Streaming subscriptions have a way of multiplying when nobody’s looking. If you’re trimming a few bills but still want something good to watch this holiday season, I rounded up free options for movies, live TV, local news, kids’ shows, Black stories, and more.
A little heads-up: some services have ads, and a few need a certain device, a participating library card, or a paid upgrade for select content. Check the service’s website before you press play—streaming details can change. And if an ad break pops up, consider it your official snack-refill intermission.
Getting cozy starts before the opening credits. If a shower is part of your wind-down, smooth on a little Smooth Body Cream, grab your blanket, and settle in for a show. The dog may call dibs on your lap, but at least there’s no new streaming bill for that.
A Cozy Night In, Without Another TV Bill
Find free shows and movies for your next night on the couch.
Free Streaming Services for Movies and Shows
If you’re in the mood to browse movies or find a show to keep you company, start here.
Cineverse — Free, ad-supported movies and TV shows from around the world.
Fandango at Home — Free ad-supported movies and TV shows, alongside titles available to rent or buy.
Fawesome — Free movies and TV shows in genres like romance, action, true crime, family, comedy, and thrillers.
FilmRise — Movies and TV shows, including mysteries, true crime, classic TV, drama, and documentaries.
Filmzie — Independent movies, international films, shorts, and other hidden gems.
GlewedTV — Free movies and shows, including independent, lifestyle, documentary, and entertainment content.
Popcornflix — Free movies and TV shows across genres like action, comedy, drama, horror, and documentaries.
Prime Video “Watch for Free” — Free ad-supported movies, shows, and live channels. An Amazon account is required, but a Prime subscription isn’t.
The CW App — Free CW shows and series, with no cable subscription or credit card required.
Tubi — Free movies and TV shows, from comedies and dramas to classics, reality TV, and hidden gems.
Free Live TV and Channel Surfing
Miss flipping through channels to see what’s on? These services offer live channels, on-demand content, or a little of both.
Airy TV — Free live TV and movies, with no subscription, login, or credit card required.
Google TV Freeplay — Free live channels and on-demand movies and shows on Google TV devices in the U.S.
LG Channels — Free streaming channels built into many LG Smart TVs.
Plex — Free on-demand movies, TV shows, and live channels. Good for channel surfing when you don’t have a particular show in mind.
Pluto TV — A cable-like guide with hundreds of free live channels, plus on-demand movies and shows.
Samsung TV Plus — Free live TV and on-demand programming for Samsung Smart TVs and Galaxy devices.
Sling Freestream — Free live TV and on-demand shows, with no credit card required.
STIRR — Free live TV channels, movies, shows, local-style programming, and digital content.
The Roku Channel — Free movies, shows, live news, kids’ TV, and more. You can watch online or through the app; a Roku device isn’t required.
VIZIO WatchFree+ — Free live channels and on-demand movies and shows on VIZIO TVs and the VIZIO mobile app.
Xumo Play — Free ad-supported live channels and on-demand entertainment, with no subscription, account, or credit card required.
YouTube Free Primetime Movies & Shows — Free ad-supported movies and shows directly on YouTube.
Black Stories, Culture, and International Entertainment
Looking for programming that highlights Black stories, global films, or a range of voices? These services offer plenty to explore.
AfroLandTV — Free Black films and TV from around the world, including African movies and Nollywood content.
Canela.TV — Free Spanish-language movies, series, telenovelas, and original programming.
HBCU GO — Free HBCU sports and culture programming, including selected live games and on-demand content.
Maverick Black Cinema — Black independent films, urban movies, dramas, thrillers, and inspirational content on select free platforms.
Revry — Free LGBTQ+ movies, series, music, news, and original programming.
Shades of Black — Black culture, stories, movies, documentaries, and entertainment.
TheGrio TV — Free Black-focused news, movies, lifestyle, and entertainment content.
Free News and Local Channels
For breaking news, local weather, or a live update while you make dinner, these services offer news streams and local programming.
ABC News Live — Free 24/7 streaming news, breaking news, and live events.
CBS News 24/7 — A free live news stream from CBS News.
Court TV — Live trial coverage, true crime, and legal reporting.
Haystack News — Free local, national, and world news with personalized news playlists.
LiveNOW from FOX — Free live breaking-news coverage and events.
Local Now — Free local news, weather, live channels, movies, and TV shows.
NBC News NOW — Free 24/7 streaming news from NBC News.
NewsON — Free local news from hundreds of TV stations across the United States.
Scripps News — Free national news, live coverage, and reporting.
Zeam — Free local TV, including news and other programming from participating local stations.
Free Classic TV Channels and Apps
In the mood for familiar theme songs, classic sitcoms, westerns, and old-school dramas? These channels bring plenty of reruns to the screen.
Antenna TV — Free with an antenna in areas served by a local station. Features classic sitcoms and older TV series.
Catchy Comedy — Classic sitcoms and comedy shows, including I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Carol Burnett Show, and The Beverly Hillbillies. Check the website to see how to watch in your area.
FilmRise Classic TV — A free live channel featuring shows such as The Beverly Hillbillies, Bonanza, The Rifleman, and That Girl. Also available on select streaming platforms and smart TVs.
Heroes & Icons (H&I) — Classic action, adventure, western, and crime series. Free with an antenna in areas served by a local station.
MeTV — Classic sitcoms, westerns, dramas, and variety shows. Check the website to see whether a local station carries it in your area.
MeTV+ — An additional MeTV channel with more classic shows. Free with an antenna in select areas; streaming availability varies.
Rewind TV — A free classic-TV channel available with an antenna in areas served by a local station.
Retro TV — Classic television programming available over the air in select areas and through the It’s Real Good TV app.
Free Streaming for Specific Interests
Sometimes the best pick isn’t another crime documentary. Maybe you want a nature show, a cooking video, a kids’ program, or a little ballet. These services focus on particular interests.
Classic Arts Showcase — Ballet, opera, classical music, theater, visual arts, classic film, and performance clips.
Dark Matter TV — Free sci-fi, horror, action, true crime, and cult-style entertainment.
EarthXtra — Free nature, environment, sustainability, and planet-focused programming.
ElectricNOW — Free sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, cult classics, and fan-favorite shows.
GoTraveler — Free travel shows and destination-focused programming.
Kidoodle.TV — Free kid-friendly streaming with an ad-supported plan and no subscription required.
Midnight Pulp — Cult movies, horror, action, offbeat films, and international titles.
NASA+ — Free, ad-free NASA programming, live coverage, and space-related shows.
PBS App — Free PBS shows and on-demand programs, with a livestream of your local PBS station where available.
PBS KIDS Video — Free children’s shows and PBS KIDS programming.
Red Bull TV — Free sports and adventure programming, including live events, replays, documentaries, and athlete stories.
Shout! TV — Cult classics, retro TV, comedy, pop-culture favorites, and classic films.
Tastemade — Free food, travel, home, and lifestyle streaming channels.
TheArchive — Rare, retro, restored, and forgotten films and TV shows.
Use Your Library Card to Stream
Your library card may do more than help you borrow books. If your library or university participates, these services can open up movies, shows, and more at no extra cost.
Hoopla — Free movies, TV, audiobooks, music, and ebooks with a participating library card.
Kanopy — Free movies, documentaries, and kids’ content through participating libraries or universities.
Access depends on whether your library or school participates, so check with them if you’re not sure.
Check Which Local Channels You Can Get With an Antenna
Thinking about adding an antenna to your setup? RabbitEars.info can help you see which local over-the-air channels may reach your home. What you can pick up depends on your location and reception, so check your area before you start planning your channel lineup.
Settle In Without Adding Another Bill
Between free streaming apps and local channels, you’ve got plenty to browse: movies, news, kids’ shows, sports, Black stories, international films, and more. Some services have ads or work only on certain devices, but there’s still a lot to enjoy without another monthly subscription.
Save this list for your next cozy night in. Pick a show, bring the snacks, and make room for your furry couch supervisor.