How to watch ‘Fallout’: Release date, streaming deals, and more

The Fallout universe is expanding. But rather than another video game, we’re getting a TV series — and it’s set to make its streaming debut in April.

One of our most anticipated TV shows of 2024, Fallout brings us a new apocalyptic video game adaptation to obsess over. It’s perfectly timed, too, as we patiently await The Last of Us Season 2 (set for 2025). While both adaptations have the whole end of the world and haves and have nots themes in common, their approach is completely different. More quirky than it is gritty, Fallout is a campy take on the end times. Don’t worry — there’s still plenty of violence and gore.

The series stars Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Kyle MacLachlan, Xelia Mendes-Jones, and Aaron Moten. Whether you’re a pro at scouring the Wasteland via the video games or you’re completely new to Fallout, here’s what you need to know to tune into the new Prime Video show.

What is Fallout about?

Adapted from Bethesda’s massively successful video game series and produced by Westworld‘s Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, Fallout is the story of a post-apocalyptic wasteland 200 years after a nuclear war wiped out civilization. The wealthy were able to hunker down in luxury fallout shelters to survive. Among them is Lucy (Yellowjackets‘ Ella Purnell), an optimist who leaves the safety of the shelter and heads to the surface to save her father (Twin Peaks‘ Kyle MacLachlan). The world waiting for her on the outside is “incredibly complex, gleefully weird, and highly violent,” according to a press release.

Here’s the official trailer, if you’d like a sneak peek at the series:

What streaming service is Fallout on?

Fallout is a Prime Video original, which means you’ll need either an Amazon Prime account or a separate Prime Video subscription in order to tune in. If you’re already a Prime member, you’re good to go. Just sign into your account on your browser and navigate to the Prime Video tab (or download the Prime Video app on your device) and sign in to watch.

If you’re a not yet a subscriber, we’ve rounded up the greatest ways to sign up — and save money — below.

When do new episodes of Fallout air?

Fallout debuts on Prime Video on April 11, which is one day earlier than the initial announcement stated. While some series on Prime Video release episodes weekly (like Invincible), all eight episodes of Fallout will drop at once. That means you can binge-watch them all in one sitting or space them out as you please.

Can I watch Fallout on Prime Video for free?

Amazon is still offering new and returning customers a free 30-day trial of its Prime membership, which includes access to Prime Video. That gives you plenty of time to watch all eight episodes of Fallout Season 1. There’s just one catch: you can only access the 30-day trial window if you’re a completely new customer or returning a year or more after canceling. If you want to avoid paying a cent, just be sure to cancel your Prime subscription before the trial ends.

Mashable Deals

The greatest Prime Video deals

Prime Video deal for students: save 50% through Prime Student

Students can nab a free six-month trial to Prime by opening a student account. Prime Student also gives you access to all of the Prime perks, including Prime Video. You’ll just have to prove you’re actually a student through SheerID. Like the previous option, you’ll have to be new to Prime in order to secure the trial period. After the trial ends, you’ll have to pay half price for a Prime Student membership — just $69 per year.

Greatest for everyone else: Prime Video only

If you don’t qualify for the free trial or student membership, you probably can’t enjoy Fallout for free (sorry). But all hope is not lost — you can still save some money by opting to subscribe to Prime Video on its own, rather than paying for a full Prime account. A full Prime membership costs $14.99 per month (or $139 per year, which breaks down to $11.58 per month). Meanwhile, Prime Video as a standalone service is only $8.99 per month. That’s certainly not as good as free, but you’ll save $6 per month overall — and that’s enough to splurge on a separate streaming service.

Naturally, Amazon wants you to become a Prime member. Therefore, signing up for Prime Video only can be pretty tricky. When you go to sign up for a subscription, be sure to select the option to “see more plans” or “change plan” and navigate to the Prime Video only option for $8.99 per month. You can cancel whenever you please — no strings attached.

Greatest long-term value: Amazon Prime annual membership

If you want all the Prime perks but don’t want to pay $14.99 per month for them, you can sign up for an annual membership for $139 instead. That drops the monthly cost to just $11.58 and saves you about 22%. You’ll enjoy access to Prime Video to watch Fallout (and plenty of other shows and films), plus fast and free shipping, free Grubhub+, access to Amazon Music, and exclusive deals and savings for an entire year.