How to Watch Mr Bates vs The Post Office

Alan Bates and other Subpostmasters and spouses stand outdoors, defiantly holding a banner saying "Support our Subpostmasters"
Subpostmasters rally in support of their cause in Mr Bates vs The Post Office

 

Have you heard about the Peabody Award winning series Mr Bates vs The Post Office as seen on MASTERPIECE on PBS? Learn about the true story behind the drama, the cast, and find out how to stream the full series now through May 18, 2025 (ET).


  1. 1.

    What Mr Bates vs The Post Office is About

    Photo of actor Toby Jones portraying the real-life character of Alan Bates in the miniseries Mr Bates vs The Post Office airing on PBS MASTERPIECE.

    Based on shocking real events, Mr Bates vs The Post Office is a David vs Goliath story dramatizing a historic miscarriage of justice. When money seemingly disappeared from its local branches, the British Post Office wrongly blamed its own managers for the apparent loss. Hundreds were harassed, accused of theft and fraud, even sent to prison—leaving lives, marriages, and reputations in ruins. But the issue was actually caused by errors in the Post Office’s own computer system; something it denied for years.

    The miniseries made waves when it aired in the UK. Within a week after it premiered in January 2024, more than a million people signed a petition demanding justice for the accused.

  2. 2.

    Mr Bates vs The Post Office Recently Won a Peabody Award

    Mr Bates vs The Post Office has been recognized with a Peabody Award in the 85th annual Peabody Awards. Respected for their integrity and standards of excellence, the Peabody Awards recognize stories that powerfully reflect the pressing social issues and the vibrant emerging voices of our day.

    “Whether enlightening audiences on global issues or bringing a smile and sense of community through thoughtful entertainment, these works deserve to be recognized and celebrated,” said Jeffrey Jones, executive director of Peabody. 

    Find out more about the Peabody Awards and Mr Bates vs The Post Office‘s win.

  3. 3.

    Stream Mr Bates vs The Post Office

    Actors Toby Jones (right) and Julie Hesmondhalgh as Suzanne Sercombe in a scene from Mr Bates and The Post Office airing on PBS MASTERPIECE.

    You can stream all four episodes of Mr Bates vs The Post Office plus the documentary The Real Story of Mr Bates vs The Post Office with PBS Passport, an added member benefit. Watch online and on the free PBS app.

    Other ways to stream Mr Bates vs The Post Office include the PBS MASTERPIECE on Prime Video, a subscription channel, and on Apple/iTunes.

    You can also order the DVD/Blu-ray from your favorite shop.

  4. 4.

    The Cast of Mr Bates vs The Post Office

    Cast of Mr Bates vs The Post Office (left to right) Monica Dolan, Isobel Middleton, Alex Jenkins, Toby Jones, and Ian Hart. The miniseries will air on MASTERPIECE on PBS.

    Aside from British Academy of Film and Television Arts award-winning Toby Jones (Empire of LightTinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Sherlock), the stellar ensemble cast includes: Julie Hesmondhalgh (The PactThe Trouble With Maggie Cole), Alex Jennings (The CrownVictoriaUnforgotten), Ian Hart (The Responder), Lia Williams (The CrownThe Capture), Will Mellor (Coronation StreetNo Offence), Clare Calbraith (GraceHome FiresUnforgottenBaptiste), Shaun Dooley (Gentleman JackIt’s A Sin, Grantchester), Lesley Nicol (Downton AbbeyBeecham House), and Katherine Kelly (BloodsGentleman Jack), among others.

  5. 5.

    Mr Bates vs The Post Office Episodes

    Photo of actor Monica Dolan as the real-life character Jo Hamilton in the miniseries Mr Bates vs The Post Office on PBS MASTERPIECE.

    Episode 1 
    Mysterious financial losses lead the Post Office to fire and prosecute village Subpostmasters, who have no way to prove their innocence.

    Episode 2 
    Alan Bates and the Subpostmasters begin fighting to uncover their truth with new partners in Parliament, but first they must convince an independent investigator of their honesty.

    Episode 3
    Alan Bates allies with the Post Office hoping Subpostmasters will get justice at last, but can he trust the people who have let them down so badly?

    Episode 4 
    Alan Bates and his colleagues finally embark on the epic challenge of battling the Post Office in court.

  6. 6.

    More on Mr Bates vs The Post Office

    Actor John Hollingworth as solicitor James Hartley (right) and Toby Jones as former Subpostmaster Alan Bates in a scene from Mr Bates and The Post Office airing on PBS MASTERPIECE.

    Explore more behind-the-scenes extras from Mr Bates vs The Post Office including special features to offer you more context and details about what you see in the show, videos featuring the cast and crew, and episodes of the MASTERPIECE Studio podcast to take you deeper into the world of Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

  7. 7.

    After Mr Bates vs The Post Office...

    Scene outside UK High Court as British Subpostmasters win their group litigation case over the Post Office. Subpostmasters stand behind a red banner with arms raised.

    After you finish watching Mr Bates vs The Post Office Episode 4 (the finale) check out the special documentary The Real Story of Mr Bates vs The Post Office for a deeper dive behind the story and the real-life players involved in the scandal.

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