The Best Free TV Shows Streaming on Pluto

As a lover of all things strange, mysterious, and thought-provoking, I find myself utterly captivated by the timeless brilliance that is The Twilight Zone. With over 5 decades separating me from its original airing, I can still vividly recall the chilling excitement that would wash over me each time I sat down to watch an episode.

Pluto TV is a fast-growing online television service that allows viewers to watch all of its content at no cost, using advertisements instead of subscriptions as its source of income. Similar to traditional television, it offers 24/7 channels, including “Pluto 007” which broadcasts back-to-back Bond movies and “The Bob Ross Channel,” featuring The Joy of Painting. Ranging from classic sitcoms to science-fiction, as well as children’s shows, Pluto seems to cater to a wide variety of tastes, continually expanding its library.

On Pluto, viewers can enjoy a vast collection of on-demand programs, allowing them to choose and watch shows whenever they desire. One unique feature of this streaming service is its dedicated channel for classic Westerns, along with a robust library of contemporary series from the 21st century. You’ll find everything from vintage British shows, offbeat comedies that have been forgotten over time, to prestigious TV dramas. Some shows on the platform have truly stood the test of time and made significant contributions in their respective genres. Pluto is an excellent starting point for those interested in iconic classics or shows that have achieved remarkable success.

10 Cheers (1982-1993)

Among the timeless and beloved sitcoms, “Cheers” is set within a Boston bar, aptly named after itself, where the character Sam Malone, brilliantly portrayed by Ted Danson, holds court. The show boasts an extensive cast, such as Rhea Perlman as Carla Tortelli, Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd, and Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane – a character who would later headline his own spin-off. “Cheers” catapulted its entire cast to stardom, and its consistently impressive viewership has earned it the title of ‘the best sitcom’ by some critics.

9 Dark Shadows (1966-1971)

Rarely does a show emerge that seamlessly combines science fiction and the supernatural, presenting it as a daytime soap opera, but Dark Shadows managed to pull it off. The series focuses on the Collins family and is set in the fictional coastal town of Collinsport, Maine. With characters like vampires, ghosts, and zombies mixed with science fiction elements such as time travel and parallel universes, Dark Shadows gained a massive cult following. It’s no surprise that this series has been revived multiple times on television, led to a Tim Burton-directed movie, and is still being reinterpreted in audio drama format nearly 60 years later.

8 The Good Wife (2009-2016)

In 2009, CBS decided to venture into an unconventional territory with “The Good Wife.” Unlike most network shows at the time, it had complex, ongoing storylines that unfolded gradually over multiple episodes or seasons, a risky approach. Remarkably, the series managed to attract a large viewership in no time. The show revolved around Julianna Margulies’ Emmy-winning portrayal of Alicia Florrick, who resumes her legal career following her husband’s political sex scandal. This series served as a stepping stone for spin-offs such as “The Good Fight” and “Elsbeth,” along with various international adaptations.

7 Gunsmoke (1955-1975)

Gunsmoke, originally known as Marshal Dillon, is a television show that spans over 600 episodes over a 20-year period. This series was developed from a radio drama with the same name and features James Arness portraying Matt Dillon, a marshal whose duty is to safeguard the people of Dodge City, Kansas. It was one of the rare TV Westerns at the time that was primarily intended for adult viewers, but this decision seems to have contributed to its enduring success, as it frequently appears in lists ranking the greatest television shows ever produced.

6 Hannibal (2013-2015)

Hannibal Lecter, a renowned horror character, has intrigued audiences for years, making them eager to explore this iconic figure in fresh and captivating scenarios. Bryan Fuller, the showrunner of the TV series “Hannibal,” skillfully portrays the character, with Mads Mikkelsen delivering chilling performances. This extended format allows viewers to delve deeper into the storyline than a movie might allow, exploring the characters’ psychological aspects in greater detail. With an impressive cast including Hugh Dancy, Laurence Fishburne, and Gillian Anderson, along with some of the most visually stunning direction seen on television, “Hannibal” is a series not to be missed.

5 Key & Peele (2012-2015)

In a world where Get Out and Nope are such highly critically acclaimed movies, it can be difficult to remember that actor/writer/director Jordan Peele started out as a comedian alongside frequent collaborator Keegan-Michael Key. Comedy Central’s Key & Peele was instrumental in revitalizing the sketch comedy series. Viewers are bound to have their favorite sketches from the show, whether it’s the “burn victim” sketch, or the “Stan Lee superhero pitch.” Both Key and Peele are incredibly talented writers and performers, and the show’s multiple Emmy wins are well-deserved.

4 NewsRadio (1995-1999)

Over a span of five seasons and approximately 100 episodes, the show “NewsRadio” stands out distinctively within the expansive pool of American situation comedies. Dave Foley, known for his role in “Kids in the Hall,” proved to be an ideal choice for the character of the charismatic and exceptionally skilled news director Dave Nelson, contributing significantly to the evolution of the series’ increasingly absurd storylines. Featuring a diverse group of eccentric characters, such as Joe Rogan before his podcast fame playing Joe Garrelli, and the late, legendary Phil Hartman, the show attracted prominent comedian guest stars, including Norm Macdonald, Bob Odenkirk, and David Cross. Unconventional and unlike many other sitcoms of its era – even when this led to lower viewer ratings – “NewsRadio” dared to be different.

3 Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)

Hardly anyone isn’t familiar with Star Trek. Regardless if people prefer the reimagined films, the animated spin-off Star Trek: Lower Decks, or the streaming series Strange New Worlds, they all trace back to the 1960s original. Known as Star Trek: The Original Series, it was groundbreaking, significantly influencing the potential of science fiction television. It boasted a substantial budget, stunning visuals, and memorable performances from acting legends William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. This show knew its identity right from the start, yet consistently reinvented its own episodic structure.

2 Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007)

As a fervent admirer of the groundbreaking sci-fi spectacle that was Stargate in 1994, I found myself captivated by the continuation and offshoot, Stargate SG-1. This long-running series chronicled my personal journey through the cosmos alongside Earth’s elite military team, SG-1. Our mission was a thrilling odyssey of discovery, utilizing the enigmatic Stargate to traverse the universe in search of advanced alien technologies that could potentially safeguard our species from the looming threat of the Goa’uld.

1 The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)

The Twilight Zone functions more like a collection of TV films rather than a traditional television show, as each episode stands independently. Rod Serling’s monologue is the only recurring element throughout the series, aside from its exceptional quality. Over the course of 156 episodes spanning its run (and giving rise to numerous reboots), almost every episode remains engaging and thought-provoking, offering significant moral lessons and thought-provoking themes. This series left a lasting impact on science fiction, with its influence visible in many aspects of the genre and twist-laden titles.

2024-12-02 03:34