This article has been just updated: January 21, 2024
With so much free content on YouTube, Twitch, and Vimeo, it’s easy to see why so many people refuse to spend money on an over-the-top media service like Netflix, let alone traditional cable television. Still, some TV shows are simply too good not to watch. That’s why we’ve written this guide, which explains three different ways how to watch TV shows online free of charge.
- Watch TV Shows Online for Free with Moviewatcher
- Watch TV Shows Online using Popcorn Time
- Watch TV Shows Online During a Free Trial Period
Method 1: Watch TV Shows Online on Streaming Sites
- Advantages: Always available. All you need is a web browser, and you’re good to go. You don’t have to download anything to your computer. Works even without admin permissions.
- Disadvantages: Most online streaming sites don’t give you the option to download TV shows to your computer. Video quality can be a hit or miss. You will encounter many ads and pop-ups, and some of them may be malicious.
Online streaming sites are an excellent example of what many people call the “graynet.” Unlike the infamous darknet, which has become associated with illegal activity and marketplaces that sell drugs and weapons, graynet websites are accessible from any web browser, and there’s nothing inherently illegal about them. However, it’s also clear that what graynet websites are doing is possible only because they’ve exploited various loopholes in the law.
In the case of online streaming sites, it’s the fact that all content is hosted on various third-party servers. If online streaming sites hosted TV shows on their own servers, they would be 100 percent illegal and most of them would probably not even exist anymore. But since they’re basically just large content catalogs, they can keep serving TV shows and other content to visitors from around the world.
.How to Watch TV Shows on Streaming Sites
One popular online streaming site where you can watch just about every newer TV show is called Moviewatcher. This well-designed online streaming site has everything from “House of Cards” to “Nashville” to “Will & Grace” to “Young Sheldon”, and all you need to use it is your web browser:
- Go to: https://moviewatcher.is/.
- Select “TV SERIES” from the top menu.
- Choose a TV show.
- Pick a season and episode.
- Wait for a media player to load and click the play icon.
Method 2: Watch TV Shows Online Using Popcorn Time
- Advantages: Allows you to watch TV shows in HD video quality for free. Works on a wide range of devices and operating systems. You can choose any video quality you want. Doesn’t display any ads or malicious links.
- Disadvantages: Relies on the BitTorrent protocol, which is blocked by many internet service providers. You need admin permissions to install it.
The chances are that you’re familiar with BitTorrent, the communication protocol for peer-to-peer file sharing used to distribute data and electronic files over the Internet. Well, Popcorn Time is a multi-platform BitTorrent client that includes an integrated media player and presents itself as a free alternative to subscription-based video streaming services such as Netflix.
It’s almost hard to believe that Popcorn Time is a free application considering how professionally it looks and feels. You can install Popcorn Time on just about any computer running Linux, macOS, or Windows, and the application also works on Android.
Because Popcorn Time is such as a compelling alternative to paid streaming services, the MPAA forced its original developers to take it down, but that didn’t stop others from forking Popcorn Time, which is why you can still use it to watch TV shows online for free.
.How to Watch TV Shows Using Popcorn Time
There are currently two active forks of Popcorn Time, but the one we recommend is popcorntime.sh.
- Go to https://popcorntime.sh/.
- Click the large, red download button.
- Install Popcorn Time just like you would any other application.
- Launch the application.
- Select a TV show you want to watch.
- Wait until it loads and enjoy.
Method 3: Watch TV Shows Online During a Free Trial Period
- Advantages: Completely legal. You can enjoy popular TV shows as soon as they are released and in any video quality you want.
- Disadvantages: You must submit your credit card details for this method to work. There’s a chance that you forget to cancel before the trial period is over.
Many subscription-based online streaming services offer a free trial period during which you can watch as many TV shows as you want. Companies like Netflix know quite well that many people will exploit free trials to watch TV shows online without paying, and they don’t care all that much. They know that if their service is good enough, some people will eventually stick around and decide not to cancel.
You can easily turn this to your advantage and make sure to always cancel in time so you can enjoy TV shows for free. When one free trial period ends, you can simply sign up again using a different email address and start all over.
.How to Watch TV Shows for Free on Netflix
Netflix is probably the best subscription-based online streaming service with a very generous free trial period. This is how you can activate it:
- Go to: https://www.netflix.com/.
- Click the “JOIN FREE FOR A MONTH” button.
- Select a plan.
- Scroll down and click “CONTINUE” at the bottom of the page.
- Enter your email and password.
- Select a payment method.
- Enter your payment details.
- Activate your membership and enjoy Netflix for free for 30 days.
To cancel your Netflix membership before the trial period is over:
- Go to: https://www.netflix.com/.
- Click on your portrait in the right-hand corner.
- Select the option titled “Your Account.”
- Under Membership & Billing in your account preferences, you should see an option called “Cancel membership.” Click on it to cancel your membership.
You can cancel at any time, and you don’t have to give any reason why you’re no longer want to pay for your subscription. Should you forget to cancel your subscription in time, there’s no way how to get a refund, so be extra careful to remember when the free trial period ends. That said, if you’re a big fan of TV shows, it might be worth it to remain a subscriber instead of going through all the steps above every month.
Note: We are not allowed to give you links to particular files because that would be illegal, but we can give you our 100% working advice.
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FAQ
Is it legal to watch TV shows online for free?
Yes, there are several legal ways to watch TV shows online for free. Many networks provide a selection of full episodes on their websites, and there are numerous ad-supported streaming services offering free content. However, it’s important to avoid illegal streaming sites as they can lead to malware and are not legally compliant.
What are some popular ad-supported platforms where I can watch TV shows for free?
There are quite a few popular ad-supported platforms where you can watch TV shows for free, including Pluto TV, Crackle, and Tubi TV. Each platform offers a variety of genres and shows without the need for a subscription.
Can I watch current TV shows online for free?
Some network websites and apps allow you to watch episodes of current TV shows for free, although they often make them available a week or so after they’ve aired. Websites like CW TV or ABC typically host recent episodes for a limited time.
Are there any risks associated with watching TV shows on free streaming sites?
Yes, there are risks. Free streaming sites that are not legal can infect your device with malware or lead to cybersecurity issues. Always ensure that you are using reputable services and have a good anti-virus program installed.
Do I need to create an account to watch shows on these free platforms?
It varies by platform. Some services require you to sign up for a free account to access their content library, while others do not. Always read the terms of service before creating an account.
Can I find high-quality video on free streaming services?
Certain free streaming services offer high-definition (HD) quality video, but the available resolution might be limited compared to paid subscriptions. However, you can still enjoy clear video quality without paying a fee.
How often are new TV shows added to free streaming websites?
New TV shows are added to free streaming sites at various intervals. Some sites update their content daily, while others might add new shows on a weekly or monthly basis. Availability largely depends on the agreements each service has with content providers.
Is it possible to watch live TV channels online for free?
Yes, there are services like Pluto TV that offer live TV channels online for free. However, these may not include your local channels or some of the premium cable networks.
Do free streaming platforms include international TV shows?
Many free streaming platforms have a selection of international TV shows. For instance, Tubi TV has a range of content from around the world that’s free to watch.
Are subtitles available for TV shows on free streaming sites?
Subtitles are available on many free streaming sites, which can be turned on or off depending on your preference. This enables viewers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or watchers who prefer watching with subtitles to enjoy the content.
What genres can I watch on free streaming platforms?
You can watch a wide range of genres on free streaming platforms, from drama and comedy to science fiction and documentaries. Each platform has its own collection reflecting various tastes and preferences.
Can I access free streaming services from my mobile device?
Most free streaming platforms are accessible from mobile devices through dedicated apps or a mobile web browser. This makes it convenient for you to watch TV shows on the go.
Are there limitations on how much I can watch on free streaming sites?
While some free streaming services may have viewing limits, many do not impose any restrictions on how much content you can watch. However, since they are ad-supported, you’ll have to watch commercials.
Can I watch sports events on free streaming platforms?
Free streaming platforms may provide limited access to sports content. While you might not find live broadcasts of big-ticket events, you can occasionally find sports highlights and analyses.
How can I discover new TV shows to watch for free online?
Browsing the catalogs of free streaming platforms can help you discover new TV shows. Also, many services offer recommendations based on what you’ve previously watched or what is trending.
Do I need a high-speed internet connection to stream TV shows for free?
A stable and high-speed internet connection is recommended for streaming TV shows without excessive buffering or interruptions, even on free platforms.
Are there free streaming options for reality TV shows?
Yes, many reality TV shows are available on free streaming services. You’ll find a mix of older seasons as well as some recent episodes, depending on the availability and licensing agreements.
What’s the difference between free streaming services and paid subscriptions?
Free streaming services are ad-supported and typically have a smaller content library compared to paid subscriptions. Paid services use subscription fees to offer a wider content selection, additional features, and often ad-free viewing experiences.
How can I stay safe while streaming TV shows online?
To stay safe while streaming TV shows online, use reputable and legal streaming sites, ensure your internet connection is secure, and keep your antivirus software updated to prevent malware infections.
Can I watch documentaries and educational content for free online?
Yes, many free streaming platforms offer a wealth of documentaries and educational content, allowing you to both entertain and inform yourself without spending money.
