Step 1: What do you like to watch?
Answer a few questions and we'll suggest free services that fit you.
Step 2: Equipment you need
1. Home internet
Streaming comes through your internet. If cable included internet, keep the internet and cancel only the TV part.
2. A way to get apps on your TV
Smart TV: you already have this. Press Home on the remote to see apps.
Regular TV: buy a streaming stick, such as a Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick. It plugs into the TV's HDMI port and comes with its own simple remote.
3. An antenna (recommended)
An indoor antenna picks up local channels — local news, weather, and the major networks — for free, with no internet. It's a one-time purchase with no monthly bill.
- Connect the antenna to the "ANT IN" or "Cable" port on the back of your TV.
- Place it near a window, as high as you can.
- On the TV remote, go to Settings and choose Channel Scan (or "Auto Program").
Tip: If channels go missing, move the antenna a little and run the Channel Scan again.
Step 3: Free streaming services
All of these are free and legal. Most show commercials — that's how they stay free.
Start here
Pluto TV
Feels the most like cable: hundreds of live channels in a guide you scroll through.
How to start:- Open the app store on your TV or streaming stick and search "Pluto TV".
- Choose Install (or Add Channel on Roku), then open it.
- It starts playing right away. Press Left or Guide on your remote to see the channel list.
Tip: Use the guide like a cable box: scroll up and down, then press OK to watch.
Tubi
A very large library of movies and older TV series you can start any time.
How to start:- Search "Tubi" in your TV's app store and install it.
- Use the magnifying glass (Search) to type or say the name of a show or movie.
- Make a free account so Tubi remembers where you stopped watching.
Tip: Look for the "Continue Watching" row to pick up where you left off.
The Roku Channel
Live channels plus on-demand shows and movies. Already on every Roku device.
How to start:- On a Roku, find "The Roku Channel" on the home screen. On other devices, install it from the app store.
- Choose "Live TV" for channels, or browse the rows for shows and movies.
Tip: On Roku, press the Home button (picture of a house) any time you feel lost.
News & weather
Sling Freestream
Free live channels, with a strong selection of news and weather.
How to start:- Install the "Sling TV" app.
- Choose the free option (Freestream) and create a free account. Do not enter a credit card.
- Open the Guide to see the free channels.
Tip: If it asks for payment, you are on a paid plan by mistake. Go back and pick Freestream.
Network & local news apps
ABC News Live, CBS News, NBC News NOW, and many local TV station apps stream news for free.
How to start:- In the app store, search for the network name (for example "CBS News").
- For local news, search your local station's call letters or channel number.
Tip: Local weather and news are also free with an antenna — see "Equipment" below.
Free with a library card
Kanopy
Quality films, documentaries, and classics — no commercials. Free through many public libraries.
How to start:- Install "Kanopy" and choose "Sign up".
- Find your library by name and enter your library card number and PIN.
- Browse or search, then press Play.
Tip: Some libraries limit how many films you can watch each month. Ask your librarian.
Hoopla
Movies, TV, audiobooks, and e-books borrowed through your library.
How to start:- Install "Hoopla" and sign up with your email.
- Choose your library and enter your card number and PIN.
- Pick a title and press Borrow, then Play.
Tip: Borrowed titles return themselves automatically — there are no late fees.
More free options
PBS
Your local PBS station's shows, plus favorites like Masterpiece and NOVA.
How to start:- Install the "PBS" app and choose your local station when asked.
- Browse shows or use Search.
Tip: A donation to your station (PBS Passport) unlocks a larger library, but much is free.
Prime Video (free section)
Amazon's former Freevee shows and movies now live here, free even without a Prime membership.
How to start:- Install "Prime Video" and sign in with an Amazon account.
- Look for the "Watch for Free" or "Free with ads" sections.
Tip: Titles marked with a price or "Subscribe" are not free. Stick to ones marked "Free".
Plex
Free live channels and movies, with a simple guide.
How to start:- Install "Plex" and create a free account.
- Choose "Live TV" or "Movies & Shows".
Tip: You never need "Plex Pass" to watch the free channels.
Xumo Play
Another free hub of live channels and on-demand shows.
How to start:- Install "Xumo Play" from the app store.
- Open the Guide to browse channels.
Tip: Good for channel surfing when you don't know what you want to watch.
Your TV's built-in channels
Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, and Vizio WatchFree come already installed on those TVs.
How to start:- Press Home on your TV remote.
- Look for "Samsung TV Plus", "LG Channels", or "WatchFree", depending on your TV brand.
Tip: Nothing to install — a great first thing to try on a newer smart TV.
YouTube
Old TV clips, concerts, church services, cooking, and how-to videos.
How to start:- Open YouTube (it is on most TVs and streaming sticks already).
- Use the microphone button on your remote to say what you want to watch.
Tip: Many churches stream services live on YouTube — search the church's name.
FilmRise & Fawesome
Lots of classic movies and older TV series.
How to start:- Search "FilmRise" or "Fawesome" in your app store and install.
- Browse by category and press Play.
Tip: Great for westerns, mysteries, and black-and-white films.
Remote control basics
- Lost? Press the Home button (a picture of a house). It always brings you back to the start.
- Go back one step: press the Back arrow button.
- Search by voice: hold the microphone button and say a show's name — much easier than typing.
- Captions: while a show is playing, press the * (star) or Options button, or press Down, and look for "Captions" or "CC".
- Volume: if the stick's remote won't change the volume, use your TV remote instead.
- Commercials: on free services, ads can't be skipped. That's normal.
Stay safe
Watch out for these scams
- Never call a phone number that pops up on screen claiming your device needs "activation" or "support". Roku and Amazon never charge to activate.
- Only install apps from your TV's official app store. Avoid "free movie" websites — many carry viruses.
- "Free trial" is not the same as "free". Free trials ask for a credit card and start charging later. Every service on this page is free without a card.
- Never give out passwords or card numbers to someone who calls or emails you about your TV.
Keep a TV notebook
Write down each app you sign up for, the email you used, and the password. Keep it near the TV.
Getting help
- Your public library: librarians can help you sign up for Kanopy and Hoopla.
- Family or a trusted friend: ask them to sit with you the first time you set up.
- Program helpers: [Add your program's contact information here]