Locally owned Dendy Direct offers a catalogue of movies and TV shows for rental and, in some cases, purchase for as little as 99c, though new movie rentals are typically $5.89 (SD) or $6.89 (HD). The online service is compatible with Windows, OS X, iOS and Android devices, plus Chromecast and Samsung's 2013 and 2014 smart TVs.

The company has now struck a deal with BBC Worldwide ANZ that allows it to offer a range shows from the UK's national broadcaster without requiring viewers to pay a subscription or sit through ads – they just pay for the shows they want to see.

To introduce the arrangement, the first episodes from selected series including War and Peace, Luther, The Musketeers, Sherlock and Fawlty Towers will be available free to Dendy Direct customers for a limited time.

Check out Dendy's full BBC catalogue here.

"We're incredibly excited to be offering such a diverse slate of new television to our audience," said Dendy chief executive Greg Hughes.

And BBC Worldwide ANZ digital account manager Kristen Fraser said, "We are delighted that Dendy Direct will include some of the best new and classic British television in the world on its service."

iTWire recently reported on Dendy's new releases for October.