Technology has made it easier to have seamless access to entertainment anywhere and anytime. Gone are the days when you had to stay updated with the schedule of your favorite TV shows or movies so you don’t miss out on them. The availability of websites, apps, and other platforms on mobile devices means you have unlimited access to watch movies and TV shows.
So, whether you need to cool off after a long day at work or you want to keep yourself company during your long travels, you have no worries. You can conveniently watch your cherished shows and catch up on missed episodes. This post examines the best apps to stream TV shows without paying a dime. Let’s dive in to discover!
Quick overview of the best apps to watch TV shows for free
- YouTube: Check out the channel of your favorite TV shows to start watching in high quality instantly.
- Hulu: It can be used on any device. You can also duplicate the TV shows from your phone to your TV screen.
- CBS: It has the largest selection of the most popular TV shows. You can activate the notification feature to stay alert of new episodes.
- ABC: You can watch full episodes of different shows. However, it is not supported on every Android device.
- Crackle: The service has a vast library of popular TV shows that go as far back as the 90s. You can also pick up from where you stopped when you last used the app.
- Tubi: It is organized into different genres, so you can easily make a selection.
- The CW Network: Viewing has no hidden fees. You also get access to behind-the-scenes content.
- Popcornflix: It’s quite recent on the market but contains an impressive collection of TV shows and movies.
- HISTORY: You can browse your TV shows and movies by category to easily find them.
- A&E: You need to log in to have full access to the library. It is also available for both Android and iOS.
- Yidio: It is a one-stop shop for all the free content from other streaming platforms.
- MEGOGO: It has a vast library that is divided into six categories with many selections of TV shows.
- Plex: It has many live TV channels with numerous episodes that you can watch and share with friends.
- Lifetime: Check out the description of TV shows to decide what would best suit you.
- Pluto TV: It has over 100 active TV channels, and it’s easy to use.
- Iflix: You can download your top TV shows to have access to them offline.
- Roku: You can connect to live TV channels and watch shows online using your mobile device as a remote control.
- Viki: Streaming supports subtitles in different languages.
- NBC: It has been optimized for you to watch full episodes of your favorite TV shows.
The top apps to watch TV shows for free – Our detailed list
1. YouTube
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All countries except China, Iran, Sudan, North Korea, and Turkmenistan | Yes | No | 720p, 1080p | Legal in most countries | 2.70 billion | 7 | No |
You’ve probably heard of or used YouTube before. Hence, you know that it is a popular platform to watch TV shows. However, to get the best experience, you need to connect with Google to create your personal account. YouTube has an attractive interface to find shows, interviews, wishlists, and favorite clips.
Furthermore, most TV show channels on YouTube upload their episodes on the platform for users to view. Locate their channel through the search box to access the episodes you want in high quality. You can easily subscribe to the channel and turn on post notifications to get updates on new uploads.
Note that viewers using the free version must deal with many ads. But you can block YouTube ads to have a better experience.
2. Hulu
Free and Paid ($14.99/month)
High-quality streaming
Only one-month free trial
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US, Puerto Rico, some locations in Japan | Yes | Yes | 720p | Legal | 15 million | 7 | Yes |
You need to create an account to start using Hulu; then, you can select the show you want to watch. Based on your watch history, the app can make recommendations you might enjoy. Although Hulu was initially created to broadcast TV shows and series, it now has a massive library of TV shows and movies. You don’t have to limit yourself to just shows; you can also take a journey to movie land.
In addition to the versatility of content on Hulu, you can duplicate anything you want to view on your TV. There are also numerous subscription plans to choose from, which include a free trial period of 30 days. However, one challenge with the app is that it could crash from time to time.
3. CBS
Free and Paid ($6.99/month)
A large selection of shows
Requires account registration
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US, Canada, Australia, the UK, some parts of Europe and Asia | Yes | Yes | 720p | Legal | 616k | 4 | Yes |
CBS is home to the largest selection of popular TV shows, but you’ll have to sign up to access them. The app gives new users a one-week free trial, after which they’ll have to make a monthly subscription of $6.99 per month. You can access extra episodes using different devices when you opt for the CBS All Access plan.
You can stay updated on new episodes by pushing the notification option when you use CBS. Whether you want to catch up on recent episodes of The Big Bang Theory or Criminal Minds, CBS will satisfy your interests.
4. ABC
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | Yes | 720p | Legal | 8.9 million | 4 | Yes |
ABC – Watch Live TV & Stream Full Episodes is one of the best free streaming apps for the popular ABC TV network. The app is fully supported on iOS but restricted on some Android devices. So, you must first confirm that it is compatible with your mobile device.
If it works with your device, then you’re good to go. Simply create your account to start viewing live TV shows. You can watch full episodes of How To Get Away With Murder, Grey’s Anatomy, and other shows. If you also want to catch up on The View, Good Morning America, or interviews with your favorite celebrities, feel free to indulge yourself.
5. Crackle
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | No | 1080p | Legal | 339k | 4 | Yes |
Sony’s Crackle is a top choice to watch famous TV shows. It’s among the most popular free streaming sites and has grown extremely popular because you don’t have to subscribe to enjoy its fun. However, you need to create an account to access some content.
Apart from its accessibility, Crackle can take you down memory lane if you so desire. It has a truckload of shows that go as far back as the 1990s. As such, you can find almost anything you want. Just search it out to unleash the feeling of nostalgia in no time. Furthermore, the app automatically saves your last viewing memory to pick up where you left off.
6. Tubi
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | No | 720p, 1080p (HD) | Legal | 805k | 4 | Yes |
Tubi is an amazing app for Android and iOS users to watch TV shows. It is easy to use because of its enhanced video control features. TV shows and movies are organized by genre, which makes it super convenient to find what you’re looking for.
Additionally, its developers did a great job on the app’s aesthetics. Users can toggle between light and dark themes; the video quality is top-notch. However, the major challenge with the app is the number of ads shown, which could be annoying to users.
7. The CW Network
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | No | 720p, 1080p | Legal | 1.5 million | 7 | Yes |
The CW Network has a full library of different shows, and interestingly, the platform doesn’t require you to sign up before viewing. You can freely watch cast interviews and preview future episodes of TV shows. For movie lovers, one fun fact about this platform is that popular shows like Dynasty and Supernatural originated from The CW.
All you need to do to start watching is download the app, although offline viewing is unavailable. There are no identifications needed, no password requirements, or hidden charges. However, the challenge with the app is that it has too many ads.
8. Popcornflix
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US and Canada | Yes | No | 1080p | Legal | 322k | 5 | Yes |
Popcornflix is a relatively new app that stands out in the market. One feature that has contributed to its success and popularity is that it is free. Also, if your taste for TV shows is unique, you’ll find episodes on alternative genres you love that might not be as popular.
Although Popcornflix doesn’t have a large collection, its library is good enough. The shows and movies are not categorized, so you might have to dig to find what you want. Plus, it is geo-restricted in most parts of the world. However, you can unblock Popcornflix with the help of a reliable VPN.
9. HISTORY
Free and Paid ($4.99/month)
Attractive layout
No offline downloading
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | Yes | 720p (HD) | Legal | Uncertain | 5 | Yes |
HISTORY is a well-designed app with an excellent layout and a robust library of top shows. However, you won’t be able to view all the content if you don’t have an HISTORY channel cable subscription. Nonetheless, you’re up for an exciting streaming because the videos are of high quality.
The topic section makes it easy to browse by categories. You can easily watch reality shows like Top Gear, Gangland, Ice Road Trucker, and Pawn Stars. If you have to leave the app for some time, you can always return and continue from where you left off. Nonetheless, the disadvantage of HISTORY is that there are no skippable ads, and it lacks offline viewing.
10. A&E
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US and Canada | Yes | No | Depends on your connection speed | Legal | 30 million | 4 | Yes |
A&E deserves its flowers as a good app for watching TV shows on both Android and iOS. Its features make it easy to stream popular shows like Intervention and Duck Dynasty. You also have exclusive access to deleted scenes and clips from TV shows.
A&E is free, and signing in to start viewing is not compulsory. However, you’ll have to sign in to access its content fully. The Watch List feature keeps track of your history so you can pick up from where you left off.
11. Yidio
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All countries | No | Yes | 720p | Legal | 156k | 3 | No |
Yidio is also a relatively new platform founded in 2008, but it meets the demands. It has an easy-to-use interface that brings TV shows from different platforms to one place. It keeps track of the shows you love and notifies you about new episodes.
With Yidio, you can watch shows regardless of the app that’s streaming them. If you have the streaming app, it auto-launches it. If you don’t have the app that is showing the TV program, it prompts you to download it.
12. MEGOGO
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK, countries in Central and Eastern Europe | Yes | Yes | 1080p (HD) | Legal | 7.8 million | 5 | Yes |
MEGOGO has a catalog that is divided into six sections so you can easily find what you’re looking for. It is one of the good watch-free movie apps for Android and iOS and is great for watching shows on your mobile device. You can find your shows by name or by title.
The perk of this app is that you get rewards for using it. Points are usually assigned when viewers register, log in, and evaluate videos. These points can then be used to subscribe or get package discounts.
13. Plex
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All countries | Yes | Yes | 720p, 1080p | Legal | 2.25 million | 4 | No |
Plex is a whole world of entertainment content. Aside from viewing TV shows, you can access a large library of movies, music, and podcasts. In fact, it is one of the best watch-free series apps for Android. All you have to do is go to the appropriate tab and search for the series by genre, title, or release date.
Many TV channels on the app can be discovered in categories. For music lovers, you can also check out the catalog of songs. Information on new albums and popular tracks is available to interested users.
14. Lifetime
Free and Paid ($3.99/month)
Popular TV shows
Short free trial period
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | Yes | 720p | Yes | 323.9k | 5 | Yes |
You can never get bored with Lifetime because you can access full seasons of popular shows. The library is updated daily to include the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes, and previews of TV content. The watchlist also keeps track of your interests.
Every show has a description and short information about them. If you are undecided on what to watch, the description can help you choose. However, some shows require a pay-TV subscription to access them.
15. Pluto TV
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | No | No | 480p | Legal | 164 million | 6 | Yes |
Users can enjoy over 100 live TV channels, with over 1000 videos on Pluto TV. You will also find films and numerous movie channels to explore in the app. If you are a lover of James Bond movies, Pluto TV happens to have a large and impressive selection of them.
If you want to go back in time to watch the TV shows that you love, Pluto TV is a great option. Furthermore, the interface is simple and organized. However, the platform falls short of having sufficient latest shows.
16. Iflix
Free and Paid ($4.99/month)
Multi-language subtitles
Only Asian-based content
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines | Yes | Yes | 720p (HD) | Legal | 19 million | 5 | Yes |
On Iflix, a large catalog of TV shows worldwide is available for free, and you can watch on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. There’s an offline feature for you to access your shows even when you don’t have an internet connection. However, it has mostly Asian content. So, if you want to have your fill of Asian content, this is the best app to watch movies for free.
One special feature of Iflix is its subtitles in English, Indonesian, Malay, and Thai. In addition, you can get your children in on some fun time by using the section dedicated to kids.
17. Roku
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Legal | 90k | 5 | Yes |
Roku allows you to watch TV shows and movie content. With the app, you can use your mobile device as a remote control to connect to live channels for entertainment. It is also possible to transfer the app’s content from your smartphone to your TV to watch videos on a wider screen.
On the app, you can search for TV shows by title to easily locate them. Additionally, you can connect your headphones to privately view video content on Roku by activating the Private Listening feature.
18. Viki: TV Dramas & Movies
Free and Paid (4.99/month)
Large number of Korean dramas
Limited free trial
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | No | 720p | Legal | 28.98 million | 4 | Yes |
Viki is that app that brings you the best of Southeastern Asia’s entertainment. You’re adequately covered if you are looking for TV shows and other content like K-dramas, romance, C-drama, action, adventure, and comedy.
You don’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll understand the language. Viki supports subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, German, Arabian, Romanian, and other languages. The app gives users a free 7-day trial, after which they pay $4.99 monthly or $49.9 annually.
19. NBC
| Available in | VPN Compatible | Sign-up required | Video quality | Legality | Number of monthly visitors | Ad annoyance | Geo-restricted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | Yes | 1080p | Legal | 3.84 million | 6 | Yes |
Once you log in on NBC, you have access to complete episodes of top TV shows. Both Android and iOS users can watch clear and smooth videos on the app. However, the ads could be annoying.
An extra perk of this app is that it is easy to stream almost every NBC show using the platform. You can watch popular shows like Parenthood, America’s Got Talent, About a Boy, and The Voice. Luckily, the app also allows you to view daytime and late-night shows.
Conclusion
Catching up on your favorite shows has become more convenient and versatile because of streaming apps. Whether you are an Android or iOS user, there are so many options to choose from. Nonetheless, be careful to avoid illegal movie or scam apps so your device is not exposed to threats like malware.
Check out our recommendations for trusted and reliable apps, and start watching immediately. You should download more than one of these apps to increase the chances of finding the shows you are looking for. If the series you want is not in the catalog of one app, it might be in another.
FAQs
Partially. Hulu gives a one-month free trial to new and eligible returning subscribers. Afterward, the platform charges a subscription fee of $14.99 per month.
There isn’t one best app to watch free series because there are various great selections. However, Crackle, Pluto TV, Plex, Popcornflix, and Viki are the most popular. It is advisable to diversify your choices so you can still find the series you want in case one platform doesn’t have it.
You can watch TV shows on iOS through a streaming app, and numerous options are available. Some of these apps include MEGOGO, ABC, and Tubi TV.
Yes, there are. Irrespective of your device, you have a wide variety of options. For example, Android users can stream TV shows for free on A&E, Tubi, and YouTube. On the other hand, iOS users can watch for free on apps like Popcornflix, Crackle, and ABC.
No, you can’t. You must sign up and subscribe to use Netflix’s streaming services. However, subscription costs vary per country, so you can enjoy discounts on Netflix if you change your country using VPN.
