Best TV Series on Tubi to Watch Right Now

Tired of keeping up with the latest trends? Maybe it’s time to go back and re-visit some of the best of the best shows in television’s brief history. You don’t even have to pay for them if you use Tubi. That’s right, the free ad-supported streaming service is currently home to some of the greatest television shows to ever hit the airwaves, ranging from vintage classics to hidden gems across every genre you can think of.

But with so much content available on Tubi, you may feel a little overwhelmed when you’re deciding what to watch. Fear not, as we’ve compiled 15 of the best TV shows on Tubi that you can watch right now. From cooking shows to murder investigations, no stone was left unturned in our search for Tubi’s best content. We’ll also update this list periodically to reflect Tubi’s expansive content library.

Updated on Feb. 1st, 2024 by Neville Naidoo: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

20 Legends of Chima (2013-2014)

3 Seasons

Directed by Thomas J. Mikkelsen, Legends of Chima is an animated series based on the LEGO series set in a fantasy world, Chima, inhabited by eight warrior tribes of animals battling for an energy source called “Chi.” Chima has several tribes of anthropomorphic animals, and two friends (Laval and Cragger) discover a secret under a mountain — the ability to use Chi. What they don’t know is that, later on, this discovery will be the source of fights and war between their tribes and others.

Joyful and Light

For those in need of a good laugh when watching a lighthearted show, Legends of Chima is the perfect choice. The plenty of high-stakes moments mixed with slapstick humor will add to an unbeatable experience when watching this series about friendship. The cinematography, too, is on point. The portrayal of Chi, the mountain ranges, the gorgeous Rhino caves, and the Eagle levels are a sight for sore eyes.

19 Hemlock Grove (2013-2015)

3 Seasons

At its heart, Hemlock Grove is a murder mystery — a serial killer murder mystery. The Netflix original series is set in a dilapidated former Pennsylvania steel town that hides many secrets. When a 17-year-old girl is murdered, the new boy in town, Peter, joins hands with the “Prince” of the town to solve the mystery and prove Peter’s innocence of the crimes. Through their investigation, they expose the town’s seedier side and reveal more than what meets the eye. As the enemies close in, Peter and Roman learn that they need to sacrifice their humanity and release their actual inner monsters to prevent the “end of days.”

A Gothic Horror-Inflected Murder Mystery

Hemlock Grove, by horror producer Eli Roth and adapted by Brian McGreevy and Lee Shipman from McGreevy’s 2012 novel, is a classic TV mashup that employs authentic gothic storytelling on television for a modern American audience. It uses tropes of horror to unfold the story in a deliberate and literary way, not shying away from layers of mythology, complex characters, and symbolism. The playwright keeps the audience guessing almost to the end and reveals the killer interestingly, so be ready for a suspense-filled binging session.

18 Peep Show (2003-2015)

9 Seasons

Who would have guessed that two flatmates from Croydon could define the comic sensibility of millions? Peep Show follows the lives of two men, Mark and Jeremy, who share nothing in common but a flat. The two twenty-somethings are a classic odd couple, with Mark being as responsible as Jeremy is responsible. Mark is a loan manager with a bleak and cynical view of the world, while Jeremy is an unemployed wannabe musician. The television series is filmed uniquely, using an “inner perspective,” as if events are being seen by one or other of the characters.

An All-Time Great Comedy Series

Premiered in 2003, Peep Show exemplifies British humor through its visual aesthetic, quotability, and tone. Interestingly, the sitcom was created by Jesse Armstrong, who went on to make the legendary Succession. While on the surface the two shows are starkly different, they do share a cynical comedic sensibility. The crowning accomplishment is the simple but effective narrative twist, as the show alternates between the first-person perspectives of Mark and Jeremy.

17 Wolfblood (2012-2017)

5 Seasons

It is not easy being a teenager, but being a Wolfblood teenager makes it even harder. Wolfblood is a fantasy and drama series that follows a 14-year-old teenage girl, Maddy, and her friends around several obstacles. She is half wolf. Not a werewolf, a Wolfblood, as they call them, and she is hiding this secret from her friends. Being a Wolfblood, she has heightened senses, is more graceful, and is stronger and faster. Her secret is jeopardized when a new boy, Rhydian, who also happens to be a Wolfblood, moves into the neighborhood. Will their friends find out if they are half wolves? Or will scientists find out first?

A Classic Teen Fantasy Premise

A teen drama television series created by Debbie Moon, Wolfblood stars intriguing characters like Aimee Kelly and Bobby Lockwood in a co-production between CBBC and ZDF. The series that won the Royal Television Society Award for the Children’s Drama category in 2013 and the British Screenwriters’ Award in 2015 takes the concepts of werewolf fiction and streamlines it into children’s drama.

16 Lego Masters (2020-Present)

4 Seasons

Do you want the fun of playing with Lego without the high cost and tiny plastic pieces? Lego Masters may be for you. Based on the British series of the same name — which is also available on Tubi — Lego Masters sees Will Arnett hosting a competition series focused on everyone’s favorite brand of building blocks. Week by week, teams comprised of two builders each will be tasked with creating colorful structures out of Lego, all while meeting specific design requirements. Should a team show exemplary talent, they’ll be granted the glimmering Golden Brick: a special item that allows a team to avoid elimination from this playful game show.

Think Bake Off But With Lego

Like The Great British Bake Off, the drama of Lego Masters comes more from the challenges surrounding each build than any interpersonal conflicts. Arnett is terrific as a charismatic host, and there’s genuine enthusiasm found in both the competition’s judges and contestants. When it comes to playing with Lego, there’s nothing else quite like Lego Masters on streaming.

15 Gotham (2014-2019)

5 Seasons

Created by Bruno Heller (Rome, The Mentalist), Gotham is a must-see show for any Batman fan. Although it doesn’t actually feature him as his adult, crime-fighting self we all know, the show is a gritty take on the backstory of the famous character. It revolves around Jim Gordon as he attempts to clean up Gotham City with nothing more than his bare hands and his conscience, which makes him one of the last good cops left in the city.

A Fresh Dive Into Batman’s World

Gritty and nuanced in a myriad of ways that comic book fans will appreciate, the show is packed with many odes to famous Batman characters and the overall success of the franchise. Between the exploits of a young Bruce Wayne, played wonderfully by David Mazouz, and other characters like a younger Selina Kyle (Catwoman), Alfred, and villains like Penguin, showing up regularly, the show carves out a dark and enthralling story for itself. However, the true success of it comes from the fact that viewers won’t even miss the fact that Batman isn’t really a part of it, since most of it takes place while Bruce Wayne is still a kid.

14 Columbo (1971-1978)

10 Seasons + Further Special Episodes

Based on how Columbo became a full-on internet meme, it’s safe to say that this classic crime drama is officially timeless. Originally a staple of NBC and ABC’s investigative offerings, Columbo sees Peter Falk donning a thick suit and a lit cigar as the titular homicide detective. Through his seemingly innocuous questions and sly wit, Columbo is tasked with solving mystery-of-the-week cases that cycle guest stars in and out of villainous roles. Compared to other mystery shows, we already know who committed the crime and how they did it. It’s ultimately up to Columbo to pull a confession out of them.

A Charming and Timeless Procedural

Columbo is easily carried by Peter Falk’s friendly yet pointed demeanor, with infinitely quotable catchphrases littered throughout its lengthy run. It quickly establishes a comfortable case-of-the-week formula that you can’t help but be engrossed by. Multiple guest stars like Leslie Nielsen, Martin Landau, and even William Shatner can also be found dotted throughout this prolific series.

13 Hannibal (2013-2015)

3 Seasons

Looking back, it was legitimately shocking to see something as intense as 2013’s Hannibal airing on NBC. Co-starring Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen as investigator Will Graham and the monstrous Hannibal Lecter respectively, the series loosely adapts Thomas Harris’ novels featuring everyone’s favorite cannibalistic serial killer. While Graham attempts to solve grisly cases with his uncanny abilities, it’s revealed that Hannibal’s personable disposition as a forensic psychiatrist is merely a front for his true ambitions.

Psychologically Thrilling and Visually Gruesome

Hannibal has been frequently cited as one of the best horror-themed shows in television history, utilizing horrifying imagery and beautiful cinematography in a brilliant contrast of the two styles. Though it would be canceled after three seasons, Hannibal would be a frequent winner at the Saturn Awards, securing Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor wins for Richard Armitage, Laurence Fishburne, Mads Mikkelsen, and Hugh Dancy.

12 Hell on Wheels (2011-2016)

5 Seasons

When you think of AMC, you’re usually thinking of Breaking Bad or The Walking Dead. However, AMC’s Western series Hell on Wheels is one you really shouldn’t miss. Debuting in 2011, Hell on Wheels tells a complex story about the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, with a former Confederate soldier joining the effort under false pretenses. As life goes by, however, he’ll forego his violent past to see the project to its conclusion. Anson Mount, Colm Meaney, Phil Burke, Ben Esler, and Robin McLeavy are just a handful of main cast members attached to Hell on Wheels, with more than a dozen separate reoccurring guests appearing throughout each of its five seasons.

A Gritty and Compelling Western

Hell on Wheels takes the intercontinental railroad’s muddy history and attaches a compelling narrative to it. The series would see an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2012, and it would frequently secure multiple wins and nominations in the Rosie Awards throughout the rest of its run.

11 Unsolved Mysteries (1987-2010)

12 Seasons

Arguably one of the most popular true-crime shows ever made at over 600 episodes, Unsolved Mysteries continues to capture the inquisitive imaginations of those who partake in its ominous cases. Robert Stack’s tenure on the series is streaming on Tubi, with a total of 12 seasons available to watch. The series sees Stack presenting a variety of bizarre phenomena and mysterious circumstances, with real-life unsolved crimes, missing persons, and even paranormal occurrences being featured in each episode. Updates on existing cases are given on occasion, either presenting a case that has been successfully solved or updating a pending case with new information.

Essential Viewing for True-Crime Fans

Unsolved Mysteries is an iconic series in its own right, not only for its true-crime elements but for the influence it had on the genre as a whole. The show has been credited with drawing attention to some especially prominent criminal cases, even allowing them to be successfully solved in some instances. Robert Stack’s tenure as host is still one of his most recognizable roles as well.

10 Babylon 5 (1993-1998)

5 Seasons

Babylon 5 was one of the most novel productions in television history. Instead of being renewed season-by-season, the entire series was planned out all at once, with almost all 110 episodes written by creator Joseph Michael Straczynski. The result is a series that rivals, if not surpasses, the numerous entries in the Star Trek universe. Set on the space station Babylon 5, this innovative science-fiction series follows the day-to-day operations of its military staff and various intergalactic diplomats, with expansive wars, political intrigue, and personal relationships being the crux of its numerous story arcs. Regular cast members include the likes of Michael O’Hare, Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, and Jerry Doyle.

An Iconic Sci-Fi Series

Babylon 5 would garner significant attention for being one of the first major television shows to adopt digital VFX, in addition to influencing the creation of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Straczynski himself would claim that Babylon 5‘s biggest legacy is its implementation of multi-year story arcs, which are an expected fixture of television dramas nowadays. Its practical makeup effects and cinematography would secure multiple Emmy nominations throughout its original run.

9 Shameless (2004-2013)

11 Seasons

While the American version of the show starring William H. Macy may be more familiar to US audiences, it was the British Shameless that came first. A very British show, it was set in Manchester, and packed with local vibes, British pop culture, and esoteric characters; featuring both boozy proposals and serious drama at the same time. First airing in 2004, it followed the working-class Gallagher family. It depicts the head of the family, Frank Gallagher, as he lives with his children and the various tensions they all experience together, many of which are due to Frank’s alcoholism.

Dive Into Shameless’s British Origins

Widely acclaimed, the show won the BAFTA for Best Drama Series in 2005, and its success and popularity led to the American remake. Packed with high drama, plenty of comedic moments, and great performances all round, it featured the likes of David Threlfall, Anne-Marie Duff, and James MacAvoy.

8 Masters of Horror (2005-2007)

2 Seasons

Masters of Horror was originally a Showtime series that ran for only two seasons. But this relatively obscure series holds a lot of surprises for fans of the horror genre. Masters of Horror is an anthology that sees a litany of horror legends crafting one-off horror films across 26 episodes. Every episode of Masters of Horror is a condensed horror film that runs at around 60 minutes, with no connecting elements found between each installment. Being a Showtime original, you can expect a degree of terror you won’t typically find on basic cable networks.

Prepare For Some Real Scares

Some directors attached to Masters of Horror include popular names like Tobe Hooper, John Landis, and John Carpenter, in addition to international directors like Takashi Miike, Dario Argento, and Peter Medak. Infamous episodes like Takashi Miike’s “Imprint” still regularly make the rounds through disturbing movie discussions, while others provide inventive horror ideas in a similar vein to the V/H/S franchise.

7 ALF (1986-1990)

4 Seasons

An absolute gem of a sitcom from the ’80s, ALF captured the imagination of families all over the world. It deals with a furry alien that crash lands in an average Californian family’s garage. Though the alien’s name is Gordon Shumway, he’s nicknamed “ALF” (Alien Life Form). Staying with the family, the show revolves around his hilarious exploits as they try to hide him from the government while keeping him from eating their cat.

Wonderfully Wholesome Comedy

Funny, wholesome, and packed with nostalgia for a simpler time, ALF is the kind of show that never gets old. Even 38 years since it first aired, it’s still just as entertaining and humorous as ever. Despite one of its star’s off-screen troubles, the show’s legacy remains intact, with Ryan Reynolds reportedly interested in rebooting it.

6 Swamp Thing (2019)

1 Season

Excited for James Gunn’s upcoming Swamp Thing film? Maybe you ought to give 2019’s Swamp Thing a shot while you wait. Originally an exclusive series on the now-defunct DC Universe streaming service, Swamp Thing sees Derek Mears (Alita: Battle Angel, Friday the 13th) playing the role of the titular plant elemental in the swamps of Louisiana, with Crystal Reed (Ghostland, Teen Wolf) playing the opposing role of doctor Abby Arcane. After Arcane returns to her hometown in Louisiana, the sudden death of a scientific colleague leads her to discover a terrifying reality within the south’s murky swamps.

A DC-Horror Hybrid

Swamp Thing is one of the very few times you’ll see DC veer into straightforward horror territory. Its focus on horror and intense practical effects has been a continual point of praise, with some critics noting the series’ focus on staying true to the source material. Though it was cut down before getting a second season, there’s still a lot to like in DC’s Swamp Thing.

5 Blue Mountain State (2010-2011)

3 Seasons

This cult-classic comedy originally started as an original series on Spike — now Paramount Network — before gaining prominence on streaming. Blue Mountain State is a satirical spin on college football life, taking place at the titular fictional university. Though most of our main characters play on a football team, the sport is often brushed aside for the less-than-glamorous culture surrounding it. It’s a series that may draw comparisons to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia for its hilarious cruelty.

A Savage Over-the-Top Comedy

Blue Mountain State wholly embraces the kind of raunchy humor found in films like American Pie, winking at the audience with its overly crass elements. Some of its stars include Denise Richards, Alan Ritchson (now known for Reacher), and Darin Brooks. Its popularity would even lead to the successful creation of a crowd-funded film, Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland, in 2016.

4 Kitchen Nightmares (2007-2023)

6 Seasons

With Kitchen Nightmares returning to television, there’s no better time to catch up on Gordon Ramsay’s famous cooking series. Kitchen Nightmares sees Ramsay visiting struggling restaurants throughout the United States. Whether it’s difficult management, gross food, or a combination of both, Ramsay evaluates what needs to be fixed before re-opening the eatery to the public. Both the US and UK versions of Kitchen Nightmares are available on Tubi, in addition to the similar series 24 Hours to Hell and Back.

Iconic For So Many Reasons

Kitchen Nightmares is a series primarily carried by its over-the-top editing, quotable moments, and memorable dishes. The series has since become something of an internet meme, with several viral clips permeating internet discourse ever since their initial airing. An official 2023 revival has officially brought the series back once more, cementing its legacy as a culinary staple on television.

3 Highlander: The Series (1992-1998)

6 Seasons

As an alternate sequel to the hit 1986 film, Highlander: The Series followed Duncan MacLeod, a member of the Macleod clan, made famous by the film. As an immortal, he and other immortals all seek “the prize”. With the ability to sense each other, the life of an immortal is a constant struggle to fight others of their kind in a bid to be the only one remaining.

Is Immortality a Curse or a Blessing?

Playing off reality by tracing the idea of the immortals back to the ancient families of the Scottish Highlands, the show and the concept itself are filled with other novelties, like the fact that the immortals were regularly struck down in other ways, but could never truly die unless beheaded. That set it up for plenty of death scenes and sword fights that saw Duncan grow stronger with every other immortal he defeats and beheads, ultimately absorbing their strength as he grows ever closer to being the only one. Fans of the franchise will be thrilled to know that the franchise is being rebooted, with Henry Cavill confirmed for the role.

2 Spartacus (2010-2013)

4 Seasons

Spartacus was one of the most impressive original shows on Starz, lasting for a total of four seasons throughout the early 2010s. Inspired by the real-life historical figure of the same name, this Steven S. DeKnight series tells the story of Spartacus (Andy Whitfield), a gladiator who led a rebellious uprising against the Roman Republic in the early first century. Due to Whitfield’s tragic passing after the first season, a prequel season and follow-up seasons would see Dustin Clare and Liam McIntyre taking up the role of our central protagonist. Additional cast members include John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Viva Bianca, Erin Cummings, and Manu Bennett.

A Sprawling and Epic Roman Tale

Spartacus drew significant praise not only for the performance of the late Andy Whitfield, but also for the quality of its writing, its adherence to historical events, and its impressive fight scenes. Several actors, especially Lucy Lawless, would receive award nominations for their performances. Spartacus would even snag an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Stunt Coordination, a testament to its endlessly entertaining action scenes dotted throughout the later seasons.

1 Luther (2010-2019)

5 Seasons

Luther is arguably one of the most popular shows in the United Kingdom. Idris Elba stars as our eponymous John Luther, a passionate detective who occasionally veers too far into solving his grisly cases. Though he’s dedicated to his police work, his passion may ultimately be what does him in once he goes toe-to-toe with a malicious murderer named Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson). Dermot Crowley, Andy Serkis, Rose Leslie, and Michael Smiley are featured throughout each of Luther‘s five seasons.

A Delicious Crime Drama

Luther wouldn’t be what it is without the dramatic performance of Idris Elba. The series is carried by his complex depiction of John Luther, with Elba securing several award wins across the NAACP Image Awards and Golden Globes. Though he wouldn’t nab an Emmy for his performance, Elba would be nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries on four separate occasions.