Many television networks broadcast a selection of their shows through their websites. There is no cost to watch these shows, but they often contain commercials. Participating networks include NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, the CW, Bravo and SyFy. Some news networks live-stream their broadcasts. These include CNN, CNBC and Bloomberg. System and software requirements may vary by network.
Hulu provides free online access to selected television shows from a wide variety of networks, including BBC America, the National Geographic Channel, the History Channel and DIY Network. The shows are divided by genre into channels. These channels include Action and Adventure, Comedy, Home and Garden, Drama and Science Fiction. Adobe Flash 10.0.22 and broadband Internet access are required to view shows on Hulu.
Xfinity TV, also known as Fancast, is part of Comcast, a cable television and Internet provider. Xfinity TV provides free and subscription-based television shows. To access the subscription-based shows, you must have a Comcast cable account. Subscription-based shows are provided by such networks as HBO and Showtime. Some networks provide both subscription and free shows, such as A&E and BBC America. Other networks, like CBS and Comedy Central, provide access to a selection of their shows for free. Adobe Flash 10.0.42 and broadband Internet access are required to view shows on Xfinity TV.
Netflix, a subscription-based service, provides access to movies and television shows by way of DVDs sent in the mail and by live-streaming over the Internet. The minimum fee gives you access to the television shows that are available for viewing. These shows tend to be previous seasons of current shows along with older shows that finished production or were canceled. Show genres include drama, comedy, documentaries and miniseries. Shows produced by the BBC are also available to view on Netflix. Netflix can be viewed on the PC provided you have installed Windows Media Player Version 11 or later. Broadband Internet access is required. Netflix can be streamed to your television through a number of devices, including game consoles, such as the Playstation 3, and streaming players, such as Apple TV.