work it's very good for children and toddlers. Things like YouTube that they control themselves is poison.

[-]

LouTheOM@reddit

I’m 29, watch the occasional thing on iPlayer like The Traitors, last night I watched the Oliviers. But I have Radio 1 on literally 6am - 5pm Monday to Friday and in the background most of the weekend too, I’d pay the license purely for that.

[-]

rileyabernethy@reddit

Nope. Just free stuff.

[-]

oldskoollondon@reddit

I don't watch, but I do pay, for Cbeebies, the educational programmes, obscure documentaries about arts and sciences etc, the incredible archives, the radio stations - 6, 3, 4 extra and 3 unwind. I pay for the stations I don't listen to now, but I did when you get, such as Radio 1. It certainly isn't as impartial as it should be, but better than most British news services. I so pay for the World service, not it isn't government funded, as I believe it's in all our best interests that the world hears a British viewpoint (even if I disagree with it a lot of the time). Well worth 15 quid a week .

[-]

Yaseuk@reddit

No. I don’t think I’ve watched it in thr past decade

[-]

pseudonomdeplume@reddit

32 and no - I don't watch live tv or any BBC programming (including any radio) and I don't have a tv licence.

[-]

MattyLePew@reddit

34 here. Definitely not. Haven’t watched any live TV or any BBC streaming services for a very long time.

[-]

TheIhsaan7@reddit

Only doctor who.

We pay the licence as we do watch BBC technically....

Its a scam though. 😒

[-]

QueefInMyKisser@reddit

I watch a bit of the snooker when it’s on and that’s pretty much it. The license fee is terrible value for money for me.

[-]

zCoxxy@reddit

26 years old, not watched or put bbc radio on in over a decade at least

[-]

Academic_End_3828@reddit

22F, and never... only Netflix, Prime, Disney and Apple TV

[-]

Mysterious-Sock39@reddit

Reckon 80% are exactly like you, my kids 9 and 14 never watched terrestrial TV

[-]

Darth_Revan_@reddit

32 and no, my daughter watches in the night garden on YouTube and that's as close as it gets.

[-]

Apprehensive_Bus_543@reddit

Would also be interesting to know if they listen to any BBC radio or use any BBC websites.

[-]

gherkinassassin@reddit

I don't support organisations that employ or protect pedophiles and send highly aggressive and threatening letters to get me to pay them on the off chance I might oneday want to watch any of their tripe.

Their wanky little door 2 door salesmen they subcontract from TV Licencing, can also fuck off, I don't want what you selling you pseudo-official prices - and no you can't come into my house you weirdos!

[-]

0rachael0@reddit

mainly watch football on it

[-]

El_Zilcho@reddit

I don't watch the BBC on a regular basis, but do pay for the licence as I have boomer relatives that insist on watching TV who visit for various holidays.

[-]

billiabus@reddit

Yes. For all its faults (and there are many) the BBC remains an institution that I am proud of and one that we will be far worse off without.

I use iplayer and the sounds app frequently, and I love what the BBC represents globally. I really worry about how proud people are of not paying their licence.

[-]

Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

I wouldn't say they're proud, I'd say it's usually they're too broke and it's not needful, or just young and see no need for it.

[-]

sakmentoloki@reddit

Don't watch BBC. Fuck paying a TV license.

[-]

Namerakable@reddit

Not as much any more. I occasionally stick the news on and watch quiz shows on Mondays, but that's about it.

[-]

Not_Alpha_Centaurian@reddit

I'm a couple of years out of your age range, but i started phasing out terrestrial TV in about 2010 as Youtube was getting bettter, and i haven't watched so much as a minute of BBC TV in at least 5 years.

[-]

UKAOKyay@reddit

How do you feel now YouTube has gotten worse?

[-]

Not_Alpha_Centaurian@reddit

The ads were annoying for a few months until the adblockers caught up again, but now there's a million other options for streaming in the mix too, so Youtube isn't as important.

[-]

yolo_snail@reddit

YouTube is alright if you pay for Premium, and offers 10x the value of the licence fee so I'm happy to pay it.

[-]

seklas1@reddit

29, pay for TV license and watch iPlayer sometimes. It’s a good service to keep and it’s cheaper than pretty much any other streaming service.

[-]

Alarming-Bee87@reddit

The nature and history documentaries are 90% of my BBC viewing. The news occasionally too. Though I watch itv and channel 4 news more often.

It'd be a real shame if the BBC ceased to be.

[-]

Competitive_Rub_9590@reddit

I do I quite like the stuff on BBC I pay for tv license I get the argument why people shouldn’t pay it but I do think bbc make good content

[-]

HayleyGurl99@reddit

I'm 26. I don't have a TV license.

The only time I watch live TV, or BBC iPlayer is at my parents.

At home, we just watch other streaming services (mainly Netflix, Disney+, NOW TV) which we also leech from my parents via password sharing. The day they take away my ability to watch these for free, I'll just stop watching entirely.

[-]

fvalconbridge@reddit

I don't know anyone who watches TV or pays for a licence. We all use Netflix and such!

[-]

FlatTyres@reddit

32 here.

I do for some things - a few entertainment or comedy shows plus BBC News rolling on in the background and some sports broadcasts.

Although I mostly watch live sports broadcasts on other channels and streaming services.

I also like to watch new episodes of Taskmaster as it airs.

For as long as the TV Licensing requirements exist, I'll have a reason to pay towards one due to my viewing preferences.

I like live TV/broadcasts.

[-]

Rawlinson20@reddit

Mid thirties and have just cancelled our TV license for a myriad of reasons but mostly because the quality of programmes has nosedived and doesn't reflect the £170-odd fee per year. Especially when you've got presenters earning £200k/300k+ for the same old shows and formats.

I'd actually welcome adverts or a subscription based model that isn't compulsory because it might actually incentivise innovation rather than relying on re-runs or shows entering their 20th season.

[-]

turtleship_2006@reddit

Yes, exclusively to watch EastEnders

[-]

missuseme@reddit

I don't watch TV at all.

[-]

yolo_snail@reddit

I'm 29 and no.

When I lived at home I did, but with the downfall of Doctor Who and Top Gear, there's very, very little they offer that interests me.

And what does interest me (homes under the hammer) isn't worth paying £15 a month for.

If there was a way to easily pay for iPlayer for 1 month to watch the odd good series like Ludwig, then I would do that.

But as it stands, the use friendly options are either don't watch the BBC, or pretend I have a licence and be a naughty boy.

[-]

7thtimeinheaven@reddit

Nope. Don't watch terrestrial tv at all, barely watch streaming services.

[-]

douggieball1312@reddit

Yes. I'd find it weird not to have a TV at home at all. I like the background noise even if I'm not really watching.

[-]

Theonewithcurls@reddit

I'm 31 it is my go to when looking for something to watch, we also love some of the toddler content for my 2 year old. Also listen to BBC radio almost exclusively so TV licence is worth it for us.

[-]

Beneficial-Pitch-430@reddit

Yes. Nothing beats no adverts and their radio offering is massive.

[-]

abfgern_@reddit

24m, yes all the time, iPlayer is probably my most used TV app, aside from YT. Loads of great stuff and no adverts. People dont know what they're missing

[-]

P33tree@reddit

I'm over 35 and I don't. Don't know anyone who does.

[-]

Puzzled-Barnacle-200@reddit

No. No licence either. I hop streaming services every few months, and I've heard cancelling a TV licence is a nightmare. I would subscribe for a month or two every so often if that was an option.

[-]

D0wnInAlbion@reddit

Yes absolutely. I'm very much looking forward to watching the World Snooker Championship over the next couple of weeks.

I'll be watching the World Cup over the summer.

They also have a number of good dramas and films which I watch.

[-]

TheNoGnome@reddit

On Mother and Father's TV with dinner, on my tablet or through my console.

I'm in my thirties.

What a life, eh.

[-]

Fantastic_Picture384@reddit

Not watched the BBC in years. You still need a licence if you have netflix, Prime, etc etc

[-]

Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

This isn't the case (yet).

[-]

Fantastic_Picture384@reddit

Isn't it ? If you watch anything that does live programmes, you need a licence. All of these now do live programmes.

[-]

Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

Gov website says:

You do not need a TV Licence to watch:

streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus
on-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video
videos on websites like YouTube
videos or DVDs

[-]

Fantastic_Picture384@reddit

If they show a live event, i.e., CL on Prime, then you will need a licence. I have no idea how they enforce it, though. Maybe in the future Prime will send a list to the TV people of all the people watching live football and the licence people will match up with those with a licence. Everything is identifiable.. especially when digital ID comes in.

[-]

Skavau@reddit

No, it's only if you watch those live programs.

But it's also unenforceable either way anyway

[-]

BronnOP@reddit

No, in all honesty. The only way I interface with the BBC is by radio if I’m in the car and if someone links an article on Reddit.

[-]

dropbear123@reddit

Only when I’m with my parents. The BBC (and tv in general) just doesn’t have anything that appeals to me. It’s just

[-]

Educational-Angle717@reddit

Yes - it's too much bloody hassle to get around the £100 odd quid a year you're acrtually saving. I'd miss having live TV just on around the house.

[-]

britinnit@reddit

Bang on 35. Very rarely. Like maybe just Attenborough when a new series is on.

[-]

PM-ME_UR_TINY-TITS@reddit

I don't watch TV in general really. I'll watch something on iPlayer once in a blue moon.

[-]

Smooth-Quantity-7024@reddit

I'm 34, I pay, I watch.

[-]

Proper_North_5382@reddit

Same age as you and the only time I watch BBC/iPlayer is for (Celebrity) Traitors, (Celebrity) Race Across the World, Ambulance, Saving lives at Sea (RNLI) and for some sports like when the Olympics or Football World and European Cups were on. Haven't watched the news in years now.

[-]

b135702@reddit

I watch enough to warrant paying the license fee, plus I listen to 6 music quote a lot.

[-]

reece0n@reddit

I don't really watch it too much, but I use the radio/sounds and iPlayer services regularly. I'm also on the news and sport sites/apps every day. I'm also currently tutoring my nieces and Bitesize is a godsend.

As a public service I get plenty from it.

[-]

FlyiingDutchmaan@reddit

No . Nothing on there that adds entertainment to my life & I want to support the company by watching and therefore having to pay

[-]

stealth941@reddit

Early 30s no. Gave up on TV a long time ago.

[-]

StampyScouse@reddit

Yes, but not all that often. Only when something of interest is on, and I generally used the iPlayer over sitting and watching BBC One or Two etc.

[-]

HonkersTim@reddit

I’m still paying the license fee but haven’t watching anything on BBC for a few years now. At one point the only thing I watched was MoTD but I don’t even watch that these days.

My son is 20 and he and his flatmates dont watch any tv at all. They don’t even have a TV, despite me regularly offering them one.

[-]

TheSmallestPlap@reddit

No. A TV licence is far too expensive for what you get.

[-]

vario_@reddit

I watch an occasional series that interests me, but I don't sit and watch random faff every evening like my parents do. The last thing I watched on iPlayer was Ludwig. (And I still live with my parents unfortunately so I technically do have a TV license lol.)

[-]

humanityisdyingfast@reddit

I’ll occasionally use iPlayer if there’s something interesting (recently used it to watch the new Louis Theroux documentary), but this is less than once a month. Other than that no, not willingly at least. I don’t really watch TV to be honest.

[-]

znv142@reddit

nope, I check the news but this is mostly reading.

[-]

znv142@reddit

edit: just realised I just turned 35 and this is making me sad.

[-]

ClydeB3@reddit

I'm 29 and I did for a while but don't any more.

I mostly watched the Repair Shop.

I don't watch any live TV, and a TV licence just for iPlayer doesn't feel worth it for me (at least not compared to most streaming services)

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kingkarl123@reddit

If you don’t watch tv what do you do? Genuine question

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Odd-Swing-2025@reddit (OP)

I read books, mostly on the Middle Ages. I have YouTube Premium and still use VHS player and DVDs.

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Afraid-Series-8128@reddit

Yes. Match of the Day, The Traitors and Newsnight. Small Prophets was the last series I finished.

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kshere30s@reddit

I’m in my mid-30s. A couple of years ago I moved in to a new flat. Initially, I didn’t pay the fee as I didn’t have a TV. However, once I got a TV I found myself consuming a fair bit of BBC content, so when one of the licence fee reminder letters came through, I thought it was only fair I should pay it.

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VioletFireCat@reddit

The only BBC program I really watch with any regularity is Doctor Who. Though occasionally there's other stuff I watch too. I don't pay for a TV licence but that's because I live with my parents so they pay for it lol

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Spicymargx@reddit

Nope, don’t pay and don’t watch. Haven’t for years. There’s sometimes the odd show I would like to watch but not enough to make it worthwhile. If it was more of a flexible subscription like Netflix I’d consider doing it sometimes.

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NuraThorne@reddit

I pay for the license, but I rarely actually watch it myself. My partner does watch football on it quite regularly. Last thing I watch was the last season of doctor who.

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alevei@reddit

I’m 34 and watch it enough to pay for the licence.

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ToasterMonster69@reddit

I got a tv licence again last year, I’d not had one in 8 years. Am 36, got sky tv last year and now just stick the tv on when pottering around the house. I rarely watch bbc, but that’s not the only reason for the tv licence.

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FMDollx@reddit

Purely for my son because he loves Sarah and Duck, Waffle the Wonderdog and Charlie & Lola

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_pankates_@reddit

The licence fee would be worth it for cbeebies alone in my opinion. So much quality programming for young children, it's excellent.

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Roofless_@reddit

Don't watch the BBC nor pay for a tv licence.

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Maekvi13@reddit

I'm 20, only use iPlayer when I want to watch Still Game or some panel show - also live for sports and apprentice when its on (dont tell Scott Robson)

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LieSuccessful8813@reddit

Yes they always have a couple quality shows , peaky blinders , line of duty , apprentice , race across the world , traitors not to mention David Attenborough documentaries. and quite a few to mention

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Imstuckintheupsdedwn@reddit

I told my wife when we moved home not to tell bbc we did and to cancel, she’s a sheep and still pays. We don’t even watch live tv

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idonnotknow@reddit

Yes, got a licence this year to start watching it as there's actually quite a lot on there I like, and instead cancelled my Amazon Prime. I decided I'd rather support the British economy.

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AmayaSmith96@reddit

I'm 30, I watch the traitors when it's on. I also have 2 kids so we watch some of Julia Donaldson stuff like the gruffalo, room on a broom, stickman etc.

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NeatIndividual1279@reddit

We pay as we watch live tv.

However I rarely watch the bbc. If I do it’s for football/Olympics etc. not necessarily due to the bbc itself.

Used to watch and use the bbc news app. But have stopped that too. Only take a peak at the news website on occasion when there’s a budget etc. I prefer using Al Jazeera, Reuters and Ground News instead.

Things like score updated, weather etc. there’s plenty of alternatives you can use instead.

The content and org has degraded over the years. Shame as I used to be a big fan and consume a lot of their content.

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No-Taro-6953@reddit

Yes all the time. The recent David Attenborough documentary series about wildlife in gardens was superb.

iPlayer has tons of great shows.

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit

I very rarely do (it’s output seems a bit rubbish) but I pay the licence fee as I get almost all my news from its website (it actually seems the most impartial, which is ironically why I think it attracts so many accusations of bias from different pressure groups).

I feel like it’s existence (a news and information source not controlled by advertisers) is a good thing in the world and will only survive if someone pays for it.

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Uk-guys2@reddit

I watch it, like, everyday.

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Proud_Durian6956@reddit

Only for Attenborough stuff. There's no way I'm paying for it though. Stuff that. It's not worth it

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Miketroglycerin@reddit

Yes, but not much. Pointless and the 6 o clock news while i sit and eat my tea is the start of my standard weekday evening. Occasionally Countryfile. Used to watch Doctor Who religiously, but what felt like a steady decline in quality has lead me to being way behind, at some point I'll probably iplayer my way to being up to date again.

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JazzlikeTradition436@reddit

Watch World Cup/Euros/Olympics/Commonwealth Games on the BBC and that is it. Occasionally a bit of bbc breakfast with my nana.

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Ok-Onion-5012@reddit

I watch a few shows and I love CBeebies as the shows are family friendly and useful. Also no adverts so big plus when you have kids 🫶🏼🫶🏼

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sk8ergrandma@reddit

Mid-20s and I don't watch much TV but when I do it's only BBC because I can't stand ads. iPlayer also often has a decent selection of films!

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imtiramisu2025@reddit

Yes I watch BBC iplayer a lot

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No_Pea-1@reddit

I watch and pay.

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fastflan@reddit

The only thing on the BBC that I can tolerate is Only Connect which I watch on YouTube. Everything else has a twee, overproduced 'BBC-ness' to it that I can't stand these days.

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Non-wholesomechungus@reddit

Lmao no I get enough propaganda from general daily life

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LazyBarracuda@reddit

No, we don't have Netflix or Disney or any other streaming service either. It's a shame when there are big sporting events like the Olympics and we miss out but it's just so expensive.

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Dr-Moth@reddit

I get my news from the BBC, rather than an ad based service pushing click bait. If I need radio in the car, I listen to BBC because it doesn't have ads. And when I want to watch national/sporting events, my licence fee means I can watch it on BBC or Channel 4, and not be forced to pay for an expensive sports package.

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discoveredunknown@reddit

Under 35, watch the bbc every single day.

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emuostrich31415@reddit

Nope, don't do TV. Maybe watch a film on Disney+ occasionally but even that's rare. Everything is crap now, I'd rather read a book

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Zealousideal_Bit9732@reddit

I stopped watching TV since maybe 2010....I got everything I've ever wanted to watch from Youtube and the streaming apps

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bunnybunny690@reddit

No I’m 34 now and we have not had a tv license in maybe 10 or more years now.

When we realised we never watched live tv or bbc it was a why haven’t we cancelled this years ago.

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PKblaze@reddit

Only iplayer. And only for specific things like drag race or older shows.

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Puzzleheaded-Key2212@reddit

No its absolute drivel the last good show was Top Gear circa 2015.

I don’t watch tv much at all tbh prefer to watch a YouTuber talking about history Mark Felton or retro tech someone like Techmoan.

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No-Row-9994@reddit

Don't pay the license myself but have exclusively watched BBC since age 24 (now 27). I don't watch Netflix or anything like that. Shows I like to watch: The Apprentice, Ghosts, Classic EastEnders (although stopped after 2012), Dragon's Den, occasional films. Watched some of the comedies like Motherland and Man Like Mobeen too. Some of the documentaries too. Between all that's on iPlayer and Love Island on ITV I almost always have something to watch without ever resorting to Prime/Netflix etc.

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rooooosa@reddit

All the time.

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Harrry-Otter@reddit

Only when the international football is on.

The rest of it doesn’t really provide enough that interests me to make it worth paying for, and anything that I do want to watch will inevitably be on Netflix or Amazon with it a year.

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The fact the license fee is still a thing shows how behind the times they are.

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Jack1ngton@reddit

Once a year or so there will be a series I want to watch. Apart from that no.

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