In these days of spiraling cable prices and streaming services that offer no bundles, there are still places where you can actually watch quality TV for free.
The evolution of the internet has given us many wonderful new ways to consume media. No longer tethered to a world in which television only enters our homes via antenna, satellite, or cable feed, the internet makes media much more accessible. However, even with the vast array of content available to read, watch, and listen to for free, many of our favorite TV programs are held behind paywalls, subject to ongoing subscription fees for access.
A phenomenon known as cord-cutting arose as streaming video services came online, offering viewers another choice to watch the best shows on television. It entails the cancellation of cable or satellite TV in favor of Hulu, Netflix, and the like. However, with increasing subscription fees and our favorite programs sometimes spread across four, five, or more platforms, some folks might want to find a way to watch something without all the surcharges. Fortunately for anyone who can identify with this situation, alternatives exist. These are the best channels available to watch online for free.Comet
For all the sci-fi junkies looking to pass some time, Comet has you covered. Launched in 2015 on, most fittingly, Halloween, Comet provides 24/7 programming involving all things related to outer space, cryptids, mad doctors, paranormal phenomena, and more. Programming on the channel is a mix of television series and movies, all of the same or similar genre. TV shows are all older series broadcast in syndication and include some big hits such as The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Stargate SG-1. The movies consist of older sci-fi thrillers and blockbusters mixed with a broad selection of B-movies from all eras of sci-fi, of which there is a seemingly endless selection to choose from.
Comet is a product of Sinclair Broadcasting, the largest owner of local television stations in the country. Programming is available through a variety of free TV apps, the official Comet stand-alone app, and Sinclair’s STIRR app. All shows are delivered as a live feed — no on-demand video. Furthermore, Comet is broadcast over the air in dozens of markets supported by advertising. Through Sinclair’s vast network of local stations, Comet reaches around 17 million households within the United States.Comedy Central
One of the longest-running networks on cable TV today is Comedy Central, which emerged from a merger between the fledgling The Comedy Channel and Ha! Network in 1991. It has since become a leading outlet for original shows with a focus on comedy. It is the home of The Daily Show and South Park, two juggernauts in their own right that have both cemented their place in popular culture while continuing in production more than two decades after their start. It has also served as a breeding ground for new talent, launching the careers of many household names, such as Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Jordan Peele.
As a cable channel, it can be watched through a cable provider or its app, although that requires a login provided by a cable provider. For those of us who want to keep expenses down but still want first-rate entertainment, Comedy Central is also available on Pluto, a free streaming app with dozens of channels of live-streaming television. However, the Pluto channel is not a mirror of what you see on cable. It is a curated selection of some of the most popular Comedy Central shows available on a 24/7 stream. Parent company Viacom acquired Pluto in 2019, adding several channels, including this one. Regular rotation of shows such as South Park, Tosh.O, Workaholics, and many other syndicated comedies are on the schedule. First-run shows will continue to require a cable subscription, but this is a good alternative for comedy entertainment.Cartoon Network
Another longtime cable channel created by Turner Broadcasting in 1986 is the Cartoon Network. Turner had acquired the catalogs of Warner Bros. and Hanna-Barbera cartoons, which provided the bulk of programming in the early days. Its first original shows came in 1994, The Moxy Show and Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and its repertoire has grown ever since.
Today, Cartoon Networks has dozens of original shows in its catalog, with some of its biggest hits being The Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time, and Steven Universe. Cable subscribers in most markets have Cartoon Network included in their lineup, but a streaming option is also available. A selection of original shows can be watched directly on the Cartoon Network website or from its stand-alone app. The available programming is split into two sections, giving viewers a choice of programming for either wee little tykes or older kids and adults. The lineup of shows is only available on-demand and the number of episodes may be limited, with a full catalog being reserved for subscribers.Court TV
Those not familiar with Court TV might question just how interesting its content may be.
