Must-Watch Free YouTube Series: From sci-fi to crime dramas to superhero shows, YouTube offers a variety of series to watch for free.

YouTube on a smartphone

As traditional streaming services raise their prices, you might be on the lookout for more free streaming content. Fortunately, YouTube provides an array of options. While it has long offered free, ad-supported movies, it has now added a selection of free TV shows to its service.

Although the selection of free TV shows on YouTube is somewhat limited, there are still a few notable series you can watch without paying. Additionally, YouTube Premium offers an ad-free experience for these shows.

Best Free YouTube TV Shows

• The Prisoner
• Sanctuary
• The Dick Van Dyke Show
• The Carol Burnett Show
• The Greatest American Hero
• Space: 1999
• Unsolved Mysteries
• Con Man
• Ascension
• The Dead Zone
• Mutant X
• Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda
• The Weird Al Show
• The War of the Worlds
• The Outer Limits
• Merlin
• The Kill Point
• Earth: Final Conflict
• Heartland

The Prisoner (1967-1968)

Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 1
Creator: Patrick McGoohan
Main Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat
Genre: Spy/Sci-fi
Ratings: 8.5 – IMDb / 100% – Rotten Tomatoes

Patrick McGoohan stars as an unnamed secret agent who, after resigning for unknown reasons, is kidnapped and taken to “the Village,” a sophisticated prison where he is renamed “Number 6.” The series explores themes of privacy, identity, and freedom, with some of the most surreal storylines and artistic designs ever made for TV. It is considered a must-watch and one of the best free shows on YouTube. Free YouTube Series 1

Sanctuary (2008-2011)

Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 4
Creator: Damian Kindler
Main Cast: Amanda Tapping, Robin Dunne, Ryan Robbins, Christopher Heyerdahl, Emilie Ullerup
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
Ratings: 7.3 – IMDb / 88% – Rotten Tomatoes

Dr. Helen Magnus is dedicated to protecting the world from creatures called Abnormals, offering them a safe haven in her “Sanctuary.” This sci-fi series, created and directed by Stargate alumni, stars Amanda Tapping and features a mix of sci-fi and pulp action adventure. Although Google has split the four seasons into two parts, you can watch them all for free. Free YouTube Series 2

The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)

Rating: TV-G
Seasons: 5
Creator: Carl Reiner
Main Cast: Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Larry Mathews
Genre: Comedy, Family
Ratings: 8.4 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

Rob Petrie is a comedy writer who navigates humorous situations both at work and at home with his wife and son. Created by Carl Reiner, this influential series is one of the best sitcoms of all time. The first two seasons, comprising 60 episodes, are available for free on YouTube. Free YouTube Series 3

The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)

Rating: TV-G
Seasons: 11
Creator: Carol Burnett
Main Cast: Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Lyle Waggoner, Vicki Lawrence, Tim Conway
Genre: Comedy Variety
Ratings: 8.7 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

This long-running variety show starred Carol Burnett in various roles, including the memorable character Eunice. The show was popular in the 1960s and 1970s and is considered one of the best variety shows of its time, featuring a talented supporting cast. Free YouTube Series 4

The Greatest American Hero (1981-1983)

Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 3
Creator: Stephen J. Cannell
Main Cast: William Katt, Connie Sellecca, Robert Culp, Faye Grant, Jesse D. Goins
Genre: Superhero Comedy
Ratings: 7.3 – IMDb / NA – Rotten Tomatoes

A high school teacher receives a superpowered suit from aliens but loses the instruction manual, leading to humorous attempts at heroism. This 1980s comedy blends action and humor and remains one of the best superhero TV shows available for free on YouTube. Free YouTube Series 5

Space: 1999 (1975-1977)

Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 2
Creator: Gerry and Sylvia Anderson
Main Cast: Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Nick Tate
Genre: Sci-fi
Ratings: 7.3 – IMDb / 66% – Rotten Tomatoes

In 1999, a nuclear explosion sends the moon, along with the crew of Moonbase Alpha, hurtling through space. Each episode presents a new alien encounter or planetary adventure. Despite its premise, the show is a fun sci-fi romp with impressive visual effects for its time. Free YouTube Series 6

Unsolved Mysteries (1987-2010)

Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 14
Creator: John Cosgrove, Terry Dunn Meurer
Main Cast: Robert Stack, Virginia Madsen
Genre: Documentary, Crime, Drama
Ratings: 8.3 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

Hosted by Robert Stack, this classic series covers unsolved criminal cases and supernatural events. It predates the current wave of true crime shows and remains engaging to watch. Free YouTube Series 7

Con Man (2015-2017)

Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 2
Creator: Alan Tudyk
Main Cast: Alan Tudyk, Nathan Fillion, Mindy Sterling
Genre: Comedy
Ratings: 7.7 – IMDb / 89% – Rotten Tomatoes

A former sci-fi show actor struggles to find work and attends conventions to make ends meet. Created and directed by Alan Tudyk, this series is a humorous take on the life of an actor and fandom. Free YouTube Series 8

Ascension (2014)

Rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Creator: Adrian Cruz, Philip Levens
Main Cast: Tricia Helfer, Brian Van Holt, Gil Bellows, Andrea Roth, Brandon P. Bell
Genre: Drama, Sci-fi
Ratings: 7.1 – IMDb / 67% – Rotten Tomatoes

A secret NASA mission launched in 1963 embarks on a 100-year journey to a distant star. The series explores the evolving society aboard the ship and the challenges it faces. This three-part mini-series offers a surprising and engaging story. Free YouTube Series 9

The Dead Zone (2002-2007)

Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 6
Creator: Michael Piller, Shawn Piller
Main Cast: Anthony Michael Hall, Nicole de Boer, Chris Bruno, John L. Adams, David Ogden Stiers
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Ratings: 7.4 – IMDb / 85% – Rotten Tomatoes

Johnny Smith awakens from a coma with psychic abilities, seeing both past and future events. Based on Stephen King’s novel, this series combines crime procedural elements with supernatural themes. Free YouTube Series 10

Mutant X (2001-2004)

Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 3
Creator: Avi Arad
Main Cast: Victoria Pratt, Victor Webster, Forbes March
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Ratings: 5.8 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

Genetically engineered individuals with superpowers are protected by a scientist who opposes the corporation that created them. This series offers a unique superteam experience. Free YouTube Series 11

Andromeda (2000-2005)

Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 5
Creator: Gene Roddenberry, Robert Hewitt Wolfe
Main Cast: Kevin Sorbo, Lisa Ryder, Keith Hamilton Cobb, Laura Bertram, Gordon Michael Woolvett
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Ratings: 6.6 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

Captain Dylan Hunt aims to restore the fallen Systems Commonwealth 300 years after a surprise attack. Based on Gene Roddenberry’s notes, this series blends action and adventure. Free YouTube Series 12

The Weird Al Show (1997-1998)

Rating: TV-G
Seasons: 1
Creator: “Weird Al” Yankovic
Main Cast: “Weird Al” Yankovic
Genre: Children’s show
Ratings: 7.5 – IMDb / 80% – Rotten Tomatoes

“Weird Al” Yankovic hosts a variety show

featuring his comedic and musical talents, offering humor and fun for kids. Free YouTube Series 13

War of the Worlds (1988-1990)

Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 2
Creator: Greg Strangis
Main Cast: Jared Martin, Lynda Mason Green, Philip Akin
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-fi
Ratings: 6.8 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

Aliens from H.G. Wells’ classic novel return to Earth in a near-future setting. This sequel series blends action and sci-fi elements. Free YouTube Series 14

The Outer Limits (1995-2002)

Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 7
Creator: Leslie Stevens
Main Cast: Kevin Conway, Alex Diakun
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-fi
Ratings: 7.7 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

This anthology series explores sci-fi and horror themes in standalone episodes. A revival of the original 1960s series, it features compelling and unsettling stories. Free YouTube Series 15

Merlin (1998)

Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 1
Creator: Steve Barron
Main Cast: Sam Neill, Helena Bonham Carter, John Gielgud
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
Ratings: 7.1 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

Sam Neill stars as Merlin in this mini-series that chronicles his life and battles against dark forces.

The Kill Point (2007)

Rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Creator: Steve Shill
Main Cast: Donnie Wahlberg, John Leguizamo, Tobin Bell
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Ratings: 7.4 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

Ex-soldiers turn bank robbers in a tense stand-off with police. This mini-series explores themes of loyalty, desperation, and conflict. Free YouTube Series 16

Earth: Final Conflict (1997-2002)

Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 5
Creator: Gene Roddenberry
Main Cast: Von Flores, Leni Parker, Anita La Selva
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-fi
Ratings: 6.5 – IMDb / NR – Rotten Tomatoes

Aliens called Taelons offer to help humanity, but their true motives are questioned. Created from Gene Roddenberry’s notes, the series blends sci-fi and mystery. Free YouTube Series 17

Heartland (2007-present)

Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 16+
Creator: Lauren Brooke
Main Cast: Amber Marshall, Michelle Morgan, Graham Wardle
Genre: Drama, Family
Ratings: 8.4 – IMDb / 45% – Rotten Tomatoes

Set on a horse ranch, this long-running family drama focuses on life, love, and horses. The first season is available for free on YouTube.

This list will be updated as more free TV shows are added to YouTube, ensuring you have access to quality entertainment without the cost. Free YouTube Series 18