The best sites to watch online TV series for free in India in 2026 are legal, ad-supported platforms: Amazon MX Player, Prasar Bharati’s WAVES, the free tier of JioHotstar and official channels on YouTube. They cost nothing, run on phones and smart TVs, and do not put your data at risk the way pirate streaming sites often do.
An earlier version of this article listed sites such as 123Movies, Fmovies and Soap2Day. We have removed them. These sites stream films and shows without permission from the people who own them, which is piracy, and as our original article also noted, many of them are unsafe for personal data. This updated guide sticks to services you can use with a clear conscience.
Free TV series sites in India: quick comparison
| Platform | Run by | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon MX Player | Amazon | Free with ads | Hindi web series, dubbed international shows |
| WAVES | Prasar Bharati | Free | Live TV channels, regional content |
| JioHotstar (free tier) | JioStar | Free ad-supported version plus paid plans | Limited free content, wider paid catalogue |
| YouTube | Free with ads | Official channel uploads, older shows |
Best sites to watch online TV series for free, legally
1. Amazon MX Player
Amazon MX Player is a free, ad-supported streaming service. It began in May 2021 as Amazon miniTV and merged with MX Player in 2024. Amazon says it now serves about 250 million users in India, and you do not need a paid subscription to watch.
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Its catalogue includes web series such as Ek Badnaam Aashram, Campus Diaries, Jamnapaar, Half CA, Bhaukaal, Raktanchal and Sixer, along with reality shows and films. International shows are dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu under the MX Vdesi label.
Where to watch: inside the Amazon shopping app, on Amazon.in in a laptop browser, on Fire TV and connected TVs, through the Google Play Store and in the Prime Video app.
2. WAVES by Prasar Bharati
WAVES is the public broadcaster’s free OTT platform, launched at the 55th International Film Festival of India in Goa in November 2024. It offers video on demand, live TV streaming with 65 live channels, and radio streaming.
Content is available in more than 12 languages, including Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi and Assamese. The app is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, and Storyboard18 reported that it crossed one million downloads.
3. JioHotstar (free version)
JioHotstar was formed on 14 February 2025, when JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar merged in India. It is owned by JioStar, a joint venture between Reliance, Viacom18 and Disney.
Most premium shows and live sports need a paid plan, but the service also runs a free, ad-supported version. It is worth checking what is available on the free version before you subscribe.
4. YouTube
YouTube is the simplest free option. Many studios, TV networks and creators run official channels where they upload full episodes, older series, short films and original web shows. Look for verified channel badges to make sure you are watching an authorised upload.
Videos play with ads. A paid YouTube Premium plan removes them, but it is optional.
Why you should avoid pirate streaming sites
Sites like the ones in our old list may look convenient, but they carry real risks.
- They are illegal: they stream content without the rights holder’s permission, which is copyright infringement.
- They are unsafe: pop-up ads and fake download buttons can lead to malware, phishing pages or unwanted subscriptions.
- They keep changing: pirate sites are often blocked and reappear under new web addresses, so links that work today may lead somewhere harmful tomorrow.
- They hurt creators: the actors, writers and technicians behind your favourite shows lose income when viewers skip legal platforms.
Tips to stream free shows safely
- Download apps only from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Do not enter card or bank details on any site that claims to be free.
- Use a free account only where the platform is official, such as Amazon or Prasar Bharati.
- If you want a single paid service, compare plans on the official websites first, since prices change often.
Free versus paid streaming
Free platforms are good for catching up on popular Hindi web series, regional programmes and older content. Paid plans on services such as JioHotstar, Netflix or Prime Video give you new releases, fewer ads and higher video quality. Many viewers mix both: one paid service plus free platforms for everything else.
For more app and gadget guides, see our technology section. Reviews of shows and films are in our entertainment section.
Further reading: TechiDroid.
Frequently asked questions
Which app is best to watch web series for free in India?
Amazon MX Player is one of the best free options. It is ad-supported, needs no subscription and carries popular Hindi web series such as Ek Badnaam Aashram and Bhaukaal.
Is WAVES OTT free?
Yes. WAVES, launched by Prasar Bharati in November 2024, is a free streaming app with live TV, video on demand and radio in more than 12 languages.
Is it legal to watch shows on sites like 123Movies?
No. Such sites stream content without permission from the rights holders, which is piracy. They can also expose your device and data to malware.
Can I watch JioHotstar for free?
JioHotstar has a free, ad-supported version with limited content. Most premium shows and live sport need a paid plan.
Sources: About Amazon India: Amazon MX Player, India Currents on WAVES, Wikipedia: JioHotstar.
