Here’s how you can watch Sky Atlantic, even if you're not with Sky.
What can I watch on Sky Atlantic?
Before we get into the ways you can access Sky Atlantic, let's take a look at why you would want to.
As the name suggests, Sky Atlantic primarily offers TV shows from across the pond - specifically, from the USA. Sky’s strong partnership with the network HBO means a large portion comes direct from them, around 50%. They also hold the domestic rights to Showtime dramas, as well as broadcasting many original Sky productions.
The channel is probably best known for epic HBO shows like Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire and Big Little Lies, as well as Sky Originals like Fortitude, Gangs of London and Tin Star.
If you're looking for high quality drama then this is the place to find it.
Where can I watch Sky Atlantic
Given that Sky owns and manages Sky Atlantic, it makes sense that the easiest way to watch is with a Sky TV package. But there are other ways if you are not a Sky TV customer.
How to watch Sky Atlantic on Sky TV
Sky Atlantic is included as standard on all Sky TV deals, so this is by far the simplest way to watch. You can also find your favourite Sky Atlantic programmes on demand with 30-day catch up.
If you want to watch in glorious HD, and you have a HD capable TV, then you can upgrade your Sky TV package to the Ultra HD + HD add-on for an additional monthly fee.
Sky TV customers also get access to Sky Go, so you can watch anywhere there is an internet connection. Be careful if using your mobile data though, as streaming Sky Atlantic can very quickly chew through all your allowance.
How to watch Sky Atlantic on NOW TV
NOW TV is a great option for those who don't want to commit to a long term Sky TV package. Part of the Sky family, NOW TV offer a choice of passes on rolling monthly contracts that can be cancelled and restarted rather than signing up to a long contract.
Sky Atlantic is included within the Entertainment Pass, along with 10 other channels such as Sky One and Sky Documentaries.
You can watch NOW TV via the app on over 60 devices including your smart TV, iPad, iPhone, games consoles and selected Android devices, as well as via a NOW TV Smart Stick.
How to watch Sky Atlantic on BT TV
In February 2020 BT revamped their TV packages and began offering NOW TV passes, opening up another avenue for BT customers to watch Sky Atlantic.
Currently the NOW TV Entertainment pass is included within the BT TV Entertainment package.
The NOW TV app can be easily accessed via your BT TV YouView+ box so there is no need for any additional devices.
The downside is that BT TV is only available to BT broadband customers, and it isn't contract-free. Going direct with NOW TV remains the only way to watch Sky Atlantic without signing up to a contract.
How to watch Sky Atlantic on Virgin Media TV
Whilst Virgin Media customers can access the Sky Cinema and Sky Sports suites, Sky seems determined to keep Sky Atlantic confined to their platform and distributed via NOW TV. It is their flagship channel after all so they aren't going to give it up easily.
That's not to say you can't watch it, just be prepared for a work around.
The only way to view Sky Atlantic if you are a Virgin Media TV Customer is to buy a NOW TV pass. You can then access this via the NOW TV app on your Smart TV or streaming stick.
A few points to consider though. Firstly, the cost of the NOW TV pass will be an additional subscription to pay, and secondly, there may well be some duplication of other channels that are included in both the NOW TV pass and your Virgin Media TV package.
But don't let this put you off Virgin TV. It is still a fantastic subscription TV service that is just missing Sky Atlantic, which can be worked around.
How to watch Sky Atlantic on TalkTalk TV
Similar to Virgin Media, TalkTalk don't have access to Sky Atlantic directly. Given Sky Cinema and Sky Sports have recently been removed from TalkTalk's offering, it's unlikely Sky Atlantic be added any time soon.
Fear not though, this is where NOW TV steps in. If you are willing to pay the additional monthly fee for the NOW TV entertainment pass, then you can watch Sky Atlantic via the NOW TV app on your YouView set-top box.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Sky Atlantic on Netflix?
Afraid not. There is no way to watch Sky Atlantic via Netflix and it seems very unlikely that will change anytime soon.
Can I get Sky Atlantic on Freeview?
Nope. There is no way to watch Sky Atlantic on Freeview channels. You will need to subscribe to Sky TV, or a NOW TV pass.
How much is Sky Atlantic?
This depends on how you are planning to watch. At the time of writing, you can get Sky TV from £25 per month. If you are going down the NOW TV route, then the Entertainment pass is £9.99 a month.