Watching shows on a TV is often plagued by incompatible apps – either the remote control is confusing, the screen displays a blurry image, or the whole family struggles to find their favorite shows. In 2025, several truly TV-optimized free streaming apps emerged. Some offer smart controls to save time, others boast picture quality calibration for enhanced detail, and still others feature family sharing with access control. Each app has its unique advantages, eliminating the need for repetitive installations. Want to know which apps to install for watching TV series? These 5 apps each specialize in their own area, covering all your TV viewing needs!
content
1. Tubi TV
2. Plex TV
3. Pluto TV
4. Viki Rakuten TV
5. Xumo Play
usage tips
summary
1. Tubi TV – A Paradise for Free American TV Shows and Movies
System Support: Android TV / Fire TV / Roku / Samsung Smart TV
Language Support: English and other subtitle options
Operated by Fox, Tubi is one of the most popular free video platforms in the US. It offers a vast library of licensed TV shows and movies, including classic American dramas (such as *The Office* and *Bones*), popular Korean dramas, and Asian films and television shows.
Highlights:
Completely free, no subscription required
Weekly updated TV series library
Lightweight operation, smooth remote control navigation
Supports individual viewing history for family members
Suitable for: Users who want to watch American/Korean dramas/older movies for free on a big screen.
2. Plex TV – A One-Stop Multi-Platform Viewing Center
System Support: Android TV / Apple TV / LG / Samsung / Fire TV
Language Support: Multilingual subtitles
Plex not only lets you watch shows, but also integrates your personal film and television library. It supports playing free film and television resources and can also push movies from your computer to your TV for viewing.
Highlights:
Free movies and TV shows + centralized management of local media
Supports family sharing and separate accounts
Excellent picture quality optimization, stable playback
Automatic subtitle loading
Suitable for: Families who want to integrate streaming media + local TV series libraries.
3. Pluto TV – Streaming Media with an Analog TV Experience
System Support: Android TV / Roku / Fire Stick / LG Smart TV
If you miss the feeling of "channel changing," Pluto TV is the perfect choice. It features a "live-stream channel experience," boasting over 250 free channels covering dramas, news, sports, anime, classic dramas, and more.
Highlights: No registration required for viewing.
Channel operation similar to traditional TV.
Channels play continuously; no need to click on individual episodes.
Ad-free, membership version available.
Suitable for: Users who enjoy switching channels while watching, and those who binge-watch classic dramas or variety shows.
4. Viki Rakuten TV – The top choice for Korean and Asian drama lovers.
System Support: Android TV / Apple TV / Roku / Samsung Smart TV
Language Support: English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese subtitles
Viki focuses on Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Chinese dramas, and is one of the most comprehensive international platforms in Asia. Its community subtitle system is excellent, with accurate multilingual subtitle translations, making it particularly suitable for international families.
Highlights: Massive Asian drama resources.
Global subtitle team updates in real time.
Supports family account-based viewing.
Rich free drama selection; paid version supports 4K.
Suitable for: Overseas users who love Korean and Chinese dramas.
5. Xumo Play
System Support: Android TV / Roku / Fire TV /
Crackle is powered by Sony, featuring a clean interface and smooth playback. While its content leans towards American and European dramas and classic movies, it surpasses other free platforms in picture quality, sound effects, and ad control.
Usage Tips
It is recommended to use it with a VPN to access more regional dramas.
It is recommended to use it with a Bluetooth remote or voice control for easier operation.
If your TV has limited storage space, you can install only one or two apps to avoid lag.
Regularly clear the cache for smoother playback.
Summary
The smart TV of 2025 is no longer just a machine for "watching TV," but an entertainment center for the whole family.
Whether you want to binge-watch American dramas, Korean dramas, revisit classics, or play cartoons for your children, you can easily do it by installing the above apps. Tubi is widely free, Plex is easy to manage, Pluto has a traditional channel feel, Viki is suitable for Asian drama fans, and Crackle balances picture quality and stability.
Choose the model that suits your family's viewing habits and make the large-screen TV a true "happiness center" of your home.
