Where to Watch TV Shows Online Free Without Subscriptions?
Tired of paying for streaming subscriptions? You can watch TV shows online free on legal sites like TokyVideo, Filmzie, Tubi, Crackle, and more—no credit card required. These ad-supported services offer thousands of episodes across genres, from classics to recent hits.
For binge-watchers on a budget, free TV streaming sites provide instant access without hidden fees. Combine network apps (ABC, CW), free trials (Netflix, Hulu), and global options (BBC iPlayer) to maximize your library. Save money, not quality!
Best Legal Sites to Watch Movies Free Online
Comprehensive guide comparing 25+ free movie platforms. Covers video quality, device support, and ad frequency. Updated weekly with expert recommendations.
Best Free Streaming Sites for TV Shows
Discover the top platforms to watch TV series online without paying a dime. These sites offer a mix of free content, though some may include ads or require registration.
FilmRise: Free Crime Shows & Family Movies
FilmRise lets you watch television shows online free. It has lots of real crime shows, family movies, and old TV series. No signup needed – just click and watch!
- ✅ Start watching immediately – no signup
- ✅ Works on phones, tablets, and Smart TVs
- ✅ Safe for kids (family section available)
- ⚠️ Doesn’t have new movies like Netflix
- ⚠️ Can’t skip ads (but they’re short)
1. Go to FilmRise.com
2. Click ‘TV Shows’ at the top
3. Pick a crime show or kids’ show
For more free TV streaming sites, try Tubi or Pluto TV, scroll down a bit to check.
TokyVideo
A rising star among free TV streaming sites, TokyVideo specializes in international series, anime, and viral shows. With 5M+ monthly users, it’s perfect for streaming TV shows online free without subscriptions, especially for non-English content.
- ✅ Zero-cost way to watch TV series online free
- ✅ Unique picks: Turkish dramas, anime, Latin telenovelas
- ✅ Mobile-friendly with download option (select content)
- ⚠️ Smaller English catalog vs. TV streaming sites like Tubi
- ⚠️ Community uploads (verify titles are licensed)
For those searching free TV streaming sites, TokyVideo complements mainstream options with international flavors. Pair it with Crackle (for English shows) to maximize your watch TV shows online free experience.
STIRR
A free TV app mixing live channels and full TV series. Watch news, sports, old shows (*Baywatch*), and movies without paying. Updated weekly with legal content from big studios.
- ✅ Start watching right away – no sign-up
- ✅ Live news, sports, and classic shows
- ✅ Works on Roku, Fire Stick, and phones
- ⚠️ Few new movies (older ones only)
- ⚠️ Can’t skip commercials
1. Open STIRR’s app or website
2. Pick “Live TV” (like cable) or “Shows” (watch anytime)
3. Click to play – ads play on their own
Tip: Pair with Pluto TV for more choices.
Hoichoi
Hoichoi is a fantastic site for free TV shows (including international) and movies. You can watch many series in Indian, Bangladeshi, and other Asian content, with thousands of episodes and films available at no cost.
- ✅ Completely free – no subscription needed
- ✅ Great selection of international dramas and films
- ✅ Easy-to-use interface with good search
- ⚠️ Mostly Asian content (not ideal for Hollywood fans)
- ⚠️ Some shows have limited subtitle options
Explore the “Popular Shows” section to find top-rated series. For English-language content, pair it with other free services like Tubi or Crackle.
Hoopla
Hoopla is a free streaming service available through many public libraries. With it, you can instantly stream TV shows, movies, and more—completely ad-free. Anyone with a library card can watch popular series like The Great British Bake Off and enjoy films from major studios such as A24 and Paramount. The content library updates regularly, with 8–10 new TV series added each week, according to 2023 data from the American Library Association.
- ✅ Zero advertisements during playback
- ✅ Download content for 72-hour offline viewing
- ✅ Includes PBS Masterpiece and BBC shows
- ⚠️ Limited simultaneous streams (2 devices)
- ⚠️ Not all libraries participate (check local availability)
To get the most free content, use both Hoopla and Kanopy—two streaming services offered by public libraries. You don’t need to go to the library in person. Most libraries let you sign up for a library card online, which you can then use to watch movies and shows for free.
Tubi TV
Tubi is one of the best places to watch TV shows online free. It has thousands of full TV series and movies – all completely free with ads. No subscription needed ever.
- ✅ Instantly watch series free online – no signup
- ✅ Works on phones, tablets, computers and Smart TVs
- ✅ New shows added every week
- ⚠️ Can’t download shows to watch offline
- ⚠️ Some older seasons only (not always newest episodes)
Search by show name or browse the “TV Shows” category. For more recent episodes, check the network’s own app (like ABC or FOX). Tubi is one of the best free TV streaming sites available today.
Rakuten TV Free Section
Rakuten TV has a free TV shows section where you can watch complete series without paying. It’s legal, safe, and has good quality – just watch a few short ads.
- ✅ Good way to watch TV series online free
- ✅ No payment needed – ever
- ✅ Works on Smart TVs and phones
- ⚠️ Need to make free account after 3 episodes
- ⚠️ Smaller selection than other free TV streaming sites
1. Open Rakuten TV app or website
2. Look for “Free” section
3. Choose “TV Shows”
For more shows, try Tubi or Pluto TV.
The Roku Channel
A free streaming service with thousands of TV shows, movies, and live TV channels. No subscriptions or credit cards needed. Watch popular shows like Forensic Files or movies like Legally Blonde with short ad breaks.
- ✅ Start watching immediately – no sign-up
- ✅ Full seasons of shows (binge entire series)
- ✅ Works on ANY device (no Roku box required)
- ⚠️ Can’t skip ads (but they’re short)
- ⚠️ Can’t save shows offline
1. Open The Roku Channel website/app
2. Pick a show or movie from the “Free” section
3. Watch with short ads (like TV)
Tip: Use the “Live TV” tab for 24/7 news or comedy channels.
Xumo Play
This is a free streaming service that helps you watch TV and movies without paying. It gives you two things: live TV channels you can watch right away, and a big collection of shows and movies you can choose anytime (this is called on-demand). You can watch full seasons of old favorites like Cheers, fun reality shows like Bar Rescue, and hit movies like John Wick. Everything is 100% legal—no tricks or downloads. Big companies like NBC, Warner Bros., and Lionsgate add new shows and movies every day, so there’s always something new to enjoy.
- ✅ No sign-up required – start watching instantly
- ✅ Full seasons of classic TV shows (e.g., Unsolved Mysteries)
- ✅ Works on Roku, Fire TV, phones, and web browsers
- ⚠️ Few new movie releases (focuses on older hits)
- ⚠️ No offline downloads
1. Open Xumo Play app/website
2. Choose “On Demand” for TV series/movies
3. Pick “Live TV” for 24/7 channels like NBC News
Pair with Pluto TV for more live channel options.
Popcornflix: Free TV & Movies
Watch free TV shows and movies on Popcornflix. No signup needed. Just pick a show, watch some short ads, and enjoy!
- ✅ Totally free forever
- ✅ Easy to use (just click and watch)
- ✅ Safe and legal (no pirated shows)
- ⚠️ Doesn’t have newest episodes of popular shows
- ⚠️ Can’t download for offline watching
1. Go to Popcornflix.com
2. Click “TV Shows” at the top
3. Pick any show and watch!
For newer shows, try free trials on Netflix/Hulu.
Pluto TV
Free TV-like streaming with live channels and shows. Watch CSI, Star Trek, movies like Mission: Impossible, and cartoons – all legal. Works like regular TV but free, with short ads.
- ✅ No registration – click and watch
- ✅ Full seasons of old shows (binge all day)
- ✅ Works on phones, tablets, and Smart TVs
- ⚠️ Can’t skip ads during shows
- ⚠️ Few new movies (mostly older ones)
1. Open Pluto TV app or website
2. Pick a live channel (like NBC News) OR
3. Choose a show/movie from the library
Tip: Use the “Movies” category for free films. Add Tubi for more options.
Shout! Factory TV
A free streaming service packed with cult classic TV shows, movies, and documentaries. Perfect for fans of retro shows, horror, and niche genres you can’t find elsewhere.
- ✅ Instantly watch TV series online free – no signup
- ✅ Rare classics & 80s/90s nostalgia shows
- ✅ Works on Roku, Fire TV, phones, and web
- ⚠️ Smaller library than bigger TV streaming sites
- ⚠️ No new/recent Hollywood releases
1. Visit ShoutFactoryTV.com
2. Browse “TV Shows” or “Collections”
3. Click and watch – no account needed!
Pair with Crackle for more modern shows.
Viki: Free Asian Shows & Movies
Watch Korean dramas, Japanese shows, and Asian movies for free on Viki. All shows have subtitles in your language. No credit card needed – just click and watch!
- ✅ Start watching immediately – no signup needed
- ✅ Subtitles in your language (added by viewers)
- ✅ Download shows to watch offline later
- ⚠️ Mostly Asian shows (not many Hollywood movies)
- ⚠️ New seasons sometimes need payment
1. Go to Viki.com
2. Click “Free TV” at the top
3. Pick a show – it starts playing!
For American shows, try Tubi (another free site).
Kanopy
A free movie/TV service you get through libraries or schools. Stream top-rated films, learning shows (like PBS), and binge-worthy series without ads. Everything is legal and high-quality.
- ✅ Perfect for film lovers & students
- ✅ Save shows to watch later without internet
- ✅ Prize-winning movies & learning films
- ⚠️ Limited picks per month (10-15)
- ⚠️ Needs library card (easy online sign-up)
1. Get a library card (online or visit nearby)
2. Go to Kanopy’s site/app and sign in
3. Pick shows or films – click play!
Tip: Many libraries let you sign up online – no waiting in line!
Vudu Free
Vudu’s free section lets you watch full TV series and movies without paying. Enjoy shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, kids’ cartoons, and action films – all legal. New titles added weekly.
- ✅ No sign-up – click and watch
- ✅ Binge full seasons of old shows
- ✅ Works on PlayStation, phones, and Smart TVs
- ⚠️ Few new movies (older hits only)
- ⚠️ Can’t download for offline use
1. Go to Vudu’s website/app
2. Click the “Free” tab at the top
3. Pick a show or movie – ads play automatically
Tip: Use the “Collections” tab for themed picks like “90s Throwbacks.”
DistroTV: Free Live & On-Demand Shows
DistroTV is a free TV app with live channels and pick-and-play shows. Watch news, movies, kids’ cartoons, and fun clips without paying anything. Just open and start watching!
- ✅ Stream famous TV shows online for free – no account needed
- ✅ Channels you won’t find elsewhere (fail videos, DIY crafts)
- ✅ Works on Roku, phones, and web browsers
- ⚠️ Few big movie hits (better for TV shows)
- ⚠️ Some channels replay the same shows
1. Visit Distro.tv 2. Click “Live TV” or “Shows/Movies” 3. Choose anything – it plays right away!
Plex Free Movies & TV
Plex’s free section lets you watch movies and TV shows without paying. Enjoy old classics, crime dramas (*Forensic Files*), and rare films – all legal. New stuff added every week.
- ✅ Start watching fast – no sign-up
- ✅ Hard-to-find films and old TV shows
- ✅ Works on game consoles, phones, and TVs
- ⚠️ Few popular new series
- ⚠️ Can’t save shows for offline
1. Get the Plex app or go to their site
2. Click “Free Movies & TV”
3. Pick a category like “90s Hits” or “Crime Stories”
Tip: Use the “Staff Picks” tab for crowd favorites.
Samsung TV Plus (Web)
Watch hundreds of free live TV channels and choice-only shows directly in your web browser. No Samsung device or account needed! Great for news, reality TV, and classic movies.
- ✅ Watch tv series online free – works on any computer/phone
- ✅ Live news, sports highlights, and reality TV
- ✅ No downloads or signup required
- ⚠️ Limited to web browsers (no app for non-Samsung TVs)
- ⚠️ Can’t skip ads on live channels
1. Go to SamsungTVPlus.com
2. Click “Channels” or “On Demand”
3. Pick a show – it plays instantly!
For more shows, pair with Tubi (another free TV streaming site).
Airtel Xstream Free
A free app to watch Indian TV shows, movies, and live channels. Enjoy Hindi family dramas, crime thrillers, and South Indian series – all legal. No payments or Airtel phone plan needed.
- ✅ No payments or sign-up needed – start watching free
- ✅ Daily family shows and crime stories
- ✅ Live news, songs, and kids’ cartoons
- ✅ Works on basic phones and Smart TVs
- ⚠️ Old shows only – few new movies
- ⚠️ Can’t save shows without internet
– Watch TV shows in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and more
– Uses less data than Netflix or Hotstar
– Blocks adult content automatically for kids
– Add-free kids’ shows like Chhota Bheem
Tata Play Binge – Free Content
Tata Play Binge offers a section where you can watch free TV shows and movies online. You only need your mobile number to sign in—no payment, credit card, or DTH connection is needed. It brings together free content from partners like ShemarooMe, Hungama Play, and others in one app.
- ✅ Completely free – just sign in with your phone number
- ✅ Watch without having a Tata Play DTH connection
- ✅ Includes Hindi serials, regional dramas, and classic movies
- ✅ Works on mobile phones, tablets, and smart TVs
- ⚠️ App also shows premium (paid) content side-by-side
- ⚠️ Can’t download videos to watch offline
– Watch shows in your language like Hindi, Tamil, and more
– No charges, no subscription, and no credit card needed
– Good option for old Bollywood movies and simple family shows
– Easy to access from your phone without high data usage
MX Player (Free Streaming)
A free app to watch Indian TV shows, movies, and MX Originals. Stream crime dramas (*Aashram*), comedy series (*ImMature*), and Bollywood films legally. No signup or payments needed – just watch short ads.
- ✅ Start watching free – no account needed
- ✅ Full seasons of Indian shows and MX Originals
- ✅ Works on cheap phones (1GB RAM)
- ✅ Save shows offline (watch without internet)
- ⚠️ Ads cannot be skipped
- ⚠️ Few new Hollywood movies
1. Use the “Download” button to save shows for trains/flights.
2. Filter by language (e.g., Tamil, Bengali) for local content.
3. Pair with YouTube for international shows.
Fawesome
Fawesome is a completely free video streaming app where you can watch movies and TV shows in different categories like comedy, action, family, cooking, and more. It works like regular TV, meaning you don’t have to pay or sign up—just open the app or website and start watching. It includes content from well-known sources like Lionsgate, Tastemade, and GoPro, and new videos are added often.
- ✅ 100% free – no login, no fees
- ✅ Categories for all tastes – from horror to health
- ✅ Runs on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Smart TVs, and Android/iOS
- ✅ Easy to use – just click and play
- ⚠️ May not be available in some countries
- ⚠️ Ads appear during videos (not too long)
– A wide range of free TV shows and movies
– No need to remember passwords or enter card details
– Runs smoothly on both new and older devices
– Great for casual viewing without subscriptions or signups
5 (formerly My5)
5 is a free streaming service from Channel 5 in the UK. You don’t need to pay or sign up to watch. Simply go to the website or open the app, and you’re ready to start watching. You can enjoy TV shows, movies, documentaries, and kids’ programs. It also includes content from other popular channels like MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon.
- ✅ Completely free – no account or payment needed
- ✅ Watch shows from Channel 5 and famous channels like MTV and Nickelodeon
- ✅ Works on phones, smart TVs, tablets, and web browsers
- ✅ New episodes and shows added regularly
- ⚠️ Ads will play before or during your videos
- ⚠️ Mostly available for UK viewers (might need a VPN to use it in other countries)
– A wide range of free shows, movies, and even kids’ programs
– No complicated sign-ups – just click and watch
– Perfect for family viewing with kids’ content
– Easy to watch on any device, whether it’s a phone, TV, or computer
Filmzie
A free movie and TV app for rare, unique stories. Watch lesser-known movies, fan-favorite old films, and award-winning indie movies legally. No signup needed – just short ad breaks.
- ✅ No signup or payment info needed
- ✅ Old cartoons and award-winning indie movies
- ✅ Works on phones, Roku, and Fire TV
- ✅ Very few ads (tested by users)
- ⚠️ Small collection (focus on unique picks)
- ⚠️ Needs internet – no offline saves
– Find movies you won’t see on Netflix or Prime
– Ads are short and rare (like 2 breaks per movie)
– Works in most countries without extra apps
– New “Hidden Gems” added every week
Crackle
A free, ad-supported streaming service known for classic films and original series. Owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, it refreshes its content monthly and works on most major devices.
- ✅ 100% free, no trial or subscription needed
- ✅ Legal and safe with licensed content
- ⚠️ Smaller catalog vs. larger paid platforms
Create a Crackle account to track your watch history and resume anytime. Pair it with free services like Tubi or Pluto TV to widen your library without paying.
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Free TV Streaming FAQs
Can I watch TV shows online free legally?
Yes! You can choose any free streaming site from the list, like Tubi or Pluto TV. They show only a few short ads, and you can watch full seasons of TV shows without paying. According to their terms, all the content is legal and safe to watch.
What are good free sites to watch series?
Our page lists all active, tested, and trusted sites for free streaming. To get started, try these top picks:
– Tubi (50,000+ shows and movies)
– Filmzie (hidden indie films)
– Pluto TV (live channels and on-demand)
All of them work well on phones, laptops, and Smart TVs.
Do free sites need credit card info?
No, trusted free streaming apps like Crackle and YouTube Free don’t ask for your credit card or payment details. You don’t have to sign up or enter any billing info to start watching. These platforms are supported by ads, so they make money through short ad breaks instead of charging users. If any “free” site asks for a credit card, it’s better to avoid it — it might switch to paid later or be risky.
How to watch without many ads?
If you don’t like too many ads, try these easy tips:
✅ Use Filmzie – it only shows 1 or 2 short ads in an hour
✅ Watch on Hoopla – it’s free from many public libraries and has no ads
⚠️ Avoid evenings – more people watch then, so you may see more ads
📌 Quick tip: Some apps mention “fewer ads” or “no ads” in their features – those are good picks!
Can I watch on my phone for free?
Yes, you can easily watch shows or movies on your phone without paying.
📱 MX Player – free to use with lots of content
📱 Airtel Xstream Free – works well on phones, no extra cost
Both apps are simple to install and don’t need a subscription. Just open and start watching!
Are free TV streaming sites safe?
Yes, many free streaming sites are safe if you use the right ones.
✅ Use known and trusted apps like Tubi or Plex
❌ Stay away from websites that ask for passwords or downloads – they may be risky
🔒 Always check the site address starts with “https” – it means the site is secure
How to find new shows on free apps?
Most free apps have a section for new or trending shows:
📺 Tubi: Check the “New Releases” tab for latest shows
🎬 Filmzie: Look at “Staff Picks” – updated every week
📡 Pluto TV: Use the Live TV guide to explore what’s playing now
Can I download shows for offline viewing?
Here are some options for downloading shows to watch offline:
📱 MX Player and Hoopla let you download for free.
🌐 Most other apps require an internet connection to watch shows.
