Exploring Free Streaming Options: Introducing Rakuten TV
With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus, many people are spending significant amounts each year to access their favorite shows. However, not all streaming services require a monthly subscription. There are several free streaming services that offer extensive libraries of films and TV shows, making them an attractive option for those looking to save money.
Among these services, Tubi and Pluto are well-known, but there is another platform that is less familiar: Rakuten TV. This service operates as a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform, allowing users to watch TV channels and shows without paying a subscription fee. Instead, users will encounter advertisements as a trade-off for not providing their financial details.
Rakuten TV offers more than 10,000 titles, including live channels across various genres such as sports, lifestyle, cooking, crime, mystery, reality, and news. What sets Rakuten apart from other free streamers is the ability to buy or rent the latest film and TV releases directly on the platform. This means you can pay to watch your preferred content without the need for an additional subscription fee.
Some popular titles available on Rakuten include House of the Dragon and The Last of Us, with one season costing £14.99. While the free-to-stream options may not be as widely known or popular as the paid-for titles, they are perfect for those seeking nostalgic content.
Caroline Westbrook, a writer who has used Rakuten before, shared her thoughts on the platform: “If nostalgia is your thing, then you can’t go far wrong here. Want to dive into some Baywatch? Vintage episodes of 21 Jump Street? You’ve come to the right place. And there’s no shortage of British TV favourites either, with the likes of Hell’s Kitchen, Pointless and even classic episodes of The Graham Norton Show.”
However, if it’s the latest blockbusters you’re after, you’ll have to pay. While you can watch movies like Final Destination: Bloodlines and the Minecraft movie, you’ll need to pay for the privilege. The free movies are somewhat limited and obscure compared to the paid offerings, but there are still some familiar titles mixed in, along with a few box office gems.
Rakuten also adds new free-to-watch content regularly, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the platform as new titles may appear unexpectedly.
What to Watch on Rakuten TV
Several TV series are available for free on Rakuten, including the apocalyptic horror series Z Nation, the Channel 5 drama Clink set in a women’s prison, and the sci-fi series Sanctuary. Additionally, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen is also available for free.
Free on-demand films include the 2018 romcom I Feel Pretty starring Amy Schumer, the hit mystery thriller Gone Girl, the critically acclaimed Tangerine, and 2000s classics like Just My Luck and Bring It On.
TV shows that have their own linear channels, meaning episodes run back-to-back at all hours of the day, include Kim’s Convenience, Mr Bean, Ninja Warrior, Great British Menu, Andromeda, and The Graham Norton Show.
On the Rakuten TV store, users can rent or buy early home releases of films such as Final Destination: Bloodlines, The Amateur featuring Rami Malek, and The Salt Path with Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. These popular titles generally cost £15.99 to rent or £19.99 to buy, while older titles are available for less.
How to Watch Rakuten TV
Rakuten TV is compatible with a wide range of smart TVs, including models from Samsung, LG, Philips, Hisense, Panasonic, and Sony. The app is also available on Chromecast, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and TiVo. A mobile app is also available, or users can watch on a browser by visiting rakuten.tv.
To rent or buy titles, you’ll need to register for a free account, although this isn’t necessary to watch the free on-demand content or live TV. Registered users enjoy additional benefits, including access to a wishlist function and a library that stores bought or rented content. You can also watch on up to three devices simultaneously with an account.
