Where to Watch Shortland Street in the UK and Abroad: STV Player, TVNZ+, 7plus and RTE Player

As of 6 August 2026, UK viewers can watch current episodes of Shortland Street free through STV Player. The New Zealand medical soap may not yet have the same profile in Britain as the major UK soaps, but legal streaming access now makes Ferndale much easier to discover.

The programme follows the staff and patients of Shortland Street Hospital, combining medical emergencies with relationships, family stories and workplace drama. Current characters include Maeve Mullens, Dr Sophia Crane, Chris Warner and Rachel McKenna, alongside a large cast whose lives extend far beyond the hospital.

Where to watch Shortland Street in the UK

Shortland Street is available free through STV Player across the United Kingdom. Viewers outside Scotland can use the on demand service, although access to STV’s live television channel is more restricted.

A free STV Player account is required before streaming. The programme can be watched through the STV Player website and apps on supported phones, tablets, smart televisions and streaming devices.

STV Player is carrying the 2026 season rather than offering only archive episodes. The listings also show the original TVNZ transmission date, helping UK viewers see how closely the service is following the New Zealand run.

When are new episodes added to STV Player?

As of 6 August 2026, STV Player advertises new episodes every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The programme is therefore currently released three times a week in the UK.

That schedule may be updated during 2027 because TVNZ has confirmed an increase in the number of episodes produced each week. STV has not yet announced whether its UK release pattern will immediately expand alongside New Zealand, so viewers should check the official programme page for any changes.

Where to watch Shortland Street in New Zealand

TVNZ+ is the official streaming home of Shortland Street in New Zealand, with episodes also shown on TVNZ 2. The service carries the latest Ferndale stories and provides recent episodes on demand.

The programme currently airs three times a week, but TVNZ has confirmed that Shortland Street will return with four weekly episodes from February 2027. The additional episode reflects the programme’s continued importance within New Zealand television after more than three decades on screen.

Where to watch Shortland Street in Australia

Australian viewers can watch Shortland Street through 7plus, where the programme has an official streaming page. The service is free to access within Australia, although an account and location verification may be required.

The Australian episode selection may not always match the position reached by TVNZ+ or STV Player. Checking episode numbers and summaries before beginning will help viewers avoid starting partway through a continuing story.

Where to watch Shortland Street in Ireland

Irish viewers can find Shortland Street through RTE Player. The official listing carries episodes of the New Zealand soap and introduces it as a drama following the staff of an Auckland hospital.

The number of available episodes can change as programmes are added or removed. Viewers should therefore use the current RTE Player listing rather than relying on an older television schedule.

Can Shortland Street be watched in other countries?

There is currently no single worldwide streaming service carrying the latest episodes in every country. STV Player, TVNZ+, 7plus and RTE Player operate within their own regions, and their catalogues may contain different episodes.

The official Shortland Street YouTube channel offers full episodes from selected earlier seasons, including the programme’s first episodes from 1992. These uploads are useful for exploring its history, but they are not a complete international replacement for the current series.

Can UK viewers use STV Player abroad?

STV Player is intended for viewers located within the UK, and most of its programmes cannot be streamed while travelling overseas. This restriction is linked to regional broadcasting rights rather than the type of STV account being used.

Viewers living outside the UK should use the authorised platform available in their own country where possible. Availability can change, so checking the relevant service before beginning a particular season remains advisable.

Frequently asked questions:

Is Shortland Street free to watch in the UK?

Shortland Street can be streamed free with advertising through STV Player. Viewers need to register, but the normal episodes do not require a paid subscription.

Can viewers outside Scotland use STV Player?

The STV Player on demand service is available across the UK. The live STV television channel has different regional restrictions, but those do not prevent viewers elsewhere in Britain from accessing the available box sets and programmes.

How often are new Shortland Street episodes released?

As of 6 August 2026, the programme is released three times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. New Zealand will move to four weekly episodes from February 2027, while the future STV Player pattern has not yet been confirmed.

Is Shortland Street available on YouTube?

The official YouTube channel carries selected classic episodes and playlists from earlier seasons. Viewers looking for the latest stories should use the authorised streaming service available in their country.

Sources - Sources: Official STV Player, TVNZ+, 7plus, RTE Player and Shortland Street YouTube listings, alongside TVNZ’s confirmation of the four episode schedule beginning in February 2027.

Watch current episodes of Shortland Street free in the UK on STV Player. Follow the latest Ferndale news, LGBTQ+ stories and character guides through SoapLandTV. Pictures: TVNZ.