Streaming American Television Networks While Abroad
If you live or travel outside the US much you’ve probably noticed you can’t access your favorite TV shows or movies online. This is because some internet services restrict access to only US-based users. The best way around this restriction, and to greatly increase your security, is to use a VPN. A VPN will hide your IP address and assign you a new one that will allow you access to US content.
- First,SIGN UP
with any HybridVPN provider to get your own Dedicated IP Address for Privacy and Fast Streaming Speed . Do not use free VPNs as they seldom work and actually jeopardize your online security which could lead to suspension of your account. - Download, install, and launch the VPN app on your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Android. You can find the application on the website of the VPN service you just registered with.
- Sign into the app using your VPN account.
- Then, connect to an American VPN server from within the VPN application.
- Finally, download one or more of the Apps listed below and enjoy the television channels as if you were in the United States.
1. Netflix USA
You may be thinking, Netflix? I can access Netflix and I’m not in the US. What you may not know is that much of the Netflix library is geo-restricted due to copyright laws in the US and abroad. While it is possible to view much of the library the only place to access the full listing of content and original programming is in the US.
2. HBO Go
This is another high profile website with content many non-US viewers would like to access. This site is HBO’s online streaming service that allows users to watch the latest movies as well as HBO’s well known original programming, such Game Of Thrones and True Detective. The problem is that it requires an HBO account and is one of the most heavily blocked sites on the Internet.
3. Crackle
Crackle.com is one of the only remaining website where you can watch FREE streaming content on the Internet. And it is a US based website only accessible through a US connection. This site allows you to stream movies, TV shows and original programming on any internet connected device.
4. Amazon Instant Video
Amazon Instant Video is yet another online service streaming movies, TV and other entertainment. Some content is free to watch, some other is available through subscription or for purchase and the rest is available only to Prime customers. The bad news is that if you are not located in the US much if not all will be blocked.
5. CrunchyRoll
Is the leading online source of all things relating to Anime. With offices in San Francisco and Japan it provides the latest anime shows online along with forums and store where anime inspired products of all types can be purchased. This site is not limited to the US but those outside the US will likely not be able to access the full library.
US style football is gaining in popularity around the world. It is still far behind soccer in terms of viewer but for those of you who would like to keep up with pre-season and in season games this is the best avenue to take. The problem is, once again, geo-restrictions which will limit or prevent your access.
Want to keep up with US news from a local source? CNN Go is the way to go. The site provides a full schedule of daily news shows and updates but is restricted to those in the US.
ABC, the American Broadcast Company, is one of many US based television networks with a full library of Internet content available for streaming. Most shows are available to watch after they have aired on TV but there is also some content available live. Live shows include the famous soap opera General Hospital and Jimmy Kimmel Live. The site also hosts old shows, called Throwbacks, such as Dinosaurs, School House Rock and Ugly Betty. Also included in is ABC Family programming. Unblock ABC shows with a VPN or a SmartDNS service.
This is another great website and powered by HBO’s library of content. Unlike HBO Go which requires an HBO TV account this one does not. It is a paid service, similar to a TV account, which allows users to view streaming media and even comes with a free 7 day trial. Among available content are new movies and original programming including talk shows, documentaries and comedy specials. To use simply download the app onto your mobile device, set up an account and start watching on any connected device.
The Columbia Broadcasting System is another major US TV broadcaster. They operate a channel with a full line of content including original shows and movies, news and much more. Their website is very similar to NBC and ABC including access to in-season programming the day after it is first aired along with a library of past shows. The website also hosts a wide variety of supporting content including blogs, interviews and behind the scenes action. Some shows are even aired live. You can easily unblock CBS, NBC and ABC with a SmartDNS or a HybridVPN service by Le VPN, as well as through a standard VPN connecting by connecting to a server in the US.
Fox is the 4th major US TV network and the owner of popular shows like the long running The Simpsons cartoon. Their website hosts individual episodes of programs as well as full seasons which can be streamed to any device. Some programming is also available live. The Fox Store allows viewers to purchase episodes for streaming and DVD’s of their favorite shows. One thing that sets Fox apart from the other networks are the special features such as Miss American Pageant, coverage of ComicCon and the remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Music Television, MTV, is one of the most iconic American television networks on the air. The channel, which started out as a platform for music videos, has evolved into a pop culture phenomenon that includes reality TV shows as well as original comedy and dramas. The website is divided into three parts, music, news and shows, which includes the latest episodes as well as entire seasons. The site is free to watch, all you have to do is sign up and set up an account, which allows viewers to stream onto any device. Bonus programming includes behind the scenes clips and interviews with your favorite stars.
13. The Cartoon Network
The Cartoon Network is obviously a great website with access to all your favorite cartoons including original programming. The site also includes games and apps based on your favorite cartoon characters, an online community and store. The games range from free downloads to paid services, same with the apps, and all are supported in the community. The community provides information on new or upcoming shows and even tips and tricks for playing the games. Access is granted with a login but you will need to have a subscription to the actual TV channel to get in.
The Food Network is a TV channel and website that is actually of use to everybody. It teaches people how to make great food, as well as entertaining them. The website has all the great shows we’ve come to know and love over the years, both new episodes and old, and is one of the most useful to accompany a TV Channel. Along with streaming content there are quick videos introducing and interviewing the stars, full recipes of all foods shown in the episodes and a great ratings section for popular restaurants around the world. The only downside is that like most other cable networks you will have to have a TV subscription in order to access it.
15. Disney
Yes, the worlds largest theme park operator and maker of family films has a website. On the site you can stream movies, shows and more. The Disney portfolio includes many popular movies including Star Wars; The Force Awakens, as well as classics and original programming. The site leads you to three sub-sites, the Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior which each provide a unique library of Disney’s content. In order to watch streaming video you will have to have a subscription through a TV provider, or you can purchase shows and movies individually.
The Public Broadcasting Service is a free, broadcast, TV channel with unique educational, entertainment and news programming. It is a non-profit business providing a platform for shows that the big networks choose to not air. One focus of the channel is on the arts, including performing arts such as music but also crafts such as woodworking, painting and many others. The well known “happy” painter Bob Ross is only one of the many iconic programs viewers have come to know and love. Unlike the websites of cable channels you do not need to have an account with a TV provider, a simple log-in is all it takes to gain access. Once in you can stream programs from the library, view upcoming schedules, shop in the store and even donate to the cause.
17. The USA Network
The USA Network was one of the first channels on US television to specialize in re-runs, previously aired content often first seen on other channels. Since it began the channel has amassed a huge collection of series such as Law&Order and Modern Family as well as Emmy winning original programming like Burn Notice. USA is also home to WWE wrestling events like Smackdown and Tough Enough that you will not be able to find anywhere else. Viewers can stream shows and movies direct to any device.
TVLand is the channel you go to when you want to watch classic and vintage television shows like I Love Lucy, I Dream Of Jeannie, The Jeffersons and many more. The website is pretty simple, viewers are able to stream shows and even set reminders of when desired episodes are coming up in the programming. Alongside the classic and vintage programming are a number of originals including the Jim Gaffigan Show. While USA may only make a few episodes of a show available at a time, TVLand allows users to watch entire seasons.
Is a unique website with content you cant’ get just anywhere, besides the check out lane. This website has the content of more than 200 top US magazines. Titles such as People, Time, Food & Wine and National Geographic are only a small representation of the massive catalog. It is not free but the fee is very cheap considering what you get, full access with few limits. There is an upgrade for enhanced access but even that is small compared to the price of the magazines if you were to buy them individually. The only bad news is that it is only available to those who live in the US or Canada.
20. VH1
MTV’s rival channel and host to a number of pop culture shows VH1 is another website where users can stream music, videos and shows across the internet. The difference is that VH1 is a lifestyle channel and goes beyond the pop and turns the focus onto the individual. The website has areas for health & beauty, style and relationships along with complete access to the shows. The Pop Culture tab goes to links where members can read about their favorite stars, and watch videos and interviews.
FYI is a hit spin-off of A&E with a unique line up of hit shows. The channel takes a different approach and focuses on more unusual subject matter. Among the line up Tiny House Nation, Married At First Sight and Man VS Child: Chef Showdown are near the top of the list. Of the websites linked to major TV channels this one is the most straightforward, focusing on the shows and doing little more.
22. Oprah
You may have thought Oprah retired but she didn’t. She’s busy working on new projects such as the website, Oprah. The site is her online presence and carries on many of the traditions of her long running television talk show. The site is packed with videos and live streaming content on all aspects of life, news and pop culture. All you have to do is sign in for full access which includes forums and blogs where people can share their stories.
One of the greatest museums in the world brings this website to life with videos, shows and other content of educational and informational value. When you log in you will be bombarded by page after page of interesting videos ranging from Pompeii’s Graffiti to colonies of bees and the workings of offshore drilling rigs. The best part is, you don’t even have to log in, if you are located in the US.
Fandor is the host to independent films from around the world. As such it is the leading source of art films and other provocative works that are often the subject of censorship. The site streams on most devices and offers a curated list of top films and a full library of past works. The site also has a number of extra features such as information on the filmmakers and actors, video short essays and interviews. In the Community members can leave reviews of films they have watched and read them for ones they may want to watch.
AdultSwim is the online presence of the late night cartoon and entertainment show of the same name. The multi-hour program is series of shows, shorts and skits of off-color comedy and satire that is not for the faint of heart. The website hosts many of the shows and shorts found on TV as well as games, music chat rooms and more. If you like raw, crass, off-color American humor this is the channel for you.
***we shall keep updating the list periodically***
