*Not Going Out* returns as Diana memoir sparks royal controversy

Not Going Out launched its 15th season on BBC One, offering UK viewers six new episodes and a documentary marking the show’s 20th anniversary. Meanwhile, Earl Spencer, brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, has reignited debate with a memoir criticizing the royal establishment and claiming King Charles III predicted the world would forget Diana.

Season 15 of Not Going Out premieres on BBC iPlayer

The 15th season of Not Going Out premiered on BBC One on September 23, 2026, according to TechRadar. The new season includes six episodes and a special documentary celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary.

The documentary features archival clips, outtakes, and behind-the-scenes footage, offering fans a retrospective of the long-running British sitcom. All episodes are available for free on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

Viewers outside the UK may face restrictions accessing BBC iPlayer. TechRadar notes that a VPN, such as NordVPN, can be used to bypass these limitations and stream the show from abroad. However, Not Going Out season 15 is not available in the US, Canada, or Australia, though past seasons can be found on platforms like BritBox and Pluto TV.

Earl Spencer’s memoir reignites royal controversy

Earl Spencer, the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, has published a memoir detailing his recollections of her life and death nearly 30 years later, according to BBC News. In the account, Spencer claims that King Charles III told him during a phone call that the world would eventually forget Diana.

Spencer, who says he has only spoken to Prince Charles twice in his life, criticizes the royal establishment for failing to protect Diana from relentless media pursuit. Diana, who died at the age of 36 in a Paris car crash, was one of the most famous women in the world and was known for her advocacy work, which often challenged royal conventions.

Buckingham Palace has responded by questioning Spencer’s judgement and memory, suggesting that grief may have influenced his account. Spencer has defended his recollections, stating that his version of events should be part of the historical record.

Background: Streaming and royal narratives

The premiere of Not Going Out season 15 follows recent trends in streaming, where long-running series leverage anniversaries to re-engage audiences. Similar strategies have been used by shows like American Horror Story and Survivor, which have also introduced new formats or crossovers to maintain viewer interest.

Public fascination with the British royal family, particularly figures like Diana, Princess of Wales, remains a recurring theme in media. Memoirs and historical accounts often spark debate, especially when they challenge established narratives or criticize institutions like the monarchy.

What this means

LazyFounders analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Not Going Out’s 20th-anniversary season is a reminder of how legacy shows use nostalgia to sustain relevance. For founders in the entertainment or media space, this strategy—combining new content with retrospective celebrations—can be a blueprint for re-engaging audiences. However, the reliance on regional streaming restrictions also highlights the ongoing challenges of global distribution, where VPNs remain a necessary workaround for international viewers.

The controversy surrounding Earl Spencer’s memoir underscores how public figures, even decades after their deaths, can shape discourse. For operators in media or publishing, this serves as a case study in how historical accounts can reignite debate, particularly when they challenge powerful institutions. The pushback from Buckingham Palace also illustrates the risks of engaging with—or dismissing—such narratives, as both actions can amplify the story’s reach.

Key takeaways

• Not Going Out season 15 is now available on BBC iPlayer in the UK, with a documentary marking the show’s 20th anniversary.
• International viewers may require a VPN to access BBC iPlayer due to regional restrictions.
• Earl Spencer’s memoir adds to the ongoing public discourse about Diana, Princess of Wales, and her treatment by the royal family.
• Buckingham Palace has pushed back on Spencer’s claims, highlighting tensions around historical narratives.

FAQ

How can I watch Not Going Out season 15 outside the UK?

International viewers may need a VPN to access BBC iPlayer. Past seasons of the show are also available on platforms like BritBox and Pluto TV in some regions.

What is the controversy around Earl Spencer’s memoir?

Earl Spencer claims King Charles III said the world would forget Diana, Princess of Wales, during a phone call. Buckingham Palace has questioned Spencer’s judgement and memory, calling into question the accuracy of his account.

Why is Buckingham Palace pushing back on Earl Spencer’s claims?

Buckingham Palace has suggested that grief may have clouded Spencer’s judgement and memory. The palace’s response reflects concerns about how Diana’s legacy is being represented in public narratives.

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