The first evening I spent in my new Amsterdam apartment, I tried to watch something familiar while surrounded by boxes. My UK streaming apps were geo-blocked. Dutch Netflix had different content than I was used to. I eventually found a Dutch quiz show I could not understand a word of and gave up. That was ten years ago, and I have had time to figure it all out since.
Here is the complete practical guide to TV, streaming, and entertainment in the Netherlands for expats — what is available, what is not, how to fill the gaps, and a few things that might actually make you enjoy Dutch television.
The Dutch Streaming Landscape: Overview
The Netherlands has a well-developed streaming ecosystem with a mix of international platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, HBO Max) and local Dutch services (Videoland, NPO Start, Ziggo Sport). The country does not dub foreign content — everything is shown in original audio with subtitles — which is a significant advantage for English-speaking expats compared to countries like Germany, France, or Italy.
The practical issue for incoming expats is not lack of content but rather geo-restriction. Content you subscribed to at home may not work from a Dutch IP address, and the platforms you relied on may not be available at all. Understanding what works as-is and what requires a VPN is the first thing to sort out.
International Streaming Platforms Available in the Netherlands
Netflix Netherlands
Netflix is fully available in the Netherlands and works from day one. Your existing Netflix account transfers — the monthly charge continues and you log in normally. The difference is that the Dutch library is not identical to the US or UK library.
Dutch Netflix in practice:
- Total titles: approximately 5,000-5,500 (2026 estimate), a solid library overall
- Netflix Originals: the same worldwide — all Netflix Originals are available in every country
- Licensed international content: some variation from the US library; popular HBO/Showtime licensed series may differ
- Dutch content: a growing selection of Dutch-language originals and local programming
- Audio and subtitles: most English-language content available with English audio; Dutch subtitles available on most titles
For most expats, Dutch Netflix is adequate. The majority of popular English-language content is available. The gaps tend to be in older licensed content, regional exclusives, and certain reality TV series that have different licensing by territory.
If you want the US or UK Netflix library: A VPN solves this. Connect to a US or UK NordVPN server and Netflix shows the corresponding library. Netflix has improved its VPN detection but struggles to block premium VPNs effectively — NordVPN remains reliable for this in 2026.
Disney+
Disney+ operates identically across most of Europe, including the Netherlands. Star (the international content hub under Disney+) carries a very similar library to the UK version. Content includes all Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content, plus a substantial Star catalogue of general entertainment and TV series.
Cost: Standard EUR 8.99/month or Premium EUR 13.99/month (4K, 4 devices simultaneously).
Disney+ is worth it for families — the children’s content alone justifies the subscription. For adults, the Star catalogue adds enough to make it a solid secondary subscription.
Amazon Prime Video Netherlands
Amazon Prime Video is available in the Netherlands as part of an Amazon Prime subscription (EUR 2.99/month for the first 6 months, then EUR 7.99/month as of early 2026) or as a standalone video subscription. The Dutch library is comparable to the UK library, which is significantly smaller than the US library. However, Amazon Originals are universal.
A practical tip: Amazon Prime in the Netherlands does not include fast shipping on Amazon.nl to the same extent as Amazon UK or DE. If you are used to next-day UK Prime delivery, the Netherlands version is less impressive on the delivery side, though the streaming value remains good.
HBO Max (Max) Netherlands
HBO Max — rebranding to Max in most markets — is available in the Netherlands and carries the full HBO catalogue including Game of Thrones, The Wire, Succession, The White Lotus, and current HBO series. HBO content in the Netherlands was previously licensed to Videoland, and while some historic exclusivity arrangements still affect some titles, the current Max subscription in the Netherlands is well-stocked.
Cost: Around EUR 9.99-15.99/month depending on plan.
For HBO drama fans, Max is the one to subscribe to. The documentary catalogue is also excellent.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available worldwide, including the Netherlands. The subscription (EUR 9.99/month, or free with a new Apple device purchase for 3 months) gives access to Apple’s growing catalogue of originals. Apple TV+ does not have a licensing library — it is entirely originals — so the content is the same everywhere. Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Slow Horses, and a growing list of critically acclaimed series.
For Apple ecosystem users, it is often included in Apple One bundles.
Spotify and Music Streaming
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Tidal all work identically in the Netherlands. Your existing subscription continues. Spotify’s free tier is also available. No changes needed for music streaming.
Dutch Streaming Platforms
Videoland: The Dutch Netflix
Videoland is the largest Dutch-language streaming platform, owned by RTL Group. It is the go-to service for expats who want to understand Dutch popular culture and an excellent tool for language learning.
What Videoland offers:
- Dutch original series, including many RTL classics and new originals
- International series licensed for the Dutch market — significant HBO content including some seasons of popular series
- Dutch movies, including many recent Dutch theatrical releases
- Reality TV, which is enormous in the Netherlands (The Voice of Holland, Expeditie Robinson, Temptation Island, etc.)
- Dutch news and current affairs content from RTL
Cost: EUR 5.99/month (standard) or EUR 9.99/month (premium, with downloads and better quality). Free trial available.
For expats: If you are serious about integrating and learning Dutch, Videoland combined with NPO Start gives you the full Dutch television landscape. If you are only interested in English-language content, you can skip it without missing anything important.
NPO Start: Public TV Streaming (Free)
NPO Start is the streaming platform of NPO (Nederlandse Publieke Omroep), the Dutch public broadcaster. It is free with basic registration — no subscription required.
What you get:
- All NPO channels: NPO 1 (main public channel), NPO 2 (arts, culture, documentary), NPO 3 (youth, entertainment)
- A vast archive of Dutch television going back decades
- All NPO news programmes, documentaries, and current affairs
- The full Journaal (Dutch news) every evening
- Op1 and other talk shows, Andere Tijden (history documentary series)
- A good amount of content with Dutch subtitles
Why this matters for expats: Even if you are not learning Dutch actively, following the Dutch news in Dutch — at least the headlines — is one of the fastest ways to start understanding the language and the society. NPO Start makes this possible for free. The Dutch journaal at 8pm is one of the most-watched programmes in the country.
For Dutch-language learners, NPO 2 documentaries with Dutch subtitles are excellent intermediate practice.
Ziggo GO and Canal Digitaal
If you have a Ziggo internet/cable TV subscription (Ziggo is one of the main Dutch cable and internet providers), Ziggo GO gives access to live and on-demand TV from your subscription package on multiple devices. This includes live sports, Dutch channels, and the Ziggo Sport add-on (if subscribed).
Ziggo Sport: The home of Formula 1 in the Netherlands. Max Verstappen’s success has made F1 enormously popular, and Ziggo Sport’s live race coverage is thorough — all sessions included. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort circuit (when scheduled) is a national event.
Getting Your Home Country Content via VPN
The practical reality: most expats want some access to home country content, at least in the early months. Whether that is BBC iPlayer for British expats, ITV Hub, Hulu for Americans, or local news channels from wherever you came from, a VPN is the solution.
How VPN Streaming Works
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet connection through a server in another country, giving you an IP address from that country. Streaming platforms use IP address location to determine which content library to show you and whether to allow access. With a VPN:
- You connect to a UK server → BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, ITVX work normally
- You connect to a US server → Hulu, US Netflix library, Peacock, US sports streams work
- You connect to an Australian server → Stan, ABC iView, 9Now work
- You connect to a Canadian server → CBC Gem, Crave work
The main caveat: streaming platforms do detect and block some VPN IP addresses. Premium VPNs are better at this because they regularly rotate server IP addresses. Free VPNs are almost always blocked.
Access Your Home Country Streaming with NordVPN
NordVPN is the most reliable VPN for streaming in 2026. It consistently bypasses BBC iPlayer, multiple Netflix regional libraries, Hulu, Disney+, and most major streaming platforms. With 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, UK and US servers are fast and rarely blocked. Works on all your devices simultaneously — laptop, phone, tablet, smart TV. Plans from around EUR 3.49/month on a 2-year plan.
Get NordVPN — 30-Day Money-Back GuaranteeFor a full comparison of VPN options for streaming and privacy in the Netherlands, see the best VPN for expats in the Netherlands guide.
Dutch Television: What to Know
How Dutch TV Works
The Netherlands has a mix of public and commercial television:
Public channels (NPO):
- NPO 1 — main public channel, news (Journaal at 8pm), popular dramas, Dutch talk shows, sport
- NPO 2 — arts, culture, science, international documentaries, Dutch film
- NPO 3 — youth programming and alternative content
Commercial channels:
- RTL 4 — the most watched Dutch commercial channel: entertainment, soaps (Goede Tijden Slechte Tijden — the Dutch EastEnders equivalent, running since 1990), reality TV
- RTL 5, RTL 7, RTL 8 — RTL’s additional channels: sport, entertainment, women-targeted programming
- SBS 6, Veronica, NET5 — DPG/Talpa channels covering general entertainment, sport, lifestyle
English subtitles: Dutch television does not dub foreign content. English-language films and series on Dutch TV are shown in original English with Dutch subtitles. This means Dutch TV is inherently accessible to English speakers for all imported content. Dutch-language programmes do not typically come with English subtitles (NPO Start offers Dutch subtitles on much of its content, which helps learners).
Goede Tijden Slechte Tijden
This deserves a special mention. GTST (as it is universally known) is the Netherlands’ long-running soap opera — it has aired every weekday since 1990 and is a genuine Dutch institution. Understanding GTST references is genuinely useful for integration. It airs on RTL 4 at 8pm and is available on Videoland. Watching it with Dutch subtitles is one of the more entertaining ways to absorb colloquial Dutch, even if you follow approximately 40% of the dialogue initially.
Dutch Subtitles as a Learning Tool
One of the best-kept secrets for Dutch language learning: turn on Dutch subtitles for English-language content on Netflix, NPO Start, and Videoland. Your brain processes the Dutch text while following the English audio you already understand. Over time, words and phrases become familiar through repetition. This is passive learning but genuinely effective, and more enjoyable than formal study alone.
For active Dutch learning resources, see the best apps for learning Dutch in 2026. If you are considering a formal Dutch course, the best Dutch language courses guide covers classroom and online options.
Sports Streaming in the Netherlands
Formula 1: Ziggo Sport
Max Verstappen has transformed Dutch interest in Formula 1. Ziggo Sport is the primary broadcaster of F1 in the Netherlands, with full live race coverage, qualifying sessions, and analysis. Ziggo Sport is an add-on to Ziggo internet/TV packages (around EUR 15-20/month) or can sometimes be accessed via Ziggo GO. The Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort — when on the calendar — is essentially a national holiday.
For expats who do not have Ziggo: the F1 streaming service F1 TV Pro is available directly from the F1 website and provides live and on-demand access to all sessions. This is useful if your home country F1 broadcaster is better (e.g., UK Sky Sports F1), which you can access via VPN.
Eredivisie: Dutch Football
The Eredivisie (top Dutch league) is primarily distributed via ESPN NL, available through most Dutch cable and streaming TV providers. Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord, and AZ are the traditional big clubs, though the Eredivisie’s overall quality relative to other European leagues has declined in recent years.
ESPN NL is available as an add-on via Ziggo, KPN, or T-Mobile TV packages. The streaming app ESPN also works for subscribers.
Champions League and European Football
UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches are split between Ziggo Sport and RTL in the Netherlands. Major matches involving Dutch clubs, and the knockout rounds, tend to be on RTL (free-to-air public channel). Earlier round and mid-week group stage matches are often on Ziggo Sport.
If you follow a specific home country football club (e.g., Premier League for British expats), a VPN to a UK server gives access to Sky Sports or BT Sport/TNT Sports streams. For the most reliable method, combine a VPN with a home country subscription (if your provider allows it) or use Sky Sports streaming internationally.
Other Sports
- Tennis: ATP/WTA coverage is available via Ziggo Sport and ESPN NL for major tournaments. The Rotterdam ABN AMRO tournament (February) is a big event on the Dutch sports calendar.
- Cycling: Massive in the Netherlands. Wielrennen (cycling races) including the Tour de France, Giro, and Vuelta, plus Dutch classics like the Amstel Gold Race and Tour de France, are on NPO and Eurosport NL. If you are planning to attend cycling events in person, the cycling in the Netherlands guide covers the cycling culture broadly.
- American Sports: NBA, NFL, and MLB coverage is available via Ziggo Sport Select or the international streaming apps (NBA League Pass, NFL GamePass) with VPN for geographic pricing options.
Dutch Radio
Dutch radio is underrated and worth exploring, especially for language learning and understanding Dutch culture.
Main Dutch Radio Stations
| Station | Type | Listener profile |
|---|---|---|
| NPO Radio 1 | News and current affairs | Most serious listening; news programmes all day |
| NPO Radio 2 | Dutch music and entertainment | Nostalgia, Dutch pop, evening talk shows |
| NPO Radio 3FM | Dutch pop and youth | Contemporary Dutch and international pop |
| NPO Klassiek | Classical music | Self-explanatory; excellent quality |
| Q-music | Commercial pop | International top 40 and Dutch pop |
| Radio 538 | Commercial top 40 | Netherlands’ most listened-to commercial station |
| FunX | Urban/multicultural | Hip-hop, R&B, multi-ethnic Dutch content; multilingual |
| BNR Nieuwsradio | Financial/business news | News and business analysis; useful for professionals |
NPO Radio 1 and BNR Nieuwsradio are particularly useful for language learning — clear, professional speech, topics you can follow from context.
All Dutch radio is available free online at NPO.nl and Radio.nl, or via the NPO Radio app. Most commercial stations also stream online.
Podcasts for Learning Dutch and Understanding the Netherlands
For Dutch Learners
- Hoe Zeg Je Dat? (NPO): Podcasts specifically designed for Dutch learners at different levels — beginner through advanced. Episodes focus on Dutch language quirks, idioms, and pronunciation. Available on Spotify and NPO Start.
- Slow Dutch (various): Podcasts deliberately produced at slower-than-normal speech for learners. Good for beginners who cannot yet follow normal Dutch speech.
- Universiteit van Nederland: Short, punchy lectures (10-15 minutes) on various academic topics by Dutch academics. The topics are interesting in themselves and the language is clear and formal Dutch.
About the Netherlands in English
- Stuff Dutch People Like (podcast companion to the blog): Light-hearted look at Dutch culture from an outsider perspective. Entertaining and genuinely insightful.
- Expat Life Netherlands (various shows): Multiple podcasts by and for expats in the Netherlands covering practical topics — housing, taxes, healthcare, language.
- The Dutch Podcast (DutchReview): Regular episodes covering Dutch news, culture, and practical topics in English.
Dutch News in English
For staying informed about the Netherlands without (yet) being fluent in Dutch, DutchNews.nl and The Dutch Podcast both produce English-language Dutch news content. NL Times is the main English-language Dutch news site. The Amsterdam-based Expat Republik community also produces regular English-language content. For finding expat communities and groups in the Netherlands, see the guide to best expat Facebook groups in the Netherlands.
Internet and Data: What You Need for Streaming
Streaming quality depends on your internet connection. Fortunately, the Netherlands has some of the fastest internet in Europe — the average fixed broadband speed is among the highest in the EU. A standard internet connection from providers like Ziggo, KPN, or Odido will be more than sufficient for 4K streaming.
If you are using mobile data for streaming (when travelling within the Netherlands or the EU), Dutch SIM plans typically include substantial EU roaming data under EU rules. For recommendations on Dutch SIM cards and mobile plans, see the best SIM cards for expats in the Netherlands and the best phone plans for expats in the Netherlands.
Summary: Your Streaming Setup as a Netherlands Expat
Here is the practical setup I recommend for most expats:
Start here (free or included):
- NPO Start — free, sign up immediately for Dutch public TV access
- Your existing Netflix account — just log in from the Netherlands
Add based on taste:
- Disney+ — strong choice for families, good for Marvel/Star Wars fans. For families moving to the Netherlands, see the expat family guide for broader settling-in advice
- HBO Max — the home for HBO drama fans
- Videoland — for Dutch culture integration and language learning
For sports:
- Ziggo Sport add-on (via Ziggo) if you follow F1 or Dutch football
- ESPN NL (via provider) for Eredivisie
For home country content:
- NordVPN — for BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and home country streaming
The total cost of a full setup (Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, NordVPN) runs approximately EUR 35-45/month. That is a reasonable entertainment budget by Dutch standards and gives you access to an enormous combined library of English and Dutch content.
If you are serious about using TV and streaming as a Dutch language learning tool — which is one of the most effective and enjoyable approaches — prioritise NPO Start and Videoland over some of the international subscriptions. You will pick up more Dutch watching one episode of GTST per day than from most formal study. For more on integrating into Dutch society, see the guide to making friends in the Netherlands as an expat.
For the complete guide to internet providers and connectivity in the Netherlands, see best internet providers for expats in the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Netflix different in the Netherlands than the US or UK?
Yes. Netflix libraries vary by country due to licensing agreements. The Dutch Netflix library is substantial — over 5,000 titles — but differs from the US library (which is larger, typically 6,000+ titles) and the UK library. Popular shows and films licensed to local broadcasters may not be available on Dutch Netflix. Critically, many English-language films and series that are on US Netflix are also on NL Netflix, so the differences are less dramatic than they used to be, but gap titles do exist. A VPN connected to the US or UK will show you those libraries instead.
Can I watch BBC iPlayer from the Netherlands?
Not without a VPN. BBC iPlayer is geo-blocked to UK IP addresses. From a Dutch IP address, you will see a 'not available in your region' message. With a VPN connected to a UK server, iPlayer works normally — the BBC's detection has improved but good VPNs like NordVPN consistently bypass it. Technically, the BBC licence fee funds iPlayer and it is intended for UK residents. Many expats use it anyway.
What is Videoland and is it worth it for expats?
Videoland is the largest Dutch streaming platform, owned by RTL Group. It has a significant library of Dutch original series, reality TV, Dutch movies, and popular international series (including HBO content licensed for the Netherlands). For expats learning Dutch or wanting to understand Dutch popular culture, Videoland is excellent. For expats who only want English content, it is less relevant. Cost is around EUR 5.99-9.99/month. There is a free trial.
What is NPO Start?
NPO Start is the free streaming platform of NPO — Nederlandse Publieke Omroep, the Dutch public broadcaster. It gives access to all NPO channels (NPO 1, NPO 2, NPO 3) and a large archive of Dutch television going back years. It is completely free with registration. For expats interested in Dutch current affairs, news, and culture — and for learning Dutch through immersion — it is invaluable. Many Dutch news programmes, documentaries, and dramas are available with Dutch subtitles.
Can I use a VPN to watch my home country streaming services from the Netherlands?
Yes, in most cases. A VPN lets you connect to a server in your home country, making streaming platforms see you as a local visitor. This works for BBC iPlayer (UK server), Hulu (US server), Australian ABC iView, Canadian CBC Gem, and many others. NordVPN is the most reliable VPN for streaming in 2026 and consistently works with Netflix multiple regions, BBC iPlayer, and most major platforms.
Is there English language TV in the Netherlands?
Yes. The Netherlands does not dub foreign TV — English-language films and series are broadcast with Dutch subtitles, not dubbed. This means most international content is watchable in its original language. Many Dutch people have excellent English partly because of this. On streaming platforms, most English-language content has the option of English audio and multiple subtitle languages.
What sports streaming is available in the Netherlands?
Formula 1 is on Ziggo Sport, which is included with some Ziggo internet/TV packages or available as an add-on (around EUR 15-20/month). Eredivisie (Dutch football) is primarily on ESPN NL, available via most pay-TV providers. Champions League is on Ziggo Sport and RTL. The Dutch football national team (Oranje) games are typically on public television. International sports can also be accessed through VPN for home country broadcasters (e.g., Sky Sports via VPN for UK football coverage).
What Dutch podcasts can help me learn the language?
Several good options exist for different levels. 'Hoe Zeg Je Dat?' (NTR) is designed for Dutch learners at various levels. 'Nederlands leren' podcasts are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For intermediate learners, Dutch radio programmes — particularly NPO Radio 1 (news) and NPO Radio 2 (music/talk) — are excellent passive listening practice. The trick is to start with content on topics you already know (Dutch news you have already read in English) so context aids comprehension.
