Top 5 Free Streaming Services for Live TV

July. 16,2025

Discover the top five free live TV streaming services that offer a wide range of channels and shows without any subscription fees. Learn how platforms like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and CW provide access to recent episodes, classic series, and online content, all supported by ads. Perfect for cord-cutters seeking budget-friendly entertainment options, these services deliver quality programming directly to your devices with minimal restrictions.

Top 5 Free Streaming Services for Live TV

Top 5 No-Cost Live TV Streaming Platforms

Many believe that watching live TV, whether via cable or online, requires a subscription. Surprisingly, several platforms offer free access to some or all channels, funded by ads. These services allow viewers to enjoy popular programs without fees or creating accounts, just by watching commercials periodically. Below are the best free live TV streaming options available today.

  • ABC
    ABC provides access to recent episodes of shows like Modern Family and Black-ish. Some content is free, but full access often requires signing in. The service lets you watch the latest three episodes for free, though older or full seasons may need login or purchase.
Top 5 Free TV streaming services
This service allows viewers to watch the latest three episodes of a show at no cost, but access to all episodes or previous seasons may require sign-in or purchase. Restrictions vary; for example, older shows like Felicity can be streamed entirely, whereas newer series such as Designated Survivor may be limited unless you upgrade or log in.
  • CBS
    CBS features popular series like Taxi, 2 Broke Girls, and Fraiser, offering over 100 shows both past and present. Streaming availability varies; some episodes are free, but to watch recent or full seasons, a subscription might be necessary. This makes access to certain episodes contingent on sign-in or payment.
  • Fox
    Fox allows you to view a few episodes of current shows for free, but the newest episodes are available after an eight-day delay. Immediate access requires a subscription. Additionally, Fox provides a 'Preview Pass'—one hour of free viewing with commercials, after which signing in is needed to continue, except on mobile apps.
  • NBC
    NBC offers a mix of free content and shows requiring sign-in, including popular programs like 'This is Us' and 'The Tonight Show.' Viewers can watch up to five recent episodes for free and enjoy classic shows like Battlestar Galactica without cost in some cases.
  • CW
    CW features fan-favorite series such as Arrow, Vampire Diaries, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. It allows free access to the latest five episodes of ongoing shows. Older episodes require a subscription. CW Seed also provides access to classic animated series like Vixen and other online-exclusive content.