Best Documentaries On BBC iPlayer In Australia [Bing-Watch In 2023]
Are you looking for what are the best documentaries available in Australia? You need to look no further than the BBC iPlayer, which offers a plethora of the best documentaries on BBC iPlayer in Australia to watch online, which cover everything from history and politics to ecology and animals.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) provides an online streaming service called BBC iPlayer that enables the best documentaries to stream. The documentaries are accessible on BBC iPlayer and span a wide range of subjects, including politics, current events, and issues related to science and the environment.
To stream BBC iPlayer in Australia to access available documentaries, consider using ExpressVPN as it’s the best BBC iPlayer VPN for its high-speed servers and effective geo-unblocking. Access content seamlessly from any location with this reliable VPN.
Let’s dig in on the unmissable documentaries of BBC iPlayer.
20 best Documentaries available to stream on BBC iPlayer
On iPlayer, there is something for everyone, from compelling criminal must-watch documentaries on BBC iPlayer to nature and vacation shows that offer the best kind of escape.
Here are our best documentaries on BBC iPlayer in Australia, together with information on how many episodes each series has and where you can view them from across the globe with best BBC iPlayer VPN.
1. The Shamima Begum Story (2023)
Genre: Documentary
Director: TBA
Major Cast: Shamima Begum
Year of Release: 2023
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes “The Shamima Begum Story” will have.
A documentary called “The Shamima Begum Story” follows the life of Shamima Begum, a British lady who, at the age of 15, fled the UK to join ISIS in Syria in 2015.
The film explores the circumstances that led to her choice to join the terrorist organization as well as her experiences as an ISIS prisoner in Syria. The contentious decision by the UK government to deprive Begum of her citizenship and bar her from entering the country is also covered in the movie. It is one of our top favorites on the list of BBC iPlayer documentaries.
2. Panorama (2023)
Genre: Investigative journalism/Current affairs
Director: TBA
Major Cast: N/A
Year of Release: 2023
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes of “Panorama” will be released in 2023, as the show typically produces new episodes on an ongoing basis.
The long-running BBC documentary series “Panorama” explores a variety of subjects, including politics, crime, social concerns, and world events. In-depth investigative reporting and interviews with experts, witnesses, and other key players are featured in each episode of the show.
The program is renowned for its unbiased reporting and dedication to journalistic ethics. It can be regarded as one of the best BBC documentaries available to watch online on iPlayer.
3. Hiplife Rewind ( 2023)
Genre: Music Documentary
Director: TBA
Major Cast: Reggie Rockstone, Hammer of The Last Two, Obrafour, Tinny, VIP, Tic Tac, Buk Bak, and other pioneers of Hiplife music
Year of Release: 2023
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes “Hiplife Rewind” will have.
A documentary called “Hiplife Replay” examines the origins and influence of hip-hop music in Ghana. The Hiplife music genre’s pioneers, such as Reggie Rockstone, Hammer of The Last Two, Obrafour, Tinny, VIP, Tic Tac, and Buk Bak, are the subject of the documentary.
It charts the development of Hiplife music across time, beginning with its inception in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
4. Putin vs the West ( 2014– )
Genre: Documentary/Political
Director: Tim Stirzaker
Major Cast: N/A
Year of Release: 2014 – Ongoing
Number of Episodes: 4
The documentary series “Putin vs. the West” examines the continuous tensions and disputes between Russia, which is governed by President Vladimir Putin, and the West. The show looks at Putin’s ascent to power, his administration’s policies and decisions, and how those decisions have impacted ties between Russia and the West.
Together with videos of significant events and background information, the series includes interviews with politicians, subject matter specialists, and commentators from all sides of the war. It addresses a wide range of subjects, such as the invasion of Crimea, the Syrian crisis, election meddling, and Sergei Skripal’s poisoning.
5. Emily Atack: Asking for It? (2023)
Genre: Documentary/Comedy
Director: TBA
Major Cast: Emily Atack
Year of Release: 2023
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes “Emily Atack: Asking for It?” will have.
In the entertainment business, sexual harassment and the #The MeToo movement are discussed in the documentary “Emily Atack: Asking for It?” Emily Atack, a British actress, and comedian is interviewed in the documentary on her experiences talking to women in the entertainment sector about harassment and abuse.
The attack also examines how social media and online harassment affect women in the field and the general public.
6. Kevin Sinfield: Going the Extra Mile (2023)
Genre: Documentary/Sports
Director: TBA
Major Cast: Kevin Sinfield
Year of Release: 2023
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes “Kevin Sinfield: Going the Extra Mile” will have.
In the documentary “Kevin Sinfield: Going the Additional Mile,” Kevin Sinfield, a former rugby league player, is followed throughout his career. The film looks at Sinfield’s playing career with Leeds Rhinos and the England squad, his shift to coaching, and his most recent charitable endeavors.
The center of the film is on Rob Burrow, a friend and former colleague of Sinfield’s who was just diagnosed with motor neuron disease, and his extraordinary feat of completing seven marathons in seven days to raise money for him. Cast BBC iPlayer on Chromecast and enhance your entertainment.
7. Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World
Genre: Music Documentary
Director: Shanachie Entertainment
Major Cast: Chuck D, KRS-One, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Nas, Public Enemy, and other notable hip-hop artists and cultural figures
Year of Release: 2011
Number of Episodes: “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World” is a feature-length documentary film.
The documentary “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World” examines how hip-hop has influenced art, culture, and society. The movie recounts the development of hip-hop from its South Bronx roots in the 1970s to its current global significance.
Chuck D, KRS-One, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Nas, Public Enemy, and other legendary hip-hop musicians are among those interviewed in it. Access BBC iPlayer on iPad, just sit back and enjoy this documentary anywhere with ease.
8. Planet Sex with Cara Delevingne (2022)
Genre: Documentary
Director: Cara Delevingne
Major Cast: Cara Delevingne, Fiona Caldwell
Year of Release: 2022
Number of Episodes: 6
Cara Delevingne explores important sexuality-related problems by focusing on matters like relationships, sex appeal, and the prevalence of pornography. Get BBC iPlayer on Firestick and stream this documentary on your big screen.
It is one of our favorites from the BBC documentaries list.
9. Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes
Genre: Travel Documentary
Director: TBA
Major Cast: Robson Green
Year of Release: 2011-2019
Number of Episodes: 8 seasons and 35 episodes in total.
In the travel documentary series “Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes,” British actor and broadcaster Robson Green visits some of the most stunning and fascinating places in the UK.
The series highlights the variety of landscapes, histories, and cultures present in the UK, from sleepy seaside towns and thriving metropolises to vast wilderness regions. Get BBC iPlayer on Roku and enjoy this amazing documentary.
10. Ukraine: The People’s Fight (2023)
Genre: Documentary/War
Director: TBA
Major Cast: N/A
Year of Release: 2023
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes “Ukraine: The People’s Fight” will have.
The documentary “Ukraine: The People’s Battle” examines the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which started in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea. As well as troops, citizens, and volunteers, the film focuses on the lives of regular Ukrainians who have been impacted by the conflict.
Similar to such war documentaries we recommend you check out our collection of the best war movies on BBC iPlayer in Australia.
11. Once Upon a Time in Iraq
Genre: Documentary/War
Director: James Bluemel
Major Cast: N/A
Year of Release: 2020
Number of Episodes: 5 episodes
In the documentary series “Once Upon a Time in Iraq,” individuals who experienced the Iraq War and its aftermath are interviewed. Interviews with Iraqis, Americans, and other participants from across the world, including military, journalists, and citizens, are included in the series.
The war’s prelude, Iraq’s invasion and occupation, and ISIS’s following ascent are all covered in detail in the documentary. Stream BBC iPlayer on Mac and binge-watch this outstanding documentary on the go.
12. Storyville (2022)
Genre: Documentary
Director: Various
Major Cast: N/A
The BBC’s “Storyville” documentary series focuses on gripping and thought-provoking tales from all around the world. The show incorporates a variety of narrative techniques and genres that cover a wide range of subjects, including politics, social concerns, culture, and the arts.
Each “Storyville” episode delves deeply into a certain topic, utilizing interviews, archival material, and other methods to present a thorough and nuanced knowledge of the subject at hand.
Year of Release: 2022.
Number of Episodes: The number of episodes in “Storyville” varies from season to season, but each season typically features several episodes.
13. Afghanistan: Getting Out
Genre: Documentary/War
Director: TBA
Major Cast: N/A
Year of Release: 2022
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes “Afghanistan: Getting Out” will have.
After nearly 20 years of war, the topic of the documentary “Afghanistan: Going Out” is the departure of Western soldiers from Afghanistan. In addition to examining the political and strategic factors that have influenced the retreat, the movie also looks at the experiences of troops, civilians, and humanitarian workers who have been involved in the fight.
The film offers a close-up look at the real-life tales hidden behind the headlines, from troops bidding farewell to their Afghan colleagues to families and towns dealing with the fallout.
14. High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule
Genre: Documentary/Crime
Director: TBA
Major Cast: N/A
Year of Release: 2022
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes “High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule” will have.
A young British lady was discovered transporting narcotics out of Ibiza and sentenced to prison in the documentary “High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule.” The movie examines her experiences as well as those of other people who were involved in the drug trade on the Spanish island, including drug mules, sellers, and consumers.
The film provides a direct and occasionally frightening look at the realities of the drug trade in Ibiza, including the dangers and benefits of working in the field, the effects of narcotics on people and communities, and the difficulties facing law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
15. Stolen: Catching the Art Thieves
Genre: Documentary/Crime
Director: TBA
Major Cast: N/A
Year of Release: It is currently unknown when “Stolen: Catching the Art Thieves” will be released.
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes “Stolen: Catching the Art Thieves” will have.
The documentary “Stolen: Catching the Art Thieves” examines the world of art theft and the pursuit of those guilty. The video focuses on high-profile episodes of art theft, such as the heist of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” from a Norwegian museum and the burglary of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.
The documentary explores the reasons why art thieves commit their crimes, the techniques they employ, and the initiatives taken by law enforcement and art specialists to locate stolen pieces of art.
16. The Speedshop
Genre: Documentary/Reality TV
Director: TBA
Major Cast: N/A
Year of Release: It is currently unknown when “The Speedshop” will be released.
Number of Episodes: It is currently unknown how many episodes “The Speedshop” will have.
A group of auto enthusiasts is followed as they try to restore and personalize vintage vehicles and motorbikes in the documentary series “The Speedshop.” The program gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the difficulties and successes of managing a custom automobile company, from the conception and manufacturing stage through the finished item.
The team’s enthusiasm and ingenuity are shown in the series, as well as their commitment to conserving and updating vintage cars. Each episode shows a different restoration job, showcasing the special qualities and background of each car.
17. The Ice Cream Wars (2022)
Genre: Documentary/Crime
Director: Robert Neill
Major Cast: Douglas Skelton, Marion Scott, Les Trueman
Year of Release: 2022
Number of Episodes: 1
In an arson assault in 1984, six Glasgow family members perished. After their killings, one of Scotland’s longest trials ensued, and a 20-year quest for justice engulfed the country. Access BBC iPlayer on Android and enjoy this crime documentary.
18. Snow Dogs (2022)
Genre: Documentary
Director: Jack Warrender
Major Cast: N/A
Year of Release: 2022
Gordon Buchanan, a wildlife filmmaker, teams up with seven outstanding huskies to tackle a perilous dog sledding track in Canada’s breathtaking Yukon wilderness. Watch BBC iPlayer on Windows and binge-watch this amazing documentary.
19. The Elon Musk Show
Genre: Documentary
Director: Marian Mohammad
Major Cast: Kate Fleetwood
Year of Release: 2022
Number of Episodes: 3
The Elon Musk Show explores Elon Musk’s journey to becoming the wealthiest person to ever live by speaking with those who know him best and using vast, previously unreleased archival material from his time in Silicon Valley. Another top BBC documentary to watch in Australia.
From his initial tech start-ups through Tesla, SpaceX, and most recently Twitter, key milestones from Elon’s career are analyzed. You can now watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV.
20. Four Hours at the Capitol (2021)
Genre: Documentary
Director: Jamie Roberts
Major Cast: Tayler Hansen, Igor Boblic, Ashley Gilberston
Year of Release: 2021
Investigating what happened on January 6, 2021, in the U.S. Capitol using never-before-seen video and first-person testimony from politicians, staff members, police, protestors, and those who invaded the building where the 2020 election results were being confirmed. Stream BBC iPlayer on your iPhone and enjoy this documentary anywhere.
How can I watch BBC documentaries in Australia?
In Australia, simply follow these four simple steps to access BBC iPlayer:
- Subscribe to a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.
- Download and install a VPN service on your streaming device.
- Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
- Go to the BBC iPlayer website.
- Search for the best BBC documentaries and start streaming.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, Aussies may watch a variety of best documentaries on BBC iPlayer in Australia. There is a documentary on BBC iPlayer for every interest, whether it be history, science, wildlife, or social themes.
If you’re unable to access BBC iPlayer in Australia due to geo-restrictions, we recommend using ExpressVPN. A reliable and secure VPN service that allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. You can also avail of the BBC iPlayer free trial and enjoy all the best BBC iPlayer shows without any hindrance.