With the summer quickly approaching, content providers such as Netflix and Hulu with their big catalogs of content to watch, people tend to go straight towards those services to be entertained. However, what about the streaming services that already provide free content for their users in exchange for watching commercials?
Disclaimer: The TV shows mentioned here will not be on services such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Video, but from apps such as ABC and CBS. Also, all of the apps and services mentioned are free but will make you watch commercials when using the services.
ABC:
- Sports Night (2 seasons): Sports Night was a show on ABC and was created by Aaron Sorkin. The series is about a fictional network called “CSC,” which is very similar to ESPN. Think of it as a 90’s sports version of HBO’s The Newsroom (also written by Aaron Sorkin).
- Ugly Betty (4 seasons): This four season series is available to stream in its entirety. If you are into fashion or the fashion magazine business, be sure to check this show out.
- Ellen (5 seasons): Are you a fan of Ellen? Well, the ABC has the short-lived series on their app to stream in full.
CBS:
- Jericho (2 seasons): Although the show only ran for two seasons, the second only consisting of seven episodes, it has a somewhat big cult following. The first nine episodes are available to stream on the CBS app, but the other 30 must be watched with a CBS All Access account. As someone who has watched the series, all I can say is that this is the book equivalent of a page-turner. The series can also be found to watch on Netflix.
- Under the Dome (3 seasons): This popular Stephen King book-to-TV show is available to stream on the CBS, but only the first two seasons. However, the series is fully available on Amazon Video.
- Everybody Hates Chris (4 seasons): Another series that is available to stream on the CBS app is a series that has been on other networks such as Nick@Nite and MTV2. Only 10 episodes of the series are available to stream on the CBS app, but the entire can be streamed on Hulu.
Nickelodeon: Only one episode of a series can be played per week. Users must sign with a content provider such as DirecTV or Cable One.
- iCarly (7 Seasons): Select episodes of the series can be watched through Nickelodeon, but if you want to watch more of it, Amazon Video has select seasons of the series to watch.
- Drake and Josh (4 seasons, 2 films): Like iCarly, only select episodes can be watched directly from Nickelodeon, but the series is available in full on Hulu.
- Victorious (4 seasons): Same “rules” apply for this show when it comes to Nickelodeon’s website, but select seasons of the show can be streamed on Amazon Video.
Tubi TV (app): Although this app is not very well-known, I was able to find some shows on it that kids and adults might like to watch. Like the other networks listed, this will have commercials.
- Transformers Armada, Energon, and Cybertron (3 seasons total): The app has all of these Transformers kids shows from the early-to-mid 2000’s. These are great for kids and even young adults today who want to reminisce about their childhood.
- Wilfred (4 seasons): The show’s first two seasons can be streamed on this app. The series is also available on Netflix.
Crackle:
- Dilbert (2 seasons): Both seasons of this series is available on Crackle. It’s a quick binge-watch for the summer if you have not seen it.
- Mr. Sunshine (1 season): The short-lived ABC comedy can be seen on Crackle, including the four episodes that did not air when the series initially was released in 2011. The series itself stars former Friends actor, Matthew Perry.
- Seinfeld (9 seasons): Crackle was the originally the first streaming to acquire rights to stream the Jerry Seinfeld comedy. Select episodes of the series can be streamed on Crackle, but all of the episodes can be watched on Hulu.
Obviously, these are just some of the many shows you can find to watch online for completely free this summer. All of these services are available to watch on the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV. And as always, there is always something to watch on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video.
