“What should we watch tonight?” has always been a dicey question but who knew that “WHERE should we watch tonight?” would conjure up so many—often pricey—options. The good old days of ABC, NBC, and maybe HBO are over, but so are the days when Netflix was our only streaming option. Today, between single streaming services and bundles (think Hulu, Disney, and ESPN), you’re liable to spend a fortune on entertainment. But you don’t have to.

 

There are actually more free options than ever! If you’re willing to muscle through a few ads, the selection of TV shows, movies, and other terrific content are free for the taking. Check out:

 

1. Hoopla

Using your library card, you have access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and music.

 

2. Sling

Offering over 600 channels, Sling provides access to local channels as well as movies, TV shows, and special events like pay-per-view style sports you would otherwise pay $50 or more for.

 

3. Xumo

Another go-to for live broadcasts (especially sports), Xumo also has an extensive library of classic films as well as exclusive and original content.

 

4. Tubi

If you want a little bit of everything, Tubi is for you. Live broadcasts are available but so are classic films and TV, as well as a dialed-in search capability that lets you search by very general to very specific criteria.

 

5. Roku

One of the most well-known services, Roku has tons of free content, but it also serves as a hub where you can seek out content on other platforms. So you might not be able to stream BBC oldies-but-goodies like DR. WHO for free, but ROKU can point you toward a paid service that has it.

 

With the exception of Tubi that allows you to fast-forward through ads, most of these free services are free to you because SOMEONE clicks on the ads, so you won’t be able to fast forward. But, if you can handle ads—or you can make a snack during the 90s second commercial break—these services may be for you.