Subpostmasters rally in support of their cause in Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Have you heard about the all-new seriesMr Bates vs The Post Office as seen on MASTERPIECE on PBS? Here are details on all the ways you can watch and stream the series. Plus, learn about the true story behind the drama, the cast, and more.
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What Mr Bates vs The Post Office is About
Based on shocking real events,Mr Bates vs The Post Office is a David vs Goliath story dramatizing a historic miscarriage of justice. When money seemingly disappeared from its local branches, the British Post Office wrongly blamed its own managers for the apparent loss. Hundreds were harassed, accused of theft and fraud, even sent to prison—leaving lives, marriages, and reputations in ruins. But the issue was actually caused by errors in the Post Office’s own computer system; something it denied for years.
The miniseries made waves when it aired in the UK. Within a week after it premiered in January 2024, more than a million people signed a petition demanding justice for the accused.
- 2.
The Cast of Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Aside from British Academy of Film and Television Arts award-winning Toby Jones (Empire of Light,Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,Sherlock), the stellar ensemble cast includes: Julie Hesmondhalgh (The Pact,The Trouble With Maggie Cole), Alex Jennings (The Crown,Victoria,Unforgotten), Ian Hart (The Responder), Lia Williams (The Crown,The Capture), Will Mellor (Coronation Street,No Offence), Clare Calbraith (Grace,Home Fires,Unforgotten,Baptiste),Shaun Dooley (Gentleman Jack,It’s A Sin,Grantchester),Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey,Beecham House), and Katherine Kelly (Bloods,Gentleman Jack), among others.
- 3.
Watch and Stream Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Don’t miss each new episode ofMr Bates vs The Post Officeas they air Sundays, now through April 28, at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE on PBS. Each episode streams for 14 days starting at 9pm ET on the night of its national broadcast.
Don’t want to wait? Stream all four episodes of Mr Bates vs The Post Officewhen you watch withPBS Passport, an added member benefit. You can also find full episodes as they are broadcast on the PBS App.[PBS Passport viewing of Mr Bates vs The Post Officeis available in the U.S. and Canada only.]
Other ways to streamMr Bates vs The Post Officeinclude thePBS MASTERPIECE Video Channel(available to Amazon Prime members for an additional monthly fee) with new episodes available week-by-week, and onApple/iTunes.
You can also order the DVD/Blu-ray onShopPBS, where every purchase you make supports public broadcasting.
- 4.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office Episodes
Episode 1 (Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 9pm ET)
Mysterious financial losses lead the Post Office to fire and prosecute village Subpostmasters, who have no way to prove their innocence.
Episode 2(Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 9pm ET)
Alan Bates and the Subpostmasters begin fighting to uncover their truth with new partners in Parliament, but first they must convince an independent investigator of their honesty.
Episode 3 (Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 9pm ET)
Alan Bates allies with the Post Office hoping Subpostmasters will get justice at last, but can he trust the people who have let them down so badly?
Episode 4(Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 9pm ET)
Alan Bates and his colleagues finally embark on the epic challenge of battling the Post Office in court.
- 5.
More on Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Subscribe to our freeMASTERPIECE email newsletterfor the latestMr Bates vs The Post Office news and exclusive digital content. You’ll also be the first learn about other shows coming to MASTERPIECE, from returning favorites like Grantchester, All Creatures Great and Small, to all-new shows likeMaryLand.
Explore more behind-the-scenes extras from Mr Bates vs The Post Office including special features to offer you more context and details about what you see in the show, videos featuring the cast and crew, and episodes of the MASTERPIECE Studio podcast to take you deeper into the world of Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
- 6.
After Mr Bates vs The Post Office...
After Mr Bates vs The Post OfficeEpisode 4 (the finale) airs on Sunday, April 28 at 9pm ET, tune-in for the special documentaryThe Real Story of Mr Bates vs The Post Officeat 11pm ET (following the premiere ofGuiltSeason 3 at 10pm ET) for a deeper dive behind the story and the real-life players involved in the scandal.
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