It’s not every day we get to pick and choose what free streaming services we want to tune in to. Hell, it’s not every day we deal with a pandemic, either (I say this with the utmost and most sincere gratitude).
I know the circumstances right now are terrifying. None of us consented to be cast in what feels like Hollywood’s latest sci-fi flop. But the reality of the situation is that this is, in fact, our reality. For the time being, anyway. So while social distancing standards are in full effect from the federal level, taking breaks from current events is really the only way we’re going to get through this without grey-ing every last hair on our heads.
Distractions, for the most part, are easier said than done. Top streaming services (like Hulu) must know this fact because, for a limited time, they’re offering new users free access to movies, new series, and even live TV programming. So if you’re interested in streaming new movies for free, read on to learn who’s offering what and how you can take advantage of all this great free stuff.
Top (free) streaming services and what they’re offering
Showtime
Home to Shameless, The L Word, Ray Donovan, Desus and Mero, and so many movies it’s easy to lose count, Showtime’s free streaming service will keep you entertained from sun up to sundown. You can choose to stream using the free mobile app, via smart TV, game console, tablet or computer. No matter what method you choose, the interface is smooth and easy to understand. And when it comes time for your free trial to end, users can even access its content by subscribing on Hulu (or Hulu with Live TV) or Amazon.
Limited time offer: 30-day free trial
Hulu
Before the streaming service sphere was considered worthwhile, Hulu was one of the biggest players for streaming movies and TV. It garnished the rights to popular cartoons, animes, and hits like Big Little Lies and the entirety of the Real Housewives series. Now that other streaming moguls have come into play, Hulu has had to relinquish rights to certain programming (like 2000s Disney channel developments) but fear not! The streaming powerhouse upped the ante by creating popular series of their own–like an adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere and contracting streaming ownership of new movies like Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
Hulu is available as an app for smart devices, Apple TV, game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, and through its site.
Limited time offer: 30-day free trial to Hulu or a 7-day free trial to Hulu Live TV
CBS All Access
If you’re a cord-cutter looking to stream live TV free, CBS All Access has just what you need. The basic subscription includes access to 9,000-plus on-demand episodes of CBS content (think Survivor, Young Sheldon, The Unicorn, Undercover Boss, Criminal Minds and more) with ads playing during the episode. A more expensive ad-free version is also available. CBS All Access can be viewed on a wide variety of devices, with support for Roku, Apple TV, Android (and Android TV), Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, select smart TVs, most gaming consoles, and CBS’ app is incredibly efficient, with HD streams across all devices.
Limited time offer: 30-day free trial
Vidgo
Vidgo is a bilingual streaming service that offers cartoons, kids features, family-friendly channels, sports programming through BeIN Sports, and, for college sports fans, the Pac-12 Network. Additionally, Vidgo is one of the few streaming services integrating social networking and binge-watching with its Social TV feature that allows its audience to discuss whatever they’re watching while they’re watching it with other users. With the recent bit of flux in the streaming landscape, Vidgo has emerged as a competitive option to consider–especially if you’re not looking to solely stream in English.
Limited time offer: $10 off the most popular Core package, stream for $1 a day
Sling TV
Debuting in 2015, Sling TV is a service that lets you stream live TV channels free on your smart TV, smartphone, streaming devices, or game console. One of the most common complaints about cable packages is the glut of channels offered that you don’t actually care about. For instance, you could be paying $70 a month for 200 channels, while you probably only watch 20 channels. Sling TV cuts cost by cutting your channel offerings down to just the most popular options. You can also get a selection of local channels. Basically, Sling TV is your cable provider, just without the absurd cable costs!
Limited time offer: 14-day free trial or get a free Amazon Fire TV Stick when you prepay for two months of Sling TV at regular price
MagellanTV
If all you’re after in life are the true crime stories no-one is talking about, figuring out how your favorite nostalgic snack is made, or learning about what lurks underneath the surface of our deepest oceans, MagellanTV is for you. All this cheap streaming service hosts are documentaries and docuseries alike. There are no ads and new content is added weekly–just what we need during our time in quarantine!
Limited time offer: 30-day free trial
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