Some Samsung Smart TV owners were affected by a software glitch that stopped BBC iPlayer working correctly on certain television models.

The problem caused the BBC iPlayer application to crash, freeze or fail to load properly on selected Samsung Smart TVs, leaving many viewers unable to access live BBC channels or catch-up programmes through the built-in app.

Reports of the fault appeared across online forums and support pages as users complained that the app either failed to start or crashed shortly after launching.

The issue mainly affected internet-connected Samsung Smart TVs using the integrated BBC iPlayer application rather than external streaming devices.

What Problems Were Viewers Seeing?

Affected users reported several different symptoms depending on their television model and software version.

Problems included:

• BBC iPlayer failing to load
• App crashes
• Black screens
• Freezing menus
• Error codes
• TV restarts after launching iPlayer

Some viewers found the app became unusable entirely, while others experienced intermittent crashes during playback.

In certain cases, users could still open the BBC iPlayer menu but programmes failed to play correctly.

Which TVs Were Affected?

The glitch appeared to affect selected Samsung Smart TV ranges rather than every Samsung television model.

“We’re aware of an issue with the iPlayer app on certain Samsung TV’s where the app crashes when attempting to watch a programme,” the BBC said on its dedicated help page.

“Samsung are currently investigating this and hope to release a fix in a future update. Once we know more, we will update this page.”

A total of 14 Samsung TVs appear to be affected by the bug, meaning tghat if you have one of these affected Samsung TVs then it is likely that you won’t be able to use iPlayer until the issue is fixed.

Affected Samsung TVs are listed below:

Samsung UE32T4300AKXXU

Samsung UE32T5300AKXXU

Samsung UE43TU7000K

Samsung UE43TU7100K

Samsung UE50TU7000K

Samsung UE50TU7100K

Samsung UE55TU7000K

Samsung UE55TU7100K

Samsung UE58TU7100K

Samsung UE65TU7000K

Samsung UE65TU7100K

Samsung UE70TU7100K

Samsung UE75TU7000K

Samsung UE75TU7100K

To find your Samsung TV’s model number, open the Settings menu > select Support > select About This TV. Your Model Code, Serial Number and Software Version of your TV will then be displayed on-screen

There’s no word on when things will be fixed but it’s likely that Samsung will push out an upgrade in the coming days so hopefully, a full service will be resumed soon.

About BBC iPlayer on Samsung TVs

BBC iPlayer, the BBC’s streaming service, is a popular platform for accessing a wide range of on-demand content, including TV shows, live broadcasts, documentaries, and exclusive series. With its user-friendly interface, iPlayer allows viewers to catch up on missed programs, watch live TV, or explore box sets and archive content, all without advertisements.

Samsung TVs, being among the most advanced in the smart TV market, offer seamless integration with BBC iPlayer. Most modern Samsung Smart TVs come with the iPlayer app pre-installed, ensuring quick access to the BBC’s extensive catalog. The app supports features like live pausing, rewinding, and personalized recommendations, making it convenient for viewers to tailor their experience.

For older Samsung TV models that may not have iPlayer pre-installed, the app can typically be downloaded from the Samsung App Store. The platform is continually updated to ensure compatibility with the latest Samsung Smart TV operating systems, including support for UHD and HDR content, providing an enhanced viewing experience.

With its extensive offerings and intuitive functionality, BBC iPlayer on Samsung TVs delivers a seamless streaming experience, combining high-quality content with the superior picture and sound technology of Samsung devices, catering to the needs of modern viewers.