Top 5 Free and Legal Websites to Watch TV Shows in the US Without Subscriptions

Where to watch TV shows legally US

Watching TV shows online for free is common in the US, but watching them legally and safely still matters. Many websites promise free access yet rely on pirated content, aggressive ads, or risky redirects. Over time, those platforms disappear or expose users to malware.

Why Free and Legal TV Streaming Exists in the US

Free TV streaming is not a loophole. In the US, it’s a well-established business model based on:

• Ad-supported streaming (FAST platforms)

• Public broadcasting and nonprofit funding

• Licensed content libraries from major studios

Instead of paying monthly fees, viewers watch short ad breaks. This keeps access legal, predictable, and widely available.

How These Websites Were Selected

Each platform below meets all of the following:

• Operates legally in the United States

• Offers TV shows at no cost

• Uses licensed or public broadcasting content

• Works on web, mobile, and smart TVs

• Has a strong user base and long-term viability

Read more:

- 5 Best Free Websites to Download Movies Legally in the US (Latest Guide)

- A Ultimate Guide to Downloading Movies and TV Series from Netflix for Offline Viewing

1. Pluto TV

Best overall for free TV shows and live channels

Pluto TV is one of the most popular free TV platforms in the US. It combines on-demand TV shows with hundreds of live channels that stream continuously, similar to cable TV.

• Website: https://pluto.tv

• Ads: Yes

• Account required: No

• Best for: Live TV shows, classic series, channel surfing

2. Tubi

Best for on-demand TV series

Tubi offers a large library of TV shows across drama, comedy, crime, reality, and anime. Episodes are available on demand, making it ideal for binge-watching older or lesser-known series.

• Website: https://tubitv.com

• Ads: Yes

• Account required: No

• Best for: On-demand TV shows and variety

3. Amazon Freevee

Best for recognizable US TV series

Freevee focuses on well-known TV shows and original series backed by Amazon. The streaming quality and interface are polished, and the ad load is relatively light.

• Website: https://www.amazon.com/freevee

• Ads: Yes

• Account required: Optional Amazon account

• Best for: Popular US TV series

Read more: How to Download Movies Legally for Free to Watch Offline

4. The Roku Channel

Best for general and family-friendly TV

The Roku Channel provides free access to TV shows, movies, and live channels without requiring a Roku device. It’s widely used by households looking for safe, general-audience content.

• Website: https://therokuchannel.roku.com

• Ads: Yes

• Account required: No

• Best for: Families and casual viewing

5. PBS

Best for educational and quality programming

PBS offers free streaming of many of its TV shows, including documentaries, news programs, and educational series. Content quality is high, and ads are minimal or nonexistent.

• Website: https://www.pbs.org

• Ads: Minimal

• Account required: No (some local access may vary)

• Best for: Educational and public-interest TV

Comparison Table

What to Expect From Free TV Streaming

Free platforms are supported by advertising. Expect:

• Short ad breaks every 10–20 minutes

• Limited access to the latest episodes

• Rotating content libraries

In exchange, you avoid subscriptions, piracy risks, and unstable websites.

Final Recommendation

For most viewers, Pluto TV + Tubi provide the widest range of free TV shows. Add Freevee for recognizable series and PBS for high-quality educational content.

Using multiple platforms together gives US viewers more free TV content than many paid subscriptions.