Finding exactly where can you watch The Next Step feels like trying to nail jello to a wall. It’s a mess. One day it’s on Netflix in the UK, the next it’s vanished, only to pop up on a localized iPlayer spin-off or a random Australian streaming service.
If you grew up with the A-Troupe, you know the stakes. The drama isn't just on the dance floor; it's in the licensing agreements.
The show is a powerhouse. Produced by Boat Rocker Media, this Canadian mockumentary has survived more cast shakeups than most soaps. But because it’s distributed globally by different networks—CBBC in the UK, Family Channel in Canada, and Universal Kids in the US—the streaming rights are a fragmented disaster.
The Current Streaming Landscape for A-Troupe Fans
Right now, if you are in the United Kingdom, you have the best seat in the house. The BBC is essentially the godparent of this show. You can find almost every season on BBC iPlayer. It’s free, it’s high quality, and they usually get the new episodes first. Honestly, it's the only place that feels consistent.
In Canada? It’s a different story. Since it’s a homegrown production, The Family Channel is the primary home. You can often find episodes on their app, but they love a good "cable login" requirement which is, frankly, annoying in 2026.
The United States is where things get truly weird. For a long time, Hulu was the spot. Then it moved. Now, you’re mostly looking at vudu, Apple TV, or Amazon Prime Video, but—and this is a big "but"—you usually have to buy the seasons individually.
Why do the seasons keep moving?
It’s all about "windowing."
A network buys the rights to air the show for two years. When that contract expires, they have to decide if the viewership justifies the renewal cost. If not, the show goes back on the market. This is why you’ll see Season 1-3 on one platform and Season 4-8 somewhere else entirely. It’s frustrating. It makes binge-watching a logistical nightmare.
Breakdown of Platforms by Region
If you're hunting for a specific season, here is the rough "lay of the land" as it stands.
- United Kingdom: BBC iPlayer is king. They carry the most recent seasons (including the latest Season 9 developments) and the specials. Occasionally, older seasons drift onto Netflix UK, but don't count on them staying there.
- Australia: ABC iView has historically been the go-to. Like the BBC, they treat the show well because it fits their public broadcasting charter for teen content. Stan also carries chunks of it from time to time.
- United States: Check Tubi or Pluto TV. Sometimes these ad-supported platforms pick up the older "legacy" seasons because they’re cheaper to license. If you want the new stuff, you’re basically stuck buying it on Google Play or Amazon.
- Canada: The Crave streaming service sometimes hosts it, but the Family Channel’s own digital platforms are your safest bet.
What about YouTube?
You’d be surprised. The official "The Next Step" YouTube channel is actually incredible. While they don't always post full, current episodes for free (because that would kill their TV deals), they post massive "mega-comps."
💡 You might also like: The You Never Once Paid For Drugs Meme: Why Dewey Cox Is Still The Internet’s Favorite Reluctant Rockstar
We're talking three-hour videos that bridge the gaps between seasons. If you just want the dance highlights or the "Jiley" (James and Riley) relationship arc, YouTube is actually better than the streaming services. They have behind-the-scenes content that you literally cannot find anywhere else.
The VPN "Solution"
Let's be real for a second. A lot of fans use VPNs to access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK.
Is it "official"? No. Does it work? Usually.
The BBC has gotten better at blocking common VPN IP addresses, but if you have a high-quality provider, you can basically pretend you're sitting in a flat in London to watch the latest regional qualifiers. Just remember you technically need a TV license to watch iPlayer, though the digital "check" is mostly an honor system.
Common Misconceptions About the Show's Availability
People always ask why it isn't just on Disney+. It feels like a Disney show, right?
Wrong.
While it airs on Disney Channel in some international territories (like parts of Europe and South America), Disney doesn't own the show. Boat Rocker does. That's why it doesn't just sit permanently in a big library like High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. It's a nomad. It goes where the money is.
Is the show still in production?
Yes. Despite several "series finales" and cast graduations, the show has incredible longevity. The pivot to new generations of dancers has kept the brand alive, even if some older fans still miss the original Season 1 crew. The fact that production continues means the "where to watch" answer will keep changing as new contracts are signed for the newer seasons.
How to Track It Without Going Crazy
If you’re tired of checking five different apps every morning, use a tool like JustWatch or Reelgood.
These aren't perfect, but they track the metadata of most streaming libraries. You type in "The Next Step," set your region, and it tells you which seasons are "Free," which are "Subscription," and which are "Purchase." It saves you about twenty minutes of clicking through menus on your smart TV remote.
Actionable Steps for the Dedicated Fan
Stop checking Netflix. Seriously. In most territories, they’ve let their licenses lapse to focus on their own original teen dramas.
Instead, do this:
- Check your local Public Broadcaster first. If you’re in a Commonwealth country (UK, Australia, Canada), the state-funded youth channels almost always have the rights.
- Follow the official YouTube channel. Turn on notifications. They often announce exactly which platforms have picked up the latest seasons before the platforms even update their own "Coming Soon" lists.
- Invest in the digital seasons if you're a superfan. If you’re in the US and you plan on re-watching the show ten times, buying the season for $15 on Amazon is cheaper than subscribing to three different services over a year just to chase the show as it moves.
- Use the "JustWatch" app. Set an alert for "The Next Step." It will ping your phone the second a new season drops on a service you already pay for.
The reality of 2026 streaming is that content is fragmented. A Canadian show filmed in Toronto but beloved in Manchester and Melbourne is always going to have a complicated digital map. Stay flexible, keep your YouTube app updated, and maybe keep a VPN handy if you really can't wait for the regional release.
The A-Troupe is out there; you just have to know which door to knock on.