Why the "Luther" series isn't on Netflix even though a movie is coming out

The new Luther film is now in select theatres in the United Kingdom, and if you want to binge the series before The Fallen Sun hits Netflix, you're out of luck unless you use an alternative streaming provider. What is the reason behind this, and where can you watch it instead? Here's what you should know.

Hence the TL;DR of this piece is that we are unaware of any regions' plans to obtain Luther before Luther: The Fallen Sun is released on Netflix on March 10th.

We were told that the arrangement for Netflix to buy the film was complicated and took months to complete when the picture was still in development. It was co-produced by Chernin Entertainment (which has an overall arrangement with Netflix) and BBC Films for Netflix.

As a result, the series remains completely owned by BBC Studios, which has already licenced the show or is not selling it to Netflix in most regions.

It's very uncommon for Netflix to be unable to obtain a streaming licence for a series or movie after acquiring the rights to do a sequel. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is an excellent example of how Lionsgate retained control of the initial film and did not licence it to Netflix in the United States (although it did do so in several other regions).

Of course, this could change in the weeks leading up to or shortly after the release, so we'll keep you updated if that happens.

Netflix does not reply to multiple requests for comment on this subject.

Luther is available on Netflix in two territories.

At the time of publication, the series was available on Netflix in two territories.

According to Unogs, Luther is only available on Netflix in two countries: Switzerland and Germany. All five seasons of the show are available for streaming in those territories, with multiple audio and subtitle options.

Where can I watch Luther in the United States?

While Luther is not accessible on Netflix in the United States, a few locales (along with a FAST service) are streaming it in the run-up to the film's release.

Hulu (which presently has all five seasons) and BritBox are the two SVOD platforms that currently broadcast the show (which carries seasons 1-4).

In terms of free services, Pluto TV is currently airing seasons 1-3.

Luther was available on Netflix in the United States at one point. It was, in reality, available for several years, with seasons 1-3 uploaded in September 2014 and season 4 added in 2016, before being completely deleted in 2019.

Where can I watch Luther in different parts of the world?

The show is naturally available in its entirety on the BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom.

The show is accessible in Canada on CBC Gem and BritBox.

The show is available in its entirety on Stan and BritBox in Australia.

We'd recommend utilising a service like JustWatch to find out where it's streaming in your location, though BritBox is the most likely home.