You're looking for a specific type of emotional devastation. Maybe you saw a clip of Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain looking intensely at each other in a hallway, or perhaps you’ve heard film buffs whispering about the original Ingmar Bergman masterpiece from the 70s. Either way, you need to know exactly where to watch Scenes from a Marriage without jumping through ten different subscription hoops.
It’s a heavy ask. Watching these series isn't exactly a "popcorn and chill" experience. It’s more of a "stare at the wall for twenty minutes after the credits roll" experience.
Currently, the landscape for streaming these two distinct versions is relatively straightforward, but it depends entirely on whether you want the modern HBO reimagining or the Swedish original that started it all. If you are in the United States, your primary destination is Max (formerly HBO Max). That is where the 2021 limited series lives. But if you are hunting for the 1973 Bergman version—the one that allegedly spiked divorce rates in Europe—you might have to look toward more specialized platforms like The Criterion Channel.
The Modern Heartbreak: Where to Watch the 2021 Version
If you are looking for the version starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, you are looking for the HBO Limited Series. This isn't a shot-for-shot remake. Hagai Levi, the creator of The Affair, took Bergman’s skeleton and flipped the gender dynamics.
You can find all five episodes on Max.
If you don't have a Max subscription, you aren't totally out of luck. You can add Max as a "channel" through Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. It’s the same price, usually around $15.99 a month for the ad-free tier, but it keeps all your shows in one app. Honestly, it’s easier if you already spend all your time on Hulu anyway.
For those who still value physical media or want to "own" the digital file without a monthly sub, you can buy the entire season on Apple TV (iTunes), Amazon, or Vudu. Usually, it runs about $14.99 for the whole season. It’s a one-time hit to the wallet, and you don't have to worry about licensing deals expiring.
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International Streaming Options
Streaming isn't a monolith. It changes the second you cross a border.
- In the UK: Sky Atlantic is the home of HBO content. You’ll find it on NOW (formerly Now TV) with an Entertainment Membership.
- In Canada: Crave is your best friend. They have a long-standing deal with HBO, so the 2021 version is tucked right in there.
- In Australia: You’re looking at Binge or Foxtel Now.
The Original Masterpiece: Finding the 1973 Bergman Version
Now, if you want the "real" deal—the one with Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson—things get a little more sophisticated. You won't usually find this on Netflix or your standard "blockbuster" streamers.
The 1973 version of Scenes from a Marriage is currently streaming on The Criterion Channel.
If you haven't used Criterion, it’s basically a library for people who wear turtlenecks and enjoy subtitles. They have both the original six-episode television version and the shorter theatrical cut. Most purists will tell you to watch the television version. It’s longer. It’s slower. It hurts more.
Sometimes, this version also pops up on Max under their "TCM" or "Criterion" hub, but their library rotates. One month it’s there; the next, it’s gone. As of right now, Criterion is your safest bet for a consistent stream.
You can also check Kanopy. If you have a library card or a university login, you can often stream high-brow cinema for free. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the streaming world. Just type in your card number and see if your local branch carries the Criterion collection.
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Why the Version You Choose Actually Matters
Don't just pick one at random. They are different beasts.
The 1973 original was a cultural earthquake. In Sweden, it was credited with doubling the number of people seeking marriage counseling. It’s raw. It was shot on 16mm film, so it has this grainy, intimate, almost intrusive feel. You feel like you’re eavesdropping on a real couple in a real house.
The 2021 remake is polished. It’s incredibly acted—Isaac and Chastain have chemistry that feels almost dangerous—but it feels like a play. In fact, each episode starts with a meta-moment where you see the actors walking onto the set with masks on, being called to their marks. It’s a choice. It reminds you that this is a performance of intimacy, whereas Bergman wanted you to forget you were watching a movie at all.
Is it on Netflix?
No. Short answer: No.
Longer answer: HBO produces its own prestige content to keep people within their ecosystem. While HBO has recently started licensing some older shows like Insecure or Band of Brothers to Netflix, Scenes from a Marriage hasn’t made that jump yet. Don’t waste your time scrolling through the "Drama" category on Netflix looking for it.
Breaking Down the Cost
Let’s be real. Nobody wants to pay for five services.
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If you want the most bang for your buck and you specifically want to know where to watch Scenes from a Marriage, get a one-month subscription to Max. You can binge the 2021 version in a weekend. If you’re fast, you can check if the 1973 version is still in their TCM hub. If not, cancel and hop over to Criterion for a free trial.
- Max: $9.99 (with ads) to $19.99 (Ultimate Ad-Free).
- Criterion Channel: $10.99 a month.
- Digital Purchase: $14.99 (one-time).
Technical Specs: Getting the Best Quality
If you’re watching the 2021 version, you want to see it in 4K. The lighting is incredible. Deep shadows, warm ambers, the textures of the clothes—it’s a visual feast. To get this on Max, you need the "Ultimate Ad-Free" tier. If you watch it on the base tier, it’ll be 1080p, which is fine, but you lose that cinematic depth.
For the 1973 version, don't worry about 4K. It’s an old Swedish TV show. Even the restored versions have a specific look that shouldn't be too "cleaned up." Watching it in standard HD on Criterion is exactly how it was meant to be seen.
Common Misconceptions About Streaming This Show
People often get confused because there are two different formats for the original. You might see a "movie" that is 167 minutes long, and a "miniseries" that is nearly 300 minutes long.
When you are looking for where to watch Scenes from a Marriage (1973), always try to find the episodic version. The theatrical cut is basically a "best of" reel. It misses the slow-burn erosion of the relationship that makes the ending so impactful. The 2021 version is only available as a miniseries, so no confusion there.
Another thing: people think they need to watch the original to understand the remake. You don’t. They are standalone stories. However, if you watch the remake first, going back to the original feels like looking at the source code of a computer program. You see where all the ideas came from.
Actionable Steps for Your Weekend Binge
To get the most out of this experience without wasting money, follow this sequence:
- Check your local library app: Download Kanopy or Hoopla. This is the only way to potentially watch the 1973 version for free.
- Use the Max Add-on Trial: If you have Amazon Prime, check if they are offering a 7-day trial for the Max channel. You can finish the 2021 series in 5 hours.
- Watch in order of "Intensity": Start with the 2021 version. It’s more modern and accessible. If you survive that emotionally, move on to the 1973 Bergman version to see the roots of the story.
- Avoid the "Theatrical Cut" of the 1973 version: It's too condensed. If the runtime is under 3 hours, you're watching the edited movie, not the full series.
Watching this show is a commitment. It’s not background noise for folding laundry. It’s a mirror. Whether you choose the Isaac/Chastain powerhouse or the Bergman classic, you’re in for some of the best writing in television history. Just make sure you have the right app downloaded before you settle in with a glass of wine.