The Best TV Channels You Can Watch for Free
The ever-increasing prices of “premium” streaming services and the recent announcement of PBS Retro (a 24/7 streaming channel from the golden age of public television) have me wondering what else is out there. It turns out that there are plenty of free (ad-supported, anyway) streaming channels that you can watch on free (again, ad-supported) streaming services. It’s currently in its “Wild West” stage: there are thousands of channels to choose from across the spectrum, from “who’s going to watch this?” streams like Party Tyme Karaoke , which streams random karaoke tracks, as well as some really interesting streams, especially if you have specific tastes. Below are the 10 best (or at least most interesting) free streaming channels I came across that you might not know you can watch now just for fun.
Pluto TV Spotlight
Pluto TV Spotlight offers an endless stream of movies that you’ve probably already seen and that you probably really like. Right now, for example, they’re playing The Truman Show, then Almost Famous , then Stand By Me , a triple feature that’s perfect for background TV while folding laundry.
Where to watch: Pluto TV.
SNL Storage
The SNL Vault proves that sketch comedy can be enjoyed even on a non-Saturday night. The stream features carefully curated individual sketches from many seasons of SNL, rather than entire episodes, so you don’t have to sit through a bunch of duds.
Where to watch : Roku, Shumo
Universal Monsters
If you like Frankenstein, The Mummy and Dracula and their second-tier cohorts, Universal Monsters will feed you a constant stream of monsters all day and all night. The 24/7 schedule ensures that lesser-known Universal horror films like Dracula’s Daughter and The Mad Ghoul get some love, too.
Where to watch : Freevee, Xumo, Pluto TV.
Bon appetit
If you like TV that makes you hungry or just need ideas for tonight’s dinner, check out the Bon Appétit streaming channel . It’s always food from the culinary masters of Bon Appétit.
Where to stream: Xumo, Roku,
Car chase
As the name suggests, “Car Chase” features news footage of car chases and only news footage of car chases. Nothing beats the thrill of a fast-paced chase, but it comes a close second.
Where to stream like this : Pluto TV
Baby Shark TV
I’m not saying you ‘ll enjoy watching Baby Shark TV, but if you’re the parent of a young child, I won’t judge you for plopping your child in front of this channel to take a quick shower or sneak a cigarette. It’s like a tranquilizer for babies.
Where to watch: Pluto TV.
Night flight
In the 1980s , Night Flight was an avant-garde late-night mix of edgy rock ‘n’ roll, pulp films, comedy, fine art, and everything else that wasn’t boring. Its streaming incarnation is a nostalgic trip down memory lane of that old shit, but it’s still pretty cool, at least for aging hipsters.
Where to stream: Pluto, Xumo.
Degrassi
If you think it’s weird to see Drake not in a wheelchair, the Degrassi streaming channel is for you. It features episode after episode of a very Canadian teen drama series. Unfortunately, this channel only shows Degrassi: The Next Generation, not Degrassi High School from the 80s or Kids on Degrassi Street from the 70s.
Where to watch: Freevee, Pluto TV, Roku, Tubi
Pluto’s Christmas
If Christmas is in your heart year-round, Pluto’s Christmas channel will be shoving holly in your face all day long, even in mid-July. It’s populated by formulaic, made-for-nickel Christmas rom-coms; So if these are your convenient hours, you can get as much as you want here all year round.
Where to watch : Pluto TV.
Vevo Music Channels
Music video hosting company Vevo offers a ton of music streaming channels such as Vevo Pop, Vevo ’80s, Vevo Hip-Hop, Vevo Country, Vevo ’90s, and many more that play videos of the same genre or decade. Pick your favorite (mine is True School Hip Hop ) and get your house in order.
Where to watch : Roku, Sling Freestream, Freevee, Plex, Pluto.