So, you’ve decided to descend into the rain-slicked, morally gray world of John Luther. Honestly, good for you. There is something uniquely therapeutic about watching Idris Elba in a tweed coat looking absolutely exhausted by the depravity of London’s criminal underbelly. But if you’re trying to find exactly where to Luther TV series watch right now, you might notice the streaming rights are a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. It’s not just one big "click and play" across every platform.
The landscape has shifted. We aren't in 2010 anymore, and the show has jumped from network to network like Luther jumps across rooftops. Depending on where you live, you might find the original five seasons on one app and the 2023 movie on another. And yeah, there’s that brand-new movie sequel everyone is talking about that’s currently filming. Let's break down the actual, factual places you can stream this right now without hitting a dead end.
The Best Places to Luther TV Series Watch Right Now
If you are in the United States, your primary destination is Hulu. As of early 2026, Hulu remains the consistent home for all five seasons of the original BBC run. It’s the easiest way to see the evolution of John Luther from a volatile detective to a man who basically has no lines left to cross.
For those who prefer a more "British" flavored subscription, BritBox is also a solid bet. They’ve got the full series, and it often feels like the more natural home for a show that is so deeply rooted in that gloomy UK aesthetic. If you're a Prime member, you can actually add BritBox as a "channel" within Amazon Prime Video, which saves you from downloading yet another app to your smart TV.
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UK viewers have it the easiest. Just head over to BBC iPlayer. Since this is a BBC original, all 20 episodes—from the terrifying introduction of Alice Morgan in season one to the chaotic series five finale—are usually sitting there for free (well, provided you’ve paid your TV license).
The "Fallen Sun" Netflix Split
Here is where people get confused. You search for the show on Netflix, and you only see Luther: The Fallen Sun.
Netflix actually holds the exclusive rights to the films, but in many regions, they don’t have the original TV series. This means you’ll see the 2023 feature film where Andy Serkis plays a tech-billionaire creep, but you won't see the years of backstory that led Luther to that prison cell in the first place.
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If you want the full experience, you basically have to bounce between platforms. Watch the 5 seasons on Hulu or iPlayer, then switch to Netflix for the movie. It's a bit of a chore, but for Idris Elba's performance? Totally worth it.
Why the Watch Order Actually Matters
You might think you can just jump into the movie. You can't. Well, you can, but you’ll be missing the soul of the show. The relationship between John Luther and Alice Morgan (played by the incredible Ruth Wilson) is arguably the best "will-they-won't-they-kill-each-other" dynamic in television history.
- Season 1 (6 episodes): The introduction. Alice Morgan kills her parents. Luther knows it. He can't prove it. They become weirdly close.
- Season 2 (4 episodes): Things get darker. The masked killer with the dice is still one of the scariest things I've seen on TV.
- Season 3 (4 episodes): This is where the consequences of Luther's "extracurricular" activities really start to bite him.
- Season 4 (2 episodes): A shorter, more focused hunt. It feels like a mini-movie.
- Season 5 (4 episodes): The "final" TV chapter. It’s brutal, high-stakes, and leads directly into the events of the first film.
- Luther: The Fallen Sun (Movie): This picks up exactly where season 5 left off.
If you skip the series and go straight to the film, you won't understand why DSU Martin Schenk looks at Luther with that mix of profound respect and utter disappointment. You need the history.
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What’s Happening with the New Luther Movie?
It’s official: more Luther is on the way. Production for a second feature film is reportedly kicking off in London in February 2026. The big news that has fans losing their minds? Ruth Wilson is returning as Alice Morgan. After the way season 5 ended, people had theories. Some thought she was gone for good. But Neil Cross, the series creator, has always leaned into the idea that Alice is a force of nature you can't really kill. This new film, produced by Netflix and Chernin Entertainment, is expected to follow Luther’s life after his "unofficial" recruitment by British Intelligence at the end of The Fallen Sun.
Basically, Luther is back in London, he’s secretly working for the good guys, but he’s still the same man who will break a few fingers to get a confession.
Actionable Tips for Your Binge-Watch
If you’re ready to start, don't just dive in blindly. Here is how to handle a Luther TV series watch without getting frustrated by tech or missing details.
- Check for Free Options First: Before you pay for a new sub, check Hoopla. If you have a library card in the US or Canada, you can often stream the entire series for free. It’s the best-kept secret in streaming.
- Watch with Subtitles: Seriously. Between the thick London accents and the gritty, low-mumble delivery Idris Elba uses when he’s being "intense," you’re going to miss half the dialogue without them.
- Don't Binge Too Fast: This show is heavy. It deals with some genuinely disturbing psychological stuff. Taking a break between seasons helps you appreciate the character shifts.
- VPN Strategy: If you're traveling, a VPN can help you access your "home" library. If you're a UK resident on holiday in the US, you can use a VPN to hop back onto BBC iPlayer and keep your progress.
The most important thing to remember is that Luther isn't just a police procedural. It’s a character study of a man who is terrified that he’s becoming the very thing he hunts. Now that the second movie is officially in production for 2026, there has never been a better time to catch up on the old episodes. Get your tweed coat ready.