Today there are so many ways to watch television and movies without actually having cable. Year by year, cable and satellite are being phased out in favor of more accessible options. If you’re looking for a better way to watch your favorite TV shows, here are the top eight ways to do so.
1. Hulu
Hulu is extremely popular. Not only does Hulu give you access to new movies, but it also carries popular series such as Lucifer, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Grey’s Anatomy, and so much more. Another benefit is that new episodes are added soon after they’re aired on television. Hulu gives all new subscribers a week to try it for free or the option to purchase it for as little as $7.99 per month.
2. Netflix
Netflix updates its catalog every day, and there are plenty of categories to choose from, such as scary, witty, violent, absurd, dark, dramatic, and feel-good. You can also decide to view only television shows or just browse new arrivals. If you want to watch something but don’t have time, you can save it to “My List,” which appears every time you log on. The pricing depends on how many screens you wish to stream and if you want DVDs. The price of Netflix can be anywhere from $7.99 to $11.99 for streaming alone.
3. Amazon Prime/Amazon Fire TV Stick
Amazon Prime is a great service that lets you access countless television shows and movies for a yearly cost of $99. It sounds expensive at first, but that price breaks down to less than $10 per month. If you want live TV, you can also purchase the Amazon Fire TV Stick for $39.99, which gives you popular channels such as CNN, HGTV, AMC, Cartoon Network, and more.
4. Chromecast
Google Chromecast is a streaming television service that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV. It allows you to download “add-ons" that give you access to the television shows or channels you love to watch. For example, if you love the BBC, there’s an add-on that allows you to access series from this broadcasting station. You can also access other streaming services through Chromecast, such as Netflix and Crackle. The cost of the Chromecast device is $35, and the price from there depends on how many add-ons or services you want to use.
5. The Network’s Website
If you’re using a desktop computer, or if you can connect your laptop to your television, you can watch TV shows for free using the site of your favorite network. Many broadcasting networks upload streams of full episodes for anyone to watch. For example, HGTV has full episodes of Fixer Upper and Dream Home. Before spending money, you should check the network’s website.
6. Sling TV
For just $20 per month, Sling TV gives you access to tons of popular channels such as AMC, ESPN, A&E, TNT, CNN, Travel Channel, Lifetime, Cartoon Network, and much more. Additionally, you can include other channels for another $5–$15 per month, including popular Spanish broadcasting networks. If this deal sounds good to you, you can get a 7-day free trial before you decide to buy. You’ll have to purchase a device to access Sling TV through your television, but you can get a free Roku 2 if you sign up for an account.
7. PutLocker
PutLocker is one of the most famous websites on the internet for free movies and television shows. It’s simple to use—just type in what series you want to watch, choose “TV Shows,” and click “Search.” From there, you can watch your favorite shows. Another benefit of using PutLocker is that it's frequently updated.
8. Project Free TV
Project Free TV’s goal is to give everyone access to television for no cost. The site is updated daily, so you’re sure to find some of your favorite shows the day after broadcast and sometimes the same day they're aired. It’s easily one of the fastest ways to watch your favorite shows. It’s simple to use and has movies as well as TV.
