King's College London

Screen Encounters with Britain in the Age of Transnational Streaming, a new book co-authored by Professor Andrea Esser, Professor Emerita of Media & Globalisation, Professor Jeanette Steemers, Professor of Culture, Media & Creative Industries at King’s, and Dr Alessandro D’Arma, Reader in the School of Media and Communication at the University of Westminster, explores how global streaming platforms are reshaping viewing patterns and audience experiences.

Using the circulation, consumption and reception of British films and TV titles in four European case studies, the book explores how 16–34-year-olds in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy access, value and experience British content, what motivates their viewing choices and the values they attach to British productions.

Drawing on a mixed-methods approach combining a large-scale cross-national survey, digital diaries and in-depth interviews, the book provides insights into evolving viewing practices among younger audiences. The findings reveal strong preferences for US fiction, a shift towards more English-language viewing, even in traditionally dubbing countries such as Germany and Italy, and a clear preference for transnational streaming services over domestic streaming platforms and public service media.

Building on these findings, Screen Encounters with Britain challenges established theory around the ‘home advantage’ enjoyed by domestic media, and rethinks ideas that audiences tend to prefer content that is most familiar, linguistically and culturally.

The research found that classic British films, including Harry Potter, James Bond, Notting Hill, Love Actually and Pride and Prejudice, remain an important part of growing up for many young Europeans. Traditional favourites, including Sherlock, Downton Abbey and Doctor Who, are also widely known and popular. However, younger audiences are increasingly encountering Britain through a much broader range of screen content, leading to more diverse and nuanced perceptions of the country.

Streaming and video sharing platforms have introduced new generations of viewers to contemporary British dramas, comedies and talent, from Sex Education, Heartstopper, Fleabag and Derry Girls to Taskmaster and The Crown, demonstrating the continuing global appeal and evolving nature of British storytelling.

The findings reveal that viewing choices are shaped by visibility on platform interfaces, algorithmic recommendations and social media exposure. While audiences actively seek recommendations from friends, family and social media, streaming platforms play a significant role in determining which titles are discovered and watched.

Young audiences value British content for its use of English, making it both accessible and benefiting language learning and, above all, for its distinctive humour. Popular series such as Sex Education, Fleabag, Heartstopper and Derry Girls also resonate across borders because of their relatable themes and their authentic portrayals of youth experiences. The findings also suggest that rising English-language proficiency among young Europeans is increasing the appeal of British content, even in dubbing countries such as Germany and Italy.

The study further found that global streaming platforms have accelerated a shift away from domestic content and services. As a result, English-language and US content increasingly dominate viewing habits, challenging the traditional ‘home advantage’ of domestic media and raising important questions about the visibility and perceived relevance of local content and public service media.

Screen Encounters with Britain also highlights the soft power impact of British screen content on young European audiences and their views of Britain. Popular British films and television programmes increase knowledge of Britain, make the country more appealing, and can inspire interest in visiting, studying or working there. Post-Brexit, screen content may play an increasingly important role in shaping international perceptions of Britain and sustaining its cultural influence abroad.

Screen Encounters with Britain in the Age of Transnational Streaming was published by Routledge in June 2026. The book is available as an open access publication and can be downloaded free of charge here.