Introduction:

With the shift away from traditional cable TV, more viewers are seeking out alternative ways to watch TV shows online legally. Whether you’re looking to cut costs or simply prefer the flexibility of streaming, there are a variety of legal platforms that allow you to watch TV shows without a cable subscription. From subscription services to free streaming apps and network-specific platforms, there’s no shortage of options available. This guide will show you the best ways to watch TV shows online without cable, providing you with plenty of choices to suit your viewing habits.

1. Popular Subscription-Based Streaming Services

Subscription-based streaming services are the primary way most people watch TV shows legally online. These services typically offer a mix of current TV shows, past seasons, and exclusive content that’s not available anywhere else.

Netflix:

Netflix is the most well-known streaming service, offering a massive library of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original programming. Subscribers get access to exclusive series like The Witcher, Ozark, and Narcos.

• Plans: Basic, Standard, and Premium options to choose from.
• Content: A wide range of genres including drama, comedy, sci-fi, and reality TV.
• Accessibility: Available on almost all devices, from smart TVs to mobile phones.

Hulu:

Hulu offers a vast on-demand library of current and past TV shows, including episodes from major networks available shortly after airing. It also features Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and Ramy.

• Plans: Basic (with ads), Hulu (No ads), and Hulu + Live TV.
• Content: Current TV episodes, a rich library of past seasons, and movies.
• Live TV: Hulu + Live TV gives you access to 75+ live channels.

Amazon Prime Video:

Prime Video offers not only an extensive catalog of TV shows but also allows subscribers to rent or buy individual episodes or full seasons of many popular series.

• Plans: Available with an Amazon Prime membership or as a standalone service.
• Content: Includes a mix of popular TV shows, including exclusive Amazon Originals.
• Rent/Buy Options: In addition to the subscription, users can rent or buy content not available in the Prime library. Get fast internet and a wide range of TV channels with Xfinity in Orlando, perfect for streaming, gaming, and staying connected.

2. Free Legal Streaming Options

For viewers who want to cut costs further, there are free services that allow you to watch TV shows legally without a cable subscription. These services are ad-supported but are completely free to use.

Tubi:

Tubi offers a large selection of TV shows and movies, all for free. While it’s ad-supported, it features popular shows across many genres, including comedy, drama, and crime.

• Content: Hundreds of movies and TV shows from major studios.
• Accessibility: Available on all major streaming devices, including smart TVs and mobile apps.

Pluto TV:

Pluto TV is another free service that provides both live TV and on-demand content. With hundreds of channels to choose from, it’s a great alternative for viewers who miss the live TV experience.

• Content: Live channels, including news, sports, and entertainment, plus on-demand TV shows and movies.
• Accessibility: Available on most streaming platforms.

3. Network Websites and Streaming Apps

If you’re looking to watch TV shows from major networks like NBC, CBS, or ABC, many networks now offer free episodes of current and past series via their official websites or apps. 

CBS All Access (Paramount+):

CBS offers its own streaming service called Paramount+, which allows viewers to watch live TV, sports, and a massive library of shows, including NCIS and Survivor.

• Plans: Free and Premium plans available.
• Content: Includes the full catalog of CBS shows plus exclusive content.

Conclusion:

Watching TV shows online without a cable subscription is more accessible than ever. Whether you’re willing to pay for a premium subscription service like Netflix or Hulu, or you prefer to stream for free with platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV, the options are abundant. With legal streaming services, you can enjoy a wide range of TV content, from the latest network hits to exclusive original shows, all without the need for traditional cable.