Free Online TV Episodes
The prevalence of peer-to-peer download websites like Lime Wire© and video sites like YouTube© has led to a push for full and free TV episodes on the Internet. TV viewers can check out new and classic shows for free without breaking the law by using the websites outlined below.
Requirements To See Free Full Episodes
The first requirement for seeing full episodes of The Simpsons, The Big-Bang Theory, and Deal or No Deal is compatibility between the video player and the web browsers. If your computer’s version of Internet Explorer© or Mozilla Firefox© is outdated, you will be prompted to upload the latest version. You may be able to get around this requirement by downloading individual episodes, though most legal websites require viewers to use their browsers.
Another requirement for seeing full TV episodes online without any cost is access to DSL or high-speed Internet. The streaming of audio and video from the host website to your computer will happen in fits and spurts if you use a dial-up service. Laptop users can head to Wi-Fi hot spots at libraries and coffee shops to watch full episodes online if they have wireless connectivity.
Your computer’s anti-virus software may use a firewall to block out unwanted files, spam, and viruses from the Internet. This firewall may be useful for keeping your computer free from viruses, but it can interfere with certain websites offering full episodes online. The first step is to check your anti-virus program for “game” modes or other temporary solutions to keep your computer safe while watching TV online. At worst, you can shut down your firewall and use less-onerous filtering methods when watching a half-hour TV episode.
TV lovers who want to optimize their online viewing experience can look beyond basic requirements before watching their favorite shows. Hulu© and the major networks now feature high definition programming for viewers who want the clearest picture possible. In addition to the technical requirements mentioned above, users should also view full TV episodes on the largest computer screen possible. Users should think about wireless mouses and keyboards for desktop computers to control volume, episode chapter, and other features from a distance.
Full Episodes On Hulu©
Hulu© (http://www.hulu.com)is the pinnacle of online TV viewership for users concerned about the legalities of full episode downloads. This website has become a necessity for travelers, college students and professionals who cannot watch their favorite TV shows at night. Hulu’s© Channels section allows intrepid viewers to find new shows without turning on their TV sets. This section covers a lot of ground ranging from reality shows to food and leisure programming. If you can handle a few commercial breaks during a full episode of No Reservations or How I Met Your Mother, you will find Hulu© as an improvement on your TV viewing experience.
This website is beneficial for viewers who want to go beyond TV shows in their search for entertainment. Hulu© has a Spotlight section filled with red-carpet moments, TV appearances by President Barack Obama and other special features unavailable elsewhere. The HD Gallery carries full episodes in high definition that can be viewed with the latest version of Adobe Flash™ player and a fast connection. You can check out buzzworthy shows like 24, Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show with John Stewart under the Popular section to stay conversant in the best options in television today.
Broadcast Networks And Full TV Episodes
NBC© (http://www.nbc.com) seems to be the clear winner when it comes to providing full episodes of its shows online. The network’s website features full episodes of The Office, ER, and Saturday Night Live while still earning money by slipping in commercials between ad breaks. NBC© has expanded its selection of full episodes into talk shows like Late Night with Conan O’Brien, webisodes with future Late Night host Jimmy Fallon, and short series like The Last Templar. The network’s website also features high-definition versions of its most popular shows, taking the lead among broadcasters and meeting the needs of tech-happy viewers.
CBS© (http://www.cbs.com) has embraced its storied past as well as its fruitful present by offering full TV episodes on its website. The CBS© TV Classics section of the website has great shows like Hawaii Five-O, Dynasty, and Star Trek that still attract viewers in syndication. The network’s selection of full TV episodes covers its entire programming schedule including reality shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race as well as new comedies like Gary Unmarried and Worst Week.
ABC’s© (http://www.abc.com) fluctuating fall and spring schedules in recent years have been aided by its online presence. For example, fans of Eli Stone will need to stay tuned to the ABC© website in spring 2009 to watch the remainder of the cancelled show’s episodes. ABC© also caters to serious fans of Lost, Desperate Housewives, and The Bachelor with clips, full episodes, and extra content.
Fox© (http://www.fox.com) has gone from a fledgling competitor to the Big Three to an innovative TV network. As Fox© has amassed viewers to its long-running series The Simpsons and newer hits like 24, the network has embraced its younger fan base with an interactive website. You can check out full episodes of shows like Fringe, King of the Hil,l and House with limited advertisements on the Fox© website.
Cable Networks With Full Episodes Online
More viewers are flocking to cable networks rather than broadcast channels to find new TV shows. While premium channels like Showtime© and HBO© offer only bits and pieces of their shows, you can find full episodes on a few cable networks with popular shows. TBS© (http://www.tbs.com) has grown in popularity for mixing original series with standards like Seinfeld, Friends, and Everybody Loves Raymond. You can head to the TBS© website to check out the network’s original programs including Frank TV, House of Payne, and 10 Items or Less.
TNT’s© (http://www.tnt.tv) focus on drama has led the network to vault from middle-of-the-pack station to a leader in dramatic programs. Original series like The Closer, Saving Grace, and Leverage have become big hits as consumers tire of sitcoms on broadcast networks. You can check out the newest episodes of TNT© original programming for free by heading to the network’s website. |
