TCM, or Turner Classic Movies, is a television network that features classic films from bygone eras. It offers a vast selection of iconic movies across a variety of genres, with a commitment to film preservation. The station also features original programming, including interviews, documentaries, and hosted segments that provide historical context for the films being shown. TCM is a must-have for cord-cutters who consider themselves cinephiles.
So at this point, you may be wondering, how can I watch TCM for free? You can watch TCM for free using free trials, and in this article, we highlight your top 2 options. Keep reading to start watching TCM for free today.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream has undergone quite a few name changes and ownership shifts since it began in 2016, but, it still stands out for its impressive channel coverage. DirecTV, with nearly 30 years of satellite TV experience, provides a diverse content selection, including a wide range of regional sports networks (RSNs), major broadcast networks, and entertainment networks, including TCM.
DirecTV Stream free trial
DirecTV Stream’s free trial is on the shorter side, but it still gives you 5 days to try out the service and watch TCM. The good news is the free trial is available at every tier, so you can get 5 days of any channel package. The other good news? You can also include a 3-month free trial of HBO Max, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and MGM+ with eligible packages so you get 5 free days of those premium channels too!
To avoid being charged, just be sure to cancel your free trial before within those 5 days. Click here to learn more about the DirecTV Stream free trial.
DirecTV Stream plans and pricing
As mentioned above, DirecTV Stream offers 4 different channel packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. TCM is included in every channel package, so you have some flexibility in choosing which one you’d like to try out. We suggest the Premier option since it comes with the most channels and the free trial is available for it as well.
DIRECTV Stream Entertainment
$59.99 for the first month
- 90+ channels
- Local channels and ESPN Unlimited
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Unlimited streams
$89.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Óptimo Más
- 100+ live TV channels
- Spanish and English programming
- Unlimited cloud DVR
$74.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Choice
$64.99 for the first month, then $10 off for 2 months
- 125+ channels
- Includes regional sports networks
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Unlimited streams
$94.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Ultimate
$99.99 for the first month, then $10 off for 2 months
- 160+ channels
- Includes regional sports networks
- STARZ Encore and NHL Network
- Unlimited cloud DVR
$129.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Premier
- 185+ channels
- Includes HBO Max, Paramount+ Premium, STARZ and Cinemax
- Includes regional sports networks
- Unlimited cloud DVR
$159.99/month
YouTube TV
YouTube TV, which is actually owned by Google, is YouTube's way of getting into the live TV streaming game. It started back in 2017, and over time, it's grown to include a variety of sports, news, and entertainment content, like TCM. So, if you're thinking about cutting the cord, no matter your age, YouTube TV is a pretty solid option.
YouTube TV free trial
YouTube TV offers one of the longest free trials amongst streamers, giving you 10 days to try out the platform. Sign up for the free trial to get 10 days of TCM free and cancel before the end of your trial if you don’t want to get charged.
If you decide you like the service, for a limited time only, you can get $20 off your first three months, which in addition to the free trial is a pretty good deal.
YouTube TV plans and pricing
YouTube TV offers one main channel package that comes with 100+ channels in addition to TCM, including ABC, CNN, ESPN, and HGTV. Outside of offering TCM, YouTube is also the new home for the NFL Sunday Ticket, so it’s a particularly sweet deal for football fans.
Lisa Holden • Author
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
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