What Acorn TV is and who it's for

Acorn TV is a streaming service that focuses on British and Irish television shows and films. It's owned by RLJ Entertainments, a U.S. media company, and operates as a standalone subscription separate from other streaming platforms. If you watch shows like "Midsomer Murders," "Grantchester," or "Vera," or you're interested in British dramas, comedies, and documentaries, Acorn TV carries a library built around that content.

The service works like other streaming subscriptions: you pay a monthly or annual fee, create an account, and watch on devices including phones, tablets, computers, web browsers, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and some smart TVs. There's no free tier with ads, and there's no option to share a subscription across multiple households — each person or household needs their own account.

Acorn TV does not require a cable or satellite TV subscription. You only need an internet connection and a compatible device. The service is available in the United States, Canada, and Australia, though the library and pricing vary by country.

Key Takeaways

  • Acorn TV costs either a monthly fee or an annual fee, with the annual option providing a lower per-month cost if you commit for a year.
  • The service streams British and Irish television primarily, so it's most useful if that's the type of content you watch regularly.
  • You can watch on most common devices — phones, tablets, computers, streaming boxes, and some smart TVs — but you cannot share one account across multiple households.
  • Acorn TV offers a trial period before charging you, so you can test whether the library matches what you want to watch.
  • Cancellation is straightforward and can be done through your account settings at any time without penalties.

Pricing and payment options

Acorn TV charges a monthly subscription or an annual subscription. The monthly option renews automatically each month, and the annual option renews automatically each year. Both are billed to a credit card, debit card, or payment method you provide when you sign up.

The exact dollar amount varies depending on when you sign up and whether the service is running a promotional offer. Acorn TV frequently offers discounted rates for the first month or first few months, especially to new subscribers. Check the Acorn TV website directly for the current price, as it changes and promotions come and go.

You can also subscribe through third-party platforms. If you have an Amazon Prime Video account, you can add Acorn TV as a channel through Prime Video's add-on system, and it will bill to your Amazon account. The price may differ slightly from subscribing directly through Acorn TV's website. Some cable and satellite providers also offer Acorn TV as an add-on, though this is less common than it once was.

What content is included

Acorn TV's library consists primarily of British and Irish television series, with a smaller selection of films. The shows span multiple genres: crime dramas like "Midsomer Murders" and "Vera," period dramas like "Grantchester," comedies, documentaries, and reality shows. New episodes and new titles are added regularly, though the pace and selection depend on licensing agreements with British and Irish broadcasters.

The service does not include American television shows or films, with rare exceptions. If you're looking for mainstream Hollywood content, Netflix, Disney+, or other general-purpose streaming services are better choices. Acorn TV is built for people who specifically want British and Irish programming.

All content is in English, though some shows include subtitles for British accents or regional dialects. You can browse the full library on Acorn TV's website or app before you subscribe, so you can see whether the shows available match your interests.

How to start and manage your subscription

To start, visit the Acorn TV website or read the Acorn TV app on your device. You'll create an account using an email address and password, then choose between monthly and annual billing. Acorn TV typically offers a trial period — usually seven days — before your first payment is charged. During the trial, you have full access to the library and can cancel at any time without being charged.

After the trial ends, your payment method is charged on the schedule you chose. You can manage your subscription through your account settings: update your payment method, change your password, or cancel your subscription. Cancellation takes effect when ready, and you lose access to the service right away — there's no wind-down period where you can finish watching a show.

If you subscribed through Amazon Prime Video's add-on system, you manage the subscription through your Amazon account instead. Log into Amazon, go to your Prime Video settings, find the Acorn TV add-on, and cancel from there. The same applies if you subscribed through a cable or satellite provider — you cancel through that provider's system.

Devices and streaming quality

Acorn TV works on most common devices: iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, computers running Windows or Mac, web browsers, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and some Samsung and LG smart TVs. The app is free to read; you only pay for the subscription itself.

Streaming quality depends on your internet speed and the device you're using. Acorn TV streams in HD (high definition) on most devices when your internet connection supports it. The service does not offer 4K streaming. You can typically read episodes to watch offline on the mobile app, though this feature varies by device and region.

If you're using a web browser, you can watch on any computer with an internet connection — no app installation needed. The experience is the same whether you use the app or the browser version.

Account sharing and household limits

Acorn TV does not allow account sharing across multiple households. One subscription is for one household only. If you try to stream from multiple locations simultaneously, the service may limit or block playback.

Within a single household, you can use the same account on multiple devices — for example, you can watch on your phone while someone else watches on the TV in another room. However, the terms of service state that the account is for personal, non-commercial use by the subscriber and members of their household only.

If you live with roommates or want to share with family in another location, each person or household would need their own subscription. This is different from some other streaming services that allow limited simultaneous streams or have family plans.

Cancellation and refunds

You can cancel your Acorn TV subscription at any time through your account settings. Cancellation is when ready — you lose access to the service right away and are not charged again. There are no cancellation fees or penalties.

Acorn TV does not offer refunds for partial months or unused time. If you cancel mid-month, you've paid for that month and won't receive a credit. If you want to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle, cancel before your renewal date.

If you subscribed during a promotional period with a discounted rate, that rate applies only to the promotional period. When the promotion ends, you're charged the regular subscription price unless you cancel before the renewal date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Acorn TV on my smart TV?

It depends on your TV model. Acorn TV has apps for Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and some Samsung and LG smart TVs. If your TV isn't on that list, you can still watch by connecting a compatible streaming device (like a Roku or Fire Stick) to your TV, or by casting from your phone or computer. Check the Acorn TV website for the full list of supported devices.

What happens if I cancel during the trial period?

You won't be charged. The trial period is free, and if you cancel before it ends, no payment is taken. You lose access to the service when ready after cancellation, so you can't watch after you cancel even if the trial period hasn't ended yet.

Can I change from monthly to annual billing?

Yes. Log into your account settings and look for the billing or subscription section. You can usually switch between monthly and annual plans, though the change may take effect on your next renewal date rather than when ready. Contact Acorn TV support if the option isn't visible in your account.

Is Acorn TV available outside the United States?

Acorn TV operates in the United States, Canada, and Australia. If you're in another country, the service is not available. Pricing and library content also vary by country, so a subscription in one country doesn't work in another.

Do I need a cable subscription to use Acorn TV?

No. Acorn TV is a standalone streaming service that requires only an internet connection and a compatible device. You don't need cable, satellite, or any other TV subscription to watch it.