If you‘re a fan of British television, you‘ve likely heard of BritBox – the streaming service that brings together the best of the UK‘s entertainment programming. For Amazon Prime subscribers, the question often arises: is BritBox included with my Prime membership? As a retail and consumer expert, I‘m here to provide a comprehensive analysis of BritBox‘s relationship to Amazon Prime Video and help you decide if it‘s worth the additional cost.
Understanding BritBox
BritBox is an online streaming platform that was launched in 2017 as a joint venture between the UK‘s public service broadcasters, BBC and ITV. The service aims to be the premier destination for British television content, offering a wide variety of classic and current series from the UK.
According to BritBox, the service hosts the largest collection of British shows available on any streaming platform, with over 1,500 titles and growing. This includes popular favorites like Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Gavin & Stacey, and Broadchurch, as well as lesser-known gems from the British TV archives.
As of 2023, BritBox has surpassed 3 million subscribers globally, with over 2 million of those coming from the United States and Canada alone. The service has seen steady growth since its launch, with a 25% increase in subscribers year-over-year in 2022.
BritBox vs. Amazon Prime Video
Now let‘s address the key question at hand: is BritBox included with an Amazon Prime membership? The simple answer is no. While Amazon Prime Video does offer some British content as part of its base subscription, BritBox remains a separate standalone service.
However, Amazon does provide a way to integrate BritBox into your Prime experience through its Amazon Channels feature. This allows Prime members to add BritBox as an additional subscription within the Amazon Prime Video interface. You‘ll still need to pay the regular BritBox subscription fee, but you can manage it through your existing Amazon account and access the content through the Prime Video app.
Here‘s a breakdown of how BritBox compares to the British offerings on Amazon Prime Video:
| Feature | BritBox | Amazon Prime Video |
|---|---|---|
| British content library size | 1,500+ titles | Approximately 200-300 British titles |
| Classic British series | Extensive back catalog from BBC and ITV | Limited, mostly newer series |
| Original British productions | None currently, but planned for the future | Several high-profile series like The Crown and Good Omens |
| Subscription cost | $7.99/month or $79.99/year | Included with Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year) |
| Ease of access | Separate app or Prime Video Channels add-on | Included within main Prime Video interface |
As you can see, while Amazon Prime Video does provide a curated selection of British shows, it can‘t match the sheer breadth of BritBox‘s specialized library. For die-hard fans of UK television, the additional cost of BritBox may be easily justified.
The Streaming Subscription Dilemma
In today‘s streaming landscape, consumers are increasingly facing subscription fatigue. With the proliferation of services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and more, the costs can quickly add up. A recent study found that the average American household now subscribes to 4 different streaming services, with a total monthly cost of around $55.
For many consumers, the decision to add yet another subscription like BritBox to their lineup can be a tough one. It‘s important to consider your viewing habits and the value you place on British content specifically. If you find yourself consistently seeking out and enjoying UK-produced shows, BritBox may be a worthwhile investment. However, if your interest is more casual, you may be better served by exploring the British offerings already included with your Prime membership or other existing subscriptions.
It‘s also worth noting that some consumers have found ways to get the best of both worlds by rotating their subscriptions. You can choose to subscribe to BritBox for a few months, binge-watch your favorite series, then cancel and switch to a different service. This can help manage costs while still getting access to the content you enjoy.
The Future of BritBox
As BritBox continues to grow and evolve, there are several potential developments on the horizon that could make the service even more enticing for fans of British television.
One major area of focus is the production of original content exclusive to BritBox. While the service has primarily been a platform for existing series up to this point, BritBox has announced plans to invest in creating its own original programming. This could help set it apart from competitors and provide even more value for subscribers.
BritBox is also exploring the possibility of bundling with other services to provide a more comprehensive streaming package. In 2021, BritBox partnered with fellow British-centric service Acorn TV to offer a discounted combined subscription in the US. Similar bundles with other niche or complementary services could help attract new subscribers and reduce the burden of multiple individual subscriptions.
As streaming technology advances, BritBox is also well-positioned to take advantage of new features and viewing experiences. The service has already introduced offline downloads for mobile devices and support for high dynamic range (HDR) video. Further enhancements like 4K resolution, immersive audio, and interactive content could all be on the table as BritBox looks to stay ahead of the curve.
Best of BritBox in 2023
For those considering a BritBox subscription, or current subscribers looking for their next binge-watch, here are some of the top British series to check out on the service in 2023:
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Line of Duty – This gripping police procedural follows the investigations of AC-12, a fictional anti-corruption unit within the British police force. With six seasons of twists and turns, it‘s a must-watch for fans of the crime genre.
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Taskmaster – Part panel show, part game show, Taskmaster sees comedians and celebrities competing in bizarre and hilarious challenges set by host Greg Davies. It‘s a perfect showcase of British wit and absurdity.
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Unforgotten – A haunting crime drama that follows two London detectives as they unravel cold cases from decades past. The series is praised for its stellar performances and emotional depth.
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Inside No. 9 – This anthology series from the minds behind The League of Gentlemen features standalone stories that blend dark humor, suspense, and clever storytelling. Each episode brings a new twisted tale.
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The Vicar of Dibley – A beloved classic British sitcom starring Dawn French as a female vicar assigned to a quirky rural parish. It‘s a timeless favorite that balances humor and heart.
Whether you‘re in the mood for mystery, comedy, drama, or documentaries, BritBox‘s extensive library is sure to have something to satisfy your British TV cravings.
Conclusion
In the end, whether or not BritBox is worth the additional cost on top of an Amazon Prime subscription will depend on your personal viewing preferences and budget. For the true Anglophile, the service provides an unparalleled collection of British television that can‘t be found elsewhere. The convenience of accessing it through Amazon Channels is an added bonus for Prime members.
However, for more casual viewers or those already feeling the strain of multiple subscriptions, the British offerings included with Prime Video may be enough to scratch the itch. It‘s important to weigh the value you place on the content against the additional monthly or yearly cost.
As BritBox continues to grow and evolve, with the promise of original content and potential bundles on the horizon, it will be an service to watch in the coming years. For now, it remains the go-to destination for fans looking to immerse themselves in the best of British television.
