This guide will discuss CBC Gem and how to use and install it. This app can be installed on almost any device, e.g. Firestick, Fire Cube, Nvidia Shield, Android box, Chromecast, phones, tablets, and PCs (via an emulator such as Bluestacks or Nox).
CBC Gem can be installed from the most popular app stores; however, it can be sideloaded if unavailable.
The Amazon Firestick, a top contender in the streaming device market, is particularly popular for its affordability and the ease with which it can be jailbroken. With just a few straightforward adjustments, you can unlock its full potential, making it an attractive option for those looking to break free from traditional cable TV.
Table of Contents
What is CBC Gem?
CBC Gem is the top on-demand video streaming platform for Canadian content.
No sign-in is required, but creating a free account can unlock even more content.
Genres include documentaries, dramas, comedy, thrillers and a whole section of best of British TV shows.
Watch FULL EPISODES and box sets such as Sherlock, Trigger Point, Kim’s Convenience, Ghosts, Ripper Street, Schitt’s Creek and many more!
CBC Gem is available in Canada but can be accessed outside of this area with a VPN.
CBC Gem Features and Content
The CBC Gem app has a clean and straightforward-to-use interface, with the Home screen providing basic menu options accessible by tapping to the top of the screen.
Menu options allow you to navigate to Featured, Browse, Kids, Live TV and Sign in.
Live TV features the following live TV channels: CBC TV, CBC News Network (premium only), Olympic Channel (free account required), and CBC Explore (free account required).
Upgrading to a Premium account is optional and costs $4.99/month (after a 1-month free trial). Premium benefits include ad-free streaming, access to CBC News Network, up to 1080p streaming and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround sound on available on-demand titles.
CBC Gem features some of the most popular TV shows, including Schitt’s Creek, Harlots, Normal People and The Office.
The CBC Sports programming primarily airs on CBC TV and includes partial rights to the NHL with Saturday night Hockey Night in Canada and playoff coverage.
A complete list of broadcasting rights that CBC Sports holds for sporting events can be found here.
Content from CBC Gem plays in HD but is limited to 720p (upgrade to Premium for 1080p). However, there’s no buffering or lag.
Closed captions/subtitles are available for most on-demand shows.
As this is a free service, it is supported by ads (which can be removed by upgrading to Premium). When streaming a 20-minute show, I was shown 75 seconds of ads before the start, 120 seconds halfway through and 90 seconds a few minutes before the end of the show.
Is CBC Gem Legal and Where is it Available?
CBC Gem is an official streaming service and, therefore, 100% legal. This service is available in Canada only. However, you can use a VPN to bypass any location blocks.
How to Watch CBC Gem from Outside of Canada
Unfortunately, CBC Gem is blocked outside of Canada, so you won’t be able to watch from popular ex-pat destinations such as the UK, USA, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and France.
Fortunately, there is a way to bypass these blocks so you don’t miss a thing!
Sign up for a VPN
A VPN can be used to bypass any location blocks. NordVPN is my recommendation because it has solid unblocking capabilities. If you presently use IP Vanish as your VPN and want to unblock streaming services, I suggest switching to my recommended VPN. Despite IP Vanish being a safe and secure VPN, it does not have good unblocking capabilities. Furthermore, you will struggle to use streaming services based outside your location.
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Install the VPN App
On the device you want to stream CBC Gem content from, you can just search your App Store for NordVPN.
The steps in this example use a Firestick but apply to other devices, such as Android boxes, phones and tablets.
- From the Home screen, tap over the Search icon and select the Search box.
- Use the on-screen keyboard to enter NordVPN. Select Nordvpn from the search suggestions below.
- Tap on the NordVPN app icon.
- Next, download and install the app.
- Open NordVPN and select Log In.
- Choose from any methods on the screen to log in to your NordVPN account, following any instructions to finish the setup.
Connect to a Canada VPN Server
- Open NordVPN and select Canada.
- Select OK to authorise the connection request.
- You’re now connected to a VPN server in Canada.
This will trick your internet into thinking you are in Canada and allow you to open Canadian-based streaming apps and unblock the content.
Do I Need to Sign Up to Watch CBC Gem?
No. You can browse and watch most content in the CBC Gem library for free. However, some titles may require you to sign up for a free account.
Signing up for an account is simple and free by following the steps below.
Create a Free Account
- Once you have signed up for a VPN, install the VPN app on your mobile phone/tablet or computer.
- Open your VPN and connect to a server in Canada.
- Open a web browser, then go to gem.cbc.ca.
- Select the Create an Account button.
- Continue with Apple, Google, Facebook or email.
- If you prefer not to use your email address, use a temporary email.
- Enter the additional information; password, first name, last name, then select Create account.
You can now sign in to CBC Gem in any web browser and start streaming. However, please follow the instructions below if you’d prefer to install and use the CBC Gem app.
Install the CBC Gem App
If you are in Canada, CBC Gem is available to stream on most devices. As an app on iOS, Apple TV, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, some Smart TVs and Xbox (One/S/X).
Go to your App Store and search for CBC Gem. You can also stream in your web browser by visiting the website.
But if you can’t get the app from your app store, you may be able to sideload it. To do so, your device must be capable of installing apps from unknown sources. Once your device is enabled for sideloading, you can install the app from my Downloads page.
Sideload CBC Gem - Firesticks, Fire TV, Android Boxes, Android TV and Google TV
- Please make sure you have enabled sideloading on your device.
- Open the Downloader app, then select the Search box.
- Enter 28907, then select Go.
- Wait for my Download page to load fully, then press the Menu (or Options) button on your remote 2x to enter full-screen mode.
- Select the Movies & TV category from the list at the top of the page. Or move down to view the Movies & TV category.
- Find the CBC Gem app in the list, then select it.
- On the next page, move down until you see the blue Download buttons.
- Select the Download – Fire TV/Android TV button, then select Install.
- When the app has finished installing, select Delete 2x to remove the installation file, as it’s no longer required.
The CBC Gem app is installed; open it from your apps screen!
Sideload CBC Gem - Android Phones and Tablets
- Please make sure you have enabled sideloading on your device.
- Open a web browser and go to firetvsticks.com.
- Select Downloads from the menu.
- Select the Movies &TV category from the list at the top of the page. Or move down to view the Movies & TV category.
- Find the CBC Gem app in the list, then select it.
- On the next page, move down until you see the blue Download buttons.
- Select the Download – Mobile button, then select Download.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to view the downloaded APK file and tap on it.
- Then select Install.
The CBC Gem app is installed; open it from your apps screen!
Wrapping Up
Take a look at CBC Gem, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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