Visit the websites of the four major broadcast networks--Fox (fox.com), CBS (cbs.com), ABC (abc.com) and NBC (nbc.com)--to stream their programming online. Not all shows are offered online, but those that are offered are free of charge. Upon seeing the list of available shows, simply click on the show, choose an episode, and push play.
Visit cable network websites you're interested in (these can be found via search engines like Google or Yahoo!), and click on "episodes." Those that stream shows online will say as much on their home page. For those websites, click on the show, choose an episode, and pick play. Cable networks that air certain programming online include Lifetime and Comedy Central.
Visit YouTube.com to check on more available television programming. While several networks have petitioned the website to remove their programming, citing copyright laws, others still allow it. To find your television show in question, simply type it into the Search box and browse through the results. All YouTube programming is aired free of charge.
Visit Hulu.com and browse through available programming, or type the name of a particular show into the Search box to see if it's offered on Hulu.com. Not all networks air their programming on Hulu, though the site has added plenty of content over the past year.