Finding safe, legal places to watch TV shows for free feels like a scavenger hunt. You search for a new series or an old favorite and land on sites full of pop-ups, fake download buttons, and links that look like traps. It wastes time and risks your device.
There is a better path. A growing number of legal services offer free TV series supported by ads or by public institutions such as libraries. They stream in good quality and do not host pirated content. The tradeoff is ads or a required library card.
As a streaming researcher I tested the platforms on this list. Each one is legal, clean, and safe to use. Below you will find where to watch shows online for free from different regions, how to find new titles, and simple steps for offline viewing without risking malware or copyright trouble.
Table of Contents
Streaming vs. Downloading
Before exploring the list, it's crucial to understand what we mean by "watch" and "download." These terms are often used interchangeably, but in the legal world, they are vastly different. Knowing this distinction is the key to enjoying free content responsibly.
Streaming
When you stream a TV show, you are watching it in real-time as the data is sent to your device from the service's server. You're not keeping a permanent copy. Think of it like broadcast television—you're watching what's being sent to you, but you don't "own" the broadcast. The vast majority of free websites to watch tv shows, like Tubi or Pluto TV, are ad-supported streaming services (also known as AVOD, or Advertising-Based Video on Demand). This is 100% legal, as the platforms have licensing agreements with the content owners, and the ads pay for your viewing.
Downloading vs. Offline Viewing
This is where things get tricky. The word "download" can mean two very different things:
- The Illegal Download (Piracy): This is when you use a torrent site or a shady "mp4-converter" to save a permanent, unprotected copy of a copyrighted TV show to your hard drive. This is copyright infringement, or piracy. It's illegal, unsafe (hello, malware!), and the sites that offer it are not the ones on this list.
- The Legal "Offline Viewing" (DRM-Protected): This is what services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and... (as you'll see) Hoopla offer. You use the platform's official app to save a temporary, encrypted, and protected (DRM) copy of a show within the app itself. This allows you to watch it on a plane or subway without an internet connection. You can't copy this file, you can't share it, and it usually expires after a set time. This is 100% legal and a fantastic feature.
- The Legal Public Domain Download: This is a special case. When a work's copyright expires, it enters the "public domain," meaning it belongs to everyone. Sites like the Internet Archive host these works, and you are completely free and legal to download a permanent MP4 copy, share it, and do whatever you want with it.
This article focuses only on legal streaming and legal offline/public-domain downloads. We will show you exactly how to watch tv shows offline using the legitimate "Offline Viewing" method, ensuring you stay safe and on the right side of the law.
The 7 Best Legal Free TV Shows Streaming Platforms
| Platform | Content Type | Region Availability | Download Option? | Legal Status | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Ad-Supported (AVOD) | US, Canada, Australia, Mexico, etc. | No (Streaming Only) | 100% Legal | Very Easy |
| Pluto TV | Ad-Supported (AVOD) | US, UK, Europe, Latin America | No (Streaming Only) | 100% Legal | Very Easy |
| Internet Archive | Public Domain | Worldwide | Yes (True Downloads) | 100% Legal | Moderate |
| Hoopla | Library Service | US, Canada, Australia, NZ | Yes (Offline Viewing) | 100% Legal | Easy (requires library card) |
| Kanopy | Library Service | Worldwide (with library) | No (Streaming Only) | 100% Legal | Easy (requires library card) |
| Rakuten Viki | Ad-Supported (AVOD) | Worldwide | No (On free tier) | 100% Legal | Easy |
| Crackle | Ad-Supported (AVOD) | US and territories | No (Streaming Only) | 100% Legal | Very Easy |
1. Tubi
Tubi is, in my expert opinion, the reigning champion of ad-supported streaming. Owned by Fox, it boasts a shockingly massive library of over 50,000 movies and TV series, all completely free. Its global reach is impressive, available in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Latin America. What makes Tubi unique is the sheer breadth and quality of its catalog. While other free services often feel like bargain bins, Tubi has entire sections dedicated to high-quality dramas, classic sitcoms, and even a "Not on Netflix" category, which is a brilliant way to surface hidden gems. You don't even need to create an account to start watching, though signing up for free allows you to create watchlists and get better recommendations.
The user experience is slick and rivals paid competitors. The ads are the tradeoff: you'll typically get a 60-90 second ad break every 15-20 minutes, which is a very fair exchange for the volume of content. For anyone who just wants to click a button and watch tv shows for free without any hassle, Tubi is the top recommendation. It's the perfect answer for how to find new tv shows to watch when you've exhausted your paid subscriptions.
📺 Type of Content Available
- Classic TV (Columbo, The Nanny)
- Modern Drama (Midsomer Murders, Shameless - UK)
- Reality TV (Hell's Kitchen, The Masked Singer)
- Sci-Fi (Farscape, Stargate)
- Anime (Yu-Gi-Oh!, Attack on Titan)
- International (UK, Australia, Korea)
- Kids & Family
What We Like
- Gargantuan library of TV and movies
- High-quality streaming (up to 1080p)
- Excellent interface and apps
- No account required to watch
- Surprisingly good "Tubi Originals"
What We Don't Like
- Ad breaks can be repetitive
- No offline download option
- New-release TV shows are not available
- Content library varies significantly by country
Must-Watch TV Shows on Tubi
- Midsomer Murders: A must for fans of cozy British mysteries. Tubi has a massive collection of this long-running series.
- Hell's Kitchen: Gordon Ramsay's fiery competition show. Dozens of seasons are available for binging.
- Columbo: The classic "howcatchem" mystery series starring Peter Falk. A perfect example of where can i watch old tv shows for free.
- Farscape: A beloved sci-fi cult classic that's hard to find elsewhere.
- Degrassi: The Next Generation: The iconic Canadian teen drama in all its glory.
How to Watch (Streaming Only)
- Navigate to the Tubi website or download the Tubi app on your smart TV, phone, or streaming device.
- Browse the categories or use the search bar to find a TV show.
- Click the "Play" button to start watching immediately.
- (Optional) Create a free account to save your progress and add shows to a "My List."
Note on Downloads: Tubi does not offer an offline download feature. It is a streaming-only service. You must have an active internet connection to watch.
2. Pluto TV
If Tubi is an on-demand library, Pluto TV is the modern-day equivalent of classic cable. Owned by Paramount, its genius lies in its "live TV" interface. When you open Pluto, you're greeted with a channel guide featuring hundreds of 24/7 themed channels. There's a "Star Trek" channel, a "CSI" channel, a "Comedy Central" channel, a "Classic TV" channel, and so on. It's perfect for passive viewing—that "I want to put something on in the background" feeling that on-demand services can't replicate. It's one of the best sites to watch tv shows for free if you miss the serendipity of channel surfing.
Pluto TV is also available in many regions, including the US, UK, most of Europe, and Latin America, with content tailored to each market. In addition to its 250+ live channels, it also has a substantial on-demand library, similar to Tubi. You get the best of both worlds. Like Tubi, it's 100% free, legal, and supported by ads. No account is ever required, making it incredibly easy to just jump in and start watching.
📺 Type of Content Available
- Live "Simulated" Channels
- Classic TV (Happy Days, Doctor Who)
- Crime & Mystery (CSI, Unsolved Mysteries)
- Paramount-owned Content (Star Trek, MTV)
- News & Sports Channels
- Niche Themes (e.g., 90s TV, Cats 24/7)
- On-Demand Movies
What We Like
- Unique "live channel" guide
- Excellent for passive viewing and discovery
- Huge on-demand section as well
- No account needed, ever
- Owned by Paramount (high-quality content)
What We Don't Like
- You can't pause or rewind the "live" channels
- Ad breaks are frequent, just like cable
- No offline download option
- On-demand interface isn't as slick as Tubi's
Must-Watch TV Shows on Pluto TV
- Star Trek (Multiple Series): Pluto TV almost always has a 24/7 channel dedicated to Star Trek: The Next Generation or other series from the franchise.
- Doctor Who (Classic): There is a dedicated channel for classic Doctor Who episodes, a goldmine for Whovians.
- CSI (Multiple Series): You can usually find a channel running back-to-back episodes of CSI: Miami or CSI: NY.
- Survivor (Older Seasons): The on-demand section often features a huge back-catalog of Survivor seasons.
- Unsolved Mysteries: The classic Robert Stack-hosted series has its own 24/7 channel, perfect for late-night viewing.
How to Stream on Pluto TV (Streaming Only)
- Go to the Pluto TV website or open the app.
- You will immediately see the "Live TV" grid. Scroll through the channels and click one to start watching.
- Click the "On Demand" tab at the top to browse the library just like you would on Tubi.
- Find a show you like and press "Play." No sign-up is necessary.
Note on Downloads: Pluto TV is built to mimic live television and does not have an offline download or viewing feature. You must be connected to the internet.
3. Internet Archive
This one is different. The Internet Archive (archive.org) is a non-profit digital library with a mission to provide "universal access to all knowledge." It's not a slick streaming service; it's a genuine archive. But for those wondering where can i watch old tv shows for free, this is the ultimate, 100% legal answer. The Archive's "Moving Image Archive" contains millions of videos, including thousands of television episodes that have entered the public domain. This means their copyright has expired, and they are free for anyone to watch, share, and, yes, actually download.
You won't find Friends or The Office here. You'll find old-time serials from the 1950s, forgotten sitcoms, classic game shows, and government-produced films. It's a goldmine for history buffs, media students, and anyone with a taste for nostalgia. Its reach is completely worldwide, as public domain content is accessible to all. Be prepared to do some digging—the interface is functional, not fancy—but the rewards are unique and truly free.
📺 Type of Content Available
- Public Domain Sitcoms (The Beverly Hillbillies)
- Classic Serials (Flash Gordon)
- Old Game Shows (The Price is Right - 1950s)
- Westerns (Bonanza - some episodes)
- Classic Cartoons (Betty Boop)
- Newsreels & Ephemeral Films
- Government & Educational TV
What We Like
- Truly free and 100% legal downloads
- Massive trove of historically significant content
- No ads, ever
- Available worldwide
- More than just TV: books, music, and more
What We Don't Like
- Clunky, non-visual interface
- Video quality is highly variable (some is poor)
- Not for finding modern or popular shows
- Finding specific episodes can be a challenge
Must-Watch TV Shows on Internet Archive
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1954): Many episodes from this classic series are in the public domain and available here.
- Bonanza (Partial): Due to a copyright quirk, 31 episodes of this iconic Western are in the public domain.
- The Beverly Hillbillies (Partial): The entire first season (36 episodes) is public domain and available for download.
- Classic Game Shows: You can find old episodes of What's My Line? and The Price is Right (with Bill Cullen).
- Dragnet (1951): A large collection of this just-the-facts police procedural.
How to Watch and Download (True Download)
- Go to archive.org and click the "Video" icon (which looks like a TV).
- Use the search bar to look for a show (e.g., "Bonanza public domain").
- Click on a collection or a specific episode.
- You can stream the video directly in your browser.
- To download, look for the "DOWNLOAD OPTIONS" box on the right side.
- Select the format you want ("MPEG4" or "MP4" is best for modern devices). Right-click and "Save As" to download the file permanently.
Note on Downloads: This is a true, legal download. Because the content is in the public domain, you can keep the file, put it on your laptop or tablet, and watch it offline anytime, forever. This is the only platform on the list that offers this for free.
4. Hoopla
This is the one that will change the game for you. Hoopla is a digital media service that partners with public libraries in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. If you have a library card from a participating library, you get free, instant access to a massive catalog of TV shows, movies, music, and ebooks. And here is the killer feature: Hoopla is one of the only free, legal services in the world that lets you watch tv shows offline via "Offline Viewing." |
| Image credit: Hoopla.com |
Unlike Kanopy (which we'll get to), Hoopla's model is "borrows" per month. Your library sets a limit (e.g., 10 borrows per month). Borrowing a single episode or an entire TV season (it varies) costs one borrow. Once borrowed, you can stream it or... download it to the Hoopla mobile app. This is the legal "Offline Viewing" we discussed. The content is more mainstream than Kanopy, often featuring full seasons of shows from Acorn TV, A&E, and The History Channel. It's an absolutely essential service for any savvy cord-cutter.
📺 Type of Content Available
- British TV (Acorn TV, BritBox)
- Documentaries (Ken Burns, The Great Courses)
- Kids Shows (PBS Kids, Peppa Pig)
- Popular Cable Series (A&E, History Channel)
- International Series
- Movies, Music, Ebooks, and Comics
What We Like
- Legit offline downloads (via the app)
- Completely free and 100% ad-free
- Great selection of British and documentary content
- Broad catalog beyond just TV
- "BingePass" lets you borrow many titles at once
What We Don't Like
- Requires a participating library card
- Monthly "borrow" limits can be restrictive
- Downloads are temporary (like a library book)
- Content selection varies by library
Must-Watch TV Shows on Hoopla
- Ken Burns Documentaries: Often has a rotating collection of the master filmmaker's work, like The Civil War or Baseball.
- Acorn TV Hits: Look for popular British, Australian, and Canadian mysteries like Midsomer Murders or Murdoch Mysteries.
- The Great Courses: Dozens of full, university-level courses on everything from history to photography.
- Agatha Christie's Poirot: Many seasons of the definitive David Suchet series are often available.
How to Watch and Download (Offline Viewing)
- Go to hoopladigital.com or download the Hoopla mobile app.
- Sign up for an account. You will be asked to find your local library and enter your library card number and PIN.
- Once logged in, browse for a TV show.
- Click the "Borrow" button. This uses one of your monthly borrows.
- To Stream: You can now stream it on your web browser or in the app.
- To Download (Offline): In the mobile app, after borrowing, a "Download" button will appear. Tap it. The show will download to your app's "Borrowed" section, where you can watch it without an internet connection for the duration of the 72-hours (for TV) loan period.
5. Kanopy
If Hoopla is the mainstream public library, Kanopy is the academic, art-house wing. Also available free through public libraries and universities worldwide, Kanopy is a cinephile's dream. Its collection is heavily focused on what it calls "thoughtful entertainment." This includes a massive collection of Criterion Collection films, A24 movies, independent cinema, and world-class documentaries. Its TV selection follows suit, leaning heavily into international content, classic series, and educational programming.
Kanopy operates on a "play credit" system. Your library gives you a certain number of credits per month (e.g., 10). Watching a movie or TV episode (sometimes) costs one credit. The upside? No ads. Ever. It's a pristine, high-quality viewing experience. While it doesn't offer offline viewing for TV shows, its unparalleled collection of high-brow content makes it an unmissable resource for anyone wanting to watch international tv shows or thought-provoking series for free.
📺 Type of Content Available
- International TV (Scandi-noir, French drama)
- The Great Courses (hundreds of series)
- Documentary Series (PBS, BBC)
- Classic Cinema (Criterion Collection)
- Independent Films (A24)
- Kids Content (Kanopy Kids)
What We Like
- Unmatched collection of high-quality, "smart" content
- 100% ad-free
- Includes The Great Courses and Criterion Collection
- Available worldwide via participating libraries
- Kanopy Kids mode offers unlimited, credit-free viewing
What We Don't Like
- Requires a library card or university login
- The "play credit" system limits binging
- No offline download for TV series
- TV selection is less "mainstream"
Must-Watch TV Shows on Kanopy
- The Great Courses: This is the killer app. Get full access to series like "The Fundamentals of Photography" or "A History of the World."
- Skins (UK): The original, groundbreaking UK teen drama that launched dozens of careers.
- International Dramas: Explore Kanopy's "World Cinema" and "TV" sections for high-end dramas from Germany, France, Sweden, and more.
- PBS Documentaries: Many series from Frontline and American Experience are available.
How to Watch (Streaming Only)
- Go to kanopy.com or download the app.
- Click "Get Started" and "Find Your Library."
- Add your library card number and PIN to create your account.
- Browse or search for a TV series.
- Click "Play." This will use one of your monthly play credits.
Note on Downloads: Kanopy does not support offline downloading for its main catalog of TV shows and movies. It is a streaming-only service. You must have an internet connection.
6. Rakuten Viki
If your quest is how to watch international tv shows, and specifically Asian dramas, Viki is your destination. Viki is the leading platform for Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese TV shows. It operates on a "freemium" model. A large portion of its library is available to watch tv shows for free with ads, which is labeled "Viki Standard." The latest, most popular shows (often simulcast from Korea) are locked behind the "Viki Pass" subscription, but the free library is still enormous and packed with thousands of hours of content.
What makes Viki truly special is its community. The subtitles for many shows are created by a dedicated team of volunteers, which means you can often find subtitles in dozens of languages (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and more) just hours after a show airs. It also has unique features like "Watch Party" to view shows with friends. For fans of K-dramas or C-dramas, the free tier of Viki is an absolute must-have.
📺 Type of Content Available
- Korean Dramas (K-Dramas)
- Chinese Dramas (C-Dramas)
- Japanese Dramas (J-Dramas)
- Taiwanese Dramas
- Asian Variety Shows
- Movies from across Asia
What We Like
- Unmatched library of Asian TV shows
- Generous free tier (Viki Standard)
- Community-sourced subtitles in many languages
- Available worldwide
- "Watch Party" and "Timed Comments" features
What We Don't Like
- The most popular new shows are locked for subscribers
- Ad breaks on the free tier can be long
- No offline downloads on the free tier
- Interface can be a bit cluttered
Must-Watch TV Shows on Viki (Free Tier)
- Boys Over Flowers: The legendary K-drama that introduced many international fans to the genre.
- My Love from the Star: A classic, hugely popular fantasy romance about an alien and a superstar actress.
- Go Go Squid!: A massive hit C-drama about a programming genius and a bubbly online singer.
- Classic J-Dramas: Viki's Japanese library is growing, offering many classic romance and slice-of-life series.
How to Watch (Streaming Only)
- Go to Viki.com or download the Viki app.
- Create a free account.
- Browse the "Free" or "Viki Standard" section, or look for shows that don't have the "Viki Pass" banner.
- Press "Play" to start watching with ads.
Note on Downloads: Offline viewing is a premium feature available only to "Viki Pass" subscribers. The free Viki Standard tier is streaming-only.
7. Crackle
Crackle is one of the original ad-supported streaming services, now owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. Its library is smaller and more curated than Tubi's or Pluto's, but it's known for a solid, rotating selection of popular movies, classic TV, and a decent slate of "Crackle Originals." Think of it as a smaller, more boutique version of Tubi. It's 100% free and ad-supported, with no subscription options at all.
The main drawback is its limited availability; Crackle is officially only available in the United States and its territories. For US-based users, however, it's another excellent, no-cost option to add to the rotation. Its "Always On" channels are a nod to Pluto TV's model, offering a lean-back experience for those who don't want to browse. It's a reliable, simple, and straightforward way to watch tv shows without any strings attached.
📺 Type of Content Available
- Crackle Originals (Going from Broke)
- Classic TV (All in the Family, What's Happening!!)
- Popular Movies (rotating library)
- Action & Thriller Series
- "Always On" Live Channels
- Reality TV
What We Like
- Completely free, no paid tier
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
- Good selection of "Crackle Original" series
- Solid library of classic sitcoms
What We Don't Like
- Only available in the US
- Library is much smaller than competitors'
- No offline download option
- Content rotates frequently, so shows disappear
Must-Watch TV Shows on Crackle
- Sherlock (BBC): Crackle frequently has the rights to stream the modern, Benedict Cumberbatch-led masterpiece.
- All in the Family: A groundbreaking classic sitcom that is often available in its entirety.
- The Chosen: The hugely popular, crowd-funded series about the life of Christ is often free to stream on Crackle.
- Going from Broke: A Crackle Original produced by Ashton Kutcher that helps people tackle their student debt.
How to Watch (Streaming Only)
- (In the US) Go to the Crackle website or download the app. Note: Crackle.com.in is not the official Crackle's website. That's a mirror site and should be avoided.
- Browse the on-demand library or check out the "Live" channels.
- Find a show and click "Play."
- You can create a free account to save your watchlist, but it's not required.
Note on Downloads: Crackle is an ad-supported streaming service and does not offer any offline download capabilities. Check the current status of crackle website on Wikipedia.
Conclusion
The digital landscape for streaming is no longer a choice between expensive subscriptions and risky illegal sites. As we've demonstrated, there is a rich, robust, and completely legal ecosystem of free websites to watch tv shows. Whether you want the massive on-demand library of Tubi, the channel-surfing experience of Pluto TV, or the ad-free educational content from Kanopy, there's a platform for you.
The key takeaway is to know what you're looking for. If your priority is how to watch tv shows offline, your first step should be to get a library card and unlock the power of Hoopla. If you're wondering where to watch japanese tv shows or K-dramas, Viki is your new home. And if you're a historian at heart who wants to watch old tv shows for free and own them forever, the Internet Archive is your personal museum.
You no longer have to compromise on safety or legality to find great entertainment. The "price" is simply a few ad breaks or the five minutes it takes to sign up for a library card. So, close those sketchy tabs, stop worrying about malware, and start exploring the thousands of hours of high-quality, free television that are waiting for you right now.
