Max’s new password-sharing crackdown was my tipping point. So I whipped out the calculator, did some math(s) and je suis appalled. For five streaming services—Max, Netflix, Hulu, Prime and Apple—I’m paying enough to buy a brand new pair of Jordans or a Le Creuset signature skillet or a ticket to Disneyland on a Monday every month! (Unrelated: What in the world is going on with Disneyland pricing?)

Plus, I still have to rent movies that they don’t have the rights to! (And then there’s my beloved AMC A-List pass, now $27.99/month, but at least that’s a deal.)

Worst part? The price hikes are never stopping because profit is the name of the game. 

At some point, cable will be in vogue again, but until then, I had to find other options. And I want to share those with you in case your bank account is as exhausted as mine.

Desiree Disclaimer: Nothing under capitalism is ever truly free. (What’s the saying? If you’re not paying for it, then you’re the product.) Most of these platforms are probably mining your data like it’s gold in them thar hills. A few will hit you with the okey-doke: “Yeah, so this title is actually premium, soooo *combs hand through hair* you wanna pay for it?” (You don’t.)

But something is better than nothing. And the first option? It’s the best one—because it comes from one of our greatest institutions: the Los Angeles Public Library.

1. Kanopy 

I could go on forever about the amazing services the Los Angeles Public Library offers, including free tool rentals, recording studios, 3D printing at the DTLA branch—but to me, Kanopy is their crowning achievement

The free streaming platform has a delicious selection of films, documentaries and shows. And the best part? This is the only free service without ads 🙌🏾

Here’s how it works: Your library sends you a set number of tickets each month to watch whatever you want. Some content doesn’t require any tickets at all, and there’s a whole kids’ section that’s completely ticket-free too.

One might assume it’s all educational content, but you know what they say about those who make assumptions. Just look at the screenshot above: Dinner in America? Cuckoo? Sonic the Hedgehog? There’s something for everyone and the categories are thoughtfully curated. 

If you’re into British TV or film classics, you will be well fed. There are also quite a few Tom Hardy selections—Bronson, Wuthering Heights, Capone, Lawless—because I gotta hype up my day one dude. 

As an added bonus, you can also create custom watchlists if you’re one of those types. No judgment, I’m trying to be like you.

2. Tubi TV

If you can handle ads, Tubi is where it’s at. It’s owned by Fox, which means its library is stacked. There are no ticket limits or subscriptions, just endless scrolling and streaming.

Right now, my favorite category is the playfully named “Denzel-Verse,” which features classics like Devil in a Blue Dress, Fallen and Out of Time, plus The Creator starring his son, John David Washington.

If you’re in the mood for a thriller or a whodunit from a world-class director? Check out Memento, Memories of Murder or Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance. (or all three!)

Looking for a lil’ razzle-dazzle for a girls’ night in? Throw on Chocolate City (aka the Black Magic Mike) and prepare for the ride of your life. If you’re into gangster films, there’s Harlem Nights, Casino, Scarface, Hoodlum and Donnie Brasco. 

3. Roku

Remember Roku? *Takes a long drag from a cigarette and squints eyes* Yeah, I remember that name. 

Our ol’ pal Roku isn’t just a device anymore. It’s also a full-on streaming platform now, called The Roku Channel, and they’ve got some free content worth checking out. 

But be warned: The interface is slightly confusing. After some light research, I realized you can access a ton of other premium apps, like Netflix and Paramount Plus, from the main page if you’re already subscribed to them. 

The selections are much more limited than Tubi, but if you need a free TV series to binge, they’ve got plenty to offer—especially if you’re into the classics. 

For lovers of classic crime shows, there’s the Rockford Files, Charlie’s Angels, the OG Magnum PI and Spenser for Hire. There’s also a nice selection of faith and spirituality offerings, from Jesus Camp to Highway to Heaven. 

Need a good laugh? There’s Game Night, Married with Children, Beauty Shop and Soul Men (RIP Bernie Mac).

4. Pluto TV

Paramount owns Pluto TV, which means its library is pretty decent for a free service. The platform offers a mix of movies, TV shows and live channels. Horror lovers on a budget will especially dig this one.

Right now, they’re running an “April Ghouls” collection featuring the From Dusk Till Dawn trilogy, a dozen or more Stephen King adaptations, the Paranormal Activity franchise, The Craft and its recent reboot, The Ring series, Friday the 13th and most of the Halloweens.

Not into jump scares and gore? No problemo. You’ll also find Pulp Fiction, a section dedicated to the late, great Val Kilmer and probably every reality show Paramount has produced in the last 20 years—Judge Judy, Storage Wars, Big Brother, Survivor and beyond.

Desiree Disclaimer: I’ve run into a few loading issues on Pluto, and I don’t think it’s my Wi-Fi as none of the other platforms listed here gave me any problems.

Honorable Mentions

Okay, so this list could actually be much longer, but since I haven’t actually used these services, I’m hesitant to write up blurbs. But maybe they’ve got what you need.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s free streamer, Crackle, has a solid library of movies and TV shows. Plex TV is a media server (not entirely sure what that means) with an interface slightly more confusing than Roku. That said, it does offer free live channels and ad-supported shows and movies, including a collection called Cage Rage, dedicated to our beloved, eccentric Nic Cage. 

And that wraps up my lil’ listicle. Lemme know if any of these win you over or if I missed any good ones.