SHOWTIME is an American streaming network famous for great shows such as American Gigolo and Homeland. Although SHOWTIME is a popular household name, it’s only accessible in the Netherlands. Therefore, if you are wondering how to watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands, worry no more, as this blog will show you how.
A VPN is a service designed to obscure IP addresses using servers located in specific regions, effectively sidestepping geo-restrictions. This means you can employ the best VPN for Netherlands to alter your virtual location to the US, enabling you to stream your cherished shows without limitations. Besides overcoming geographical barriers, a VPN also enhances your online security, ensuring that your online activities remain private and untraceable.
Now, does a VPN sound strange to you? Let’s dive in to understand how it works and how to watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands.
How To Watch SHOWTIME In Netherlands
You can try the following steps to watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands.
- Get yourself a reputable VPN service provider like ExpressVPN.
- Depending on your device, download and install the VPN app and log in.
- Choose a server in the US to connect to (we suggest New York or Seattle).
- Launch the SHOWTIME website, log in, and start streaming content with unlimited access.
Note that SHOWTIME is not free; you has a 30 days trial period, after which you must pay $10.99 per month to continue watching the shows. Once you create a SHOWTIME account, you can access all content on the network anytime.
Why Do You Need A VPN To Watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands?
A VPN is crucial to watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands because it overcomes location blocks that limit access to the platform’s content. You must has noticed that anytime you log in to SHOWTIME without a VPN, you get this error message, “this program does not air in your location or server error.”
Since SHOWTIME is only accessible to US viewers, a VPN is what you need to access the network from the Netherlands.
A VPN hides your actual IP address and shows a US alternative by connecting you to a US-based server. In this age when geo-blocked networks have strict controls to detect and block unauthorized international traffic, you need the best VPN for SHOWTIME in Netherlands. Such a premium VPN can pass through the blocks because the platform sees a genuine US connection.
Once you subscribe to a VPN, it offers you a selection of servers located across the world. When you connect to a server, your original IP address is masked, and all the platforms you access while the VPN is active see the IP address from the VPN server’s location.
Can You Use A Free VPN To Watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands?
Freebies might appear attractive at face value, but there is always a catch. So, what’s the catch for a free VPN service provider? Although their “free,” they must make revenue one way or another. So while these free VPNs can access location-blocked networks like SHOWTIME, there are limitations to watch out for before you finalize your choice.
Compatibility
Almost every popular streaming platform has robust anti-VPN measures in place. So when you use a free VPN, they smell your presence before you even land on the main page. On the other hand, premium VPNs can work around these measures without breaking a sweat.
Device compatibility is another challenge free VPNs face, as they are rarely compatible with high-end streaming gadgets. This might explain why premium VPNs take the high road because they are compatible with streaming devices, giving users the freedom to move around.
Limitations
Most free VPNs limit bandwidth, speed, and network use. So your quota for bandwidth might be over in the middle of an episode. Only premium VPNs offer unlimited resources. This is critical to your experience because streaming requires a lot of bandwidth, and data caps might not cut it. When you use free VPNs, your movie will lag, buffer, and eventually fail to play because of low speed and bandwidth.
Security
The primary function of a VPN is security, and if the provider you are using can’t guarantee it, you should immediately look elsewhere. While all VPNs allow users to surf anonymously, what free options provide is seldom adequate for most users.
As you’ll see, free VPNs has shortcomings that range from poor encryption, lack of kill switches, and high chances of your personal information being leaked to very annoying ads. Some free options are worse because they spread malware through ads, while others sell user information to third parties.
How To Subscribe To SHOWTIME in Netherlands?
A SHOWTIME subscription unlocks unlimited content from the Netherlands. Therefore, if you want to watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands, a membership will give you access to unlimited entertainment without disruptions. Follow these steps to get a SHOWTIME subscription from the Netherlands.
- Get a premium VPN to ensure a secure and uninterrupted connection. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device
- Log in to your account.
- Choose a server in the US from the list.
- Launch SHOWTIME’s website in a different window/tab.
- Tap “Start YourFree Trial.”
- A new window will appear, displaying your billing information. Follow the onscreen instructions to register and access SHOWTIME.
- Once the free trial period expires, your paid membership kicks in. You’ll have to pay $10.99 a month. However, you can opt out anytime during the free trial.
If you wish, you can purchase SHOWTIME gift cards online to redeem them to continue streaming the platform’s content.
As a US-based network, SHOWTIME only accepts US payment methods. Therefore, buying a gift card is the safest bet for paying for a subscription. If you can, you can also make payments from PayPal or a US credit card. In our opinion, the only way to watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands is by paying for your membership using gift cards.
How Much Is SHOWTIME Per Month?
SHOWTIME has simple pricing. You have a 30-day free trial period and tan pay $10.99 monthly. The best part is that you can cancel your subscription anytime before the trial period lapses. Once you create a SHOWTIME account, you access all content on the network anytime without any limitations.
If you want, you can also choose to access SHOWTIME via the following affiliates:
- Paramount + subscribers can pay $7.99/month to enjoy SHOWTIME. There is a free trial of seven days, after which you pay for the subscription, and you can opt out before it lapses.
- Prime Video – SHOWTIME is available for Prime Video members at $10.99 monthly, with a seven-day free trial.
- Hulu – Add SHOWTIME to your Hulu subscription for a monthly payment of $10.99 after a seven-day free trial.
What Devices Are Compatible With SHOWTIME?
Once you have a SHOWTIME membership, you can stream all content without ads spoiling your experience. If you are busy, you can also download serials or movies to watch later offline.
You can enjoy all these features on the go or in the convenience of your home on these devices;
- Apple TV
- Android TV
- XBOX
- All Android and iOS devices
What Are The Best VPNs To Watch SHOWTIME?
A VPN secures your online activity by hiding your real location and showing your connection to be located in the US. The best part – once you subscribe to a VPN service provider, they offer you the choice of selecting the US city for your outgoing connection. Your IP address goes through a VPN to a server in your chosen US city. Now you can stream content like an American from the Netherlands.
ExpressVPN – The best all-round VPN for streaming SHOWTIME in Netherlands
We suggest you use ExpressVPN to watch SHOWTIME in the Netherlands because of its long list of features. In our experience, it is the best VPN for SHOWTIME in the Netherlands because its servers are superfast and give you a smooth streaming experience without interruptions. Price of ExpressVPN $6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free
The network owns over 3000 servers in 105+ countries, with 25 servers in popular US locations such as New York and Atlanta. Once you connect to a server, your streaming experience is lag free, even when streaming live events. Using a network of 100Mbps, the download speed is at 84.64Mbps and 84.64Mbps upload speed.
The primary purpose of a VPN is security when browsing blocked content, and ExpressVPN offers you that and more. They encrypt your data with 256-bit AES while preventing DNS leaks. Anytime your network drops, they have a kill switch that secures your anonymity so that one can discover who you are. The network doesn’t have a login policy, meaning your data is unavailable to anyone. Similarly, nobody can access your browsing history. Also, ExpressVPN is the best VPN to get a Netherlands IP address due to its exceptional services and features.
With a single ExpressVPN account, you can connect to five devices simultaneously and experience the same uninterrupted service everywhere. Start downloading the app on iOS, Android, smart TV, or Firestick devices and watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands without any breaks. In addition to high-speed servers, ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth, top-notch 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN To Access SHOWTIME in Netherlands
Another premium VPN alternative is the affordable Surfshark. With a network of 3200 servers in more than 100 countries (23 + US cities included), you can unlock and watch SHOWTIME from the Netherlands. In addition, Surfshark has a unique feature, NoBorders, that can unblock most platforms so that you can access more content from your location.
Don’t consider pocket-friendly prices a demerit because Surfshark offers high-end security features that work much better than other providers. For example, as a Surfshark subscriber, your data encryption is 256-bit, and a kill switch further keeps you anonymous when data drops. Surfshark costs you $2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee
Another huge difference that sets Surfshark apart from other providers is that it offers unlimited connections, and you’ll never experience lag. The network is compatible with all operating systems, including Windows and Linux. You simply start by downloading the app and begin streaming content from the Netherlands anytime. Surfshark does not use the logs’ policy, meaning your information is secure. On top of all this, their customer service is available 24/7, and you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Only a few VPN providers incorporate the OpenVPN protocol that secures channels with AES-256-GCM code to increase channel security. You can get the Surfshark extension on your browser (Chrome, Microsoft Edge), game consoles, and Wi-Fi routers.
NordVPN – The Best Secure VPN To Unblock SHOWTIME in Netherlands
NordVPN has the largest server network with over 6000+ servers in 61+ countries. They maintain more than 1970 servers in the US at 15 locations.
With NordVPN, your experience watching SHOWTIME in the Netherlands is unstoppable. Simply connect to the US server #8208 and enjoy streaming bufferless content from SHOWTIME on any device. Cost of NordVPN is $3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend
A network connection of 100Mbps gives a download speed of 85.48Mbps, while uploading is 48.42 Mbps. Your security is guaranteed when using the VPN, and you’ll never experience IP address leakage. NordVPN has an anti-malware “CyberSec” feature that protects your personal information and improves browsing security. You can connect six devices simultaneously with one account and experience the same service quality when you watch SHOWTIME from Netherlands.
The NordVPN app is compatible with most devices, including Playstation, iOS, Android, Xbox, and Roku. In addition to guaranteed online security, you can get help from their 24/7 customer service support team and a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service.
SHOWTIME in Netherlands FAQs
Can I use a free VPN to watch SHOWTIME?
You can use a free VPN to watch SHOWTIME in the Netherlands, but the experience might not be what you hoped for. Free VPN providers have multiple limitations that aren’t favorable, especially when watching SHOWTIME from outside of the US. These limitations include buffering, lack of adequate security, countless ads and interruptions, and a long wait to be connected to a server.
Is it illegal to watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands?
SHOWTIME is only accessible to American viewers. For this reason, it’s illegal to access the network from Netherlands, unless with the help of a premium VPN. A VPN can mask your location and IP address, place you in another city of your choice, and help you access content like a US local. Watching SHOWTIME from the Netherlands is impossible without a premium VPN’s help.
Why are SHOWTIME shows locked in Netherlands?
The primary reason SHOWTIME shows is locked in the Netherlands is that its broadcasting and copyright license is valid only within the US. This means that watching SHOWTIME from Netherlands is impossible without a premium VPN.
Final Thought
The only way to access and watch SHOWTIME in Netherlands is through a reputable VPN service provider like ExpressVPN. Once you decide on the VPN from the above choices, download the app, register, and stream SHOWTIME in the Netherlands. Ensure your internet connection is stable to avoid extreme buffering when loading content. The best part about using a premium VPN is that your online activity remains anonymous, and your data is secure.
