What Apple TV Shows Are Free? A Quick Guide

Apple TV+ is a subscription streaming service, so its original shows are not free in the usual sense. However, you can watch many Apple TV+ shows at no cost through free trials, promotional offers, and a small selection of episodes and specials that Apple makes available without a subscription. This article explains exactly which shows you can watch for free, how to get them, and what limits apply.

What Is Apple TV+ and How Does It Work?

Apple TV+ is Apple’s subscription video streaming service, launched in November 2019. It hosts original programming—series, films, documentaries, and children’s content—produced or commissioned by Apple. Unlike Netflix or Hulu, Apple TV+ does not have a large back catalog of licensed shows; its library is entirely original.

The service is available through the Apple TV app on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TV boxes, and select smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming devices. You can also watch in a web browser at tv.apple.com. A subscription costs $9.99 per month (in the US) and includes access to all Apple TV+ content in 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos where available. There is no free, ad-supported tier—Apple has never offered one.

So when people ask “what Apple TV shows are free,� the answer is usually one of three things: free trial access, promotional bundles (like the Apple One subscription or device purchase offers), or the few episodes and specials Apple releases without requiring a subscription.

Free Trials: The Main Way to Watch for Free

The most common way to watch Apple TV+ shows without paying is the free trial. Apple currently offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. After the trial, you are charged the monthly fee unless you cancel before the trial ends.

Some promotional offers extend the trial period:

• Apple One: Apple’s bundle of services (Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud+, and others) includes a 1-month free trial for new subscribers. After that, the bundle costs more than TV+ alone but may be cheaper than buying services separately.
• Device purchase: In the past, buying an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV included 3 months of Apple TV+ free. This offer has changed over time and is not always available—check Apple’s current terms before relying on it.
• Student plans: Apple Music students get Apple TV+ included at no extra cost, but the student plan itself is paid.

Important: free trials are for new subscribers only. If you’ve used a trial before, you typically won’t qualify again. Also, trials require a valid payment method, so you must remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.

Shows You Can Watch Without a Subscription

Apple occasionally makes a few episodes or specials available for free on the Apple TV app, even without a subscription. These are usually the first episode of a popular series, or a special event like a sports broadcast or a concert film. For example, at various times Apple has offered the first episode of Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Severance for free to attract viewers. However, these free episodes change over time—what’s free this month may not be free next month.

There are also a few permanent free offerings:

• Apple TV+ sports: Some live sports events, like Friday Night Baseball (MLB) and Major League Soccer (MLS) matches, are occasionally broadcast free to non-subscribers, though most require a subscription.
• Apple TV app free content: The Apple TV app itself has a “Freeâ€� section with movies and shows that are not part of Apple TV+—these are older licensed titles offered with ads. But those are not Apple TV+ originals.

To find current free episodes, open the Apple TV app, look for the “Free� or “Watch Free� category, or search for a specific show and check if the first episode has a “Free� button instead of a “Play� button.

How to Get a Free Trial (Step-by-Step)

If you’re new to Apple TV+, here’s how to start your free trial:

1. Open the Apple TV app on your device, or go to tv.apple.com in a browser.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID. If you don’t have one, create it for free.
3. Look for the “Try it Free� or “Start Free Trial� button. It’s usually on the main page or under the “Watch Now� tab.
4. Confirm your payment method. You’ll be charged only after the trial ends.
5. Set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue.

If you already have an Apple One subscription, you don’t need a separate TV+ trial—TV+ is included. If you bought a new Apple device recently, check the Apple TV app for a “3 months free� offer, but note that these offers are sometimes limited to certain regions or devices.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Apple TV+ is free with any Apple device. That’s not true—only new device purchases have ever included a temporary free period, and even that has been discontinued at times. Another mistake is assuming that the free episodes on the Apple TV app are the same as a free trial. They are not: free episodes are a sample, not full access.

Also, many people confuse the Apple TV app with Apple TV+. The app is a hub for all your video content, including purchased movies, other streaming services, and free ad-supported channels. Apple TV+ is just one section within that app. So when you see “free� in the Apple TV app, it might not be an Apple TV+ show at all.

Finally, don’t forget that the free trial requires a payment method. If you cancel immediately after starting the trial, you lose access right away—so wait until the trial is nearly over to cancel.

Cost Comparison: Is It Worth It?

At $9.99 per month, Apple TV+ is cheaper than Netflix (basic plan) and comparable to Disney+. But its library is much smaller. If you’re only interested in one or two shows, a free trial is the best way to watch them without paying. If you want to keep up with new releases, the subscription might be worth it, but you can also wait and binge during a future trial (if you’re eligible).

Apple One bundles can save money if you already use Apple Music or iCloud+. For example, the individual Apple One plan costs $19.95 per month and includes TV+, Music, iCloud+ (50GB), and Arcade. If you would pay for Music alone ($10.99) and TV+ alone ($9.99), the bundle saves you about $1 per month. The family plan ($25.95) includes all services for up to six people.

Alternatives to Apple TV+ Free Content

If you’re looking for free streaming options, other services offer ad-supported free tiers:

• Tubi – free with ads, no subscription.
• Pluto TV – free live channels and on-demand movies.
• Freevee (Amazon) – free with ads, includes some original shows.
• The Roku Channel – free movies and TV shows with ads.

These are not Apple TV+ shows, but they provide free entertainment if you don’t want to pay for a subscription. For Apple TV+ specifically, the only legal free options are the trial and the occasional free episode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Apple TV+ shows for free without a trial?

Only a few select episodes are available for free, and they change over time. There is no permanent free library. The only way to watch full seasons is with a subscription or a free trial.

How long is the Apple TV+ free trial?

The standard free trial is 7 days. Some promotions (like Apple One or device purchases) offer longer trials, but those are not always available. Check Apple’s website for current offers.

Do I need an Apple device to watch Apple TV+?

No. You can watch on Android phones via the Apple TV app (in some regions), on smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, and in a web browser at tv.apple.com. You only need an Apple ID.

Is Apple TV+ really free for students?

No, but students who subscribe to Apple Music at the student rate ($5.99/month) get Apple TV+ included at no extra cost. So it’s not free, but it’s bundled.

What happens if I cancel after the free trial?

You lose access to Apple TV+ immediately. You won’t be charged, but you won’t be able to watch any shows until you resubscribe.

Are there any hidden costs with the free trial?

No, but you must enter a valid payment method. If you forget to cancel, you’ll be charged the monthly fee. There are no other fees.

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in t | Trial length | days | 7 | 0
in p | Price per month | USD | 9.99 | 0
out c | Trial cost | USD | 0 | 2
out s | Annual cost | USD | p * 12 | 2