Nearly all episodes of the ’90s BBC soap Eldorado are available to stream for free in the UK.

The channel U&Drama started airing the series, which aimed to provide a sunnier alternative to the grey and the grim of Britain’s other continuing dramas, all the way from the beginning back in January.

With a schedule of two episodes every weekday, the final episode aired on the channel last month.

That means that every episode of the show is available to stream for free on the U service (formerly UKTV Play), no need for any subscription or even a TV Licence, with one exception.

There are 156 episodes of Eldorado, but only 155 on the service available to stream.

bbc soap el dorado cast on set filming

Getty Images

Related: Best streaming services in 2025

Episode 50 wasn’t aired in the re-runs and isn’t available on U. The channel explained on social media that “the rights for episode 50 were not made available to us”, and it was “sorry to disappoint”.

Eldorado followed a group of British and European expats living in the fictional town of Los Barcos on the fictional Costa Eldorado in Spain.

aerial shot of the set of the bbc soap el dorado

Getty Images

Related: Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders confirm full schedule changes

Despite its attempts to be a more glamorous soap and emulate the vibes of Home and Away and Neighbours, it famously flopped in the ratings and only ran for a year between 1992 and 1993.

Between its reputation and appearances from people like Derek Martin (EastEnders‘ Charlie Slater), Jesse Birdall (Hollyoaks‘ Fraser Black) and Charlie Condou (Coronation Street‘s Marcus Dent), it has become a curio for soap fans to check out.

Eldorado can be streamed on U now.

Digital Spy’s first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.

Deals that might interest youShop Sky TV, broadband and mobile dealsShop Sky TV, broadband and mobile dealsStranger Things Hellfire Club Dice Dangle CharmStranger Things Hellfire Club Dice Dangle CharmCredit: PandoraShop Claudia Winkleman's Traitors looksShop Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors looksCredit: BBC / Studio LambertOn SaleRichard Osman: We Solve MurdersRichard Osman: We Solve MurdersCredit: VikingShop PS5 consolesShop PS5 consolesCredit: PlayStationShop Alison Hammond's outfitsShop Alison Hammond’s outfitsCredit: Mark BourdillonApple TV+ 7-day free trialApple TV+ 7-day free trialCredit: Apple TV+Sign up for Disney+Sign up for Disney+Credit: Chuck ZlotnickThe Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelThe Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelCredit: Octopus BooksDeath in Paradise: The Puzzle BookDeath in Paradise: The Puzzle BookCredit: BBC Books