How to Find Old TV Shows That No Longer Air

Stuck on what to watch and can't find your favorite old TV shows anymore? Don't worry, there are still plenty of options to explore. This guide will help you discover where to find your lost classics on various platforms and through unique methods.

Museums with Broadcast Archives

For a deeply insightful experience, consider visiting a museum in Los Angeles. While the institution might not have a widely recognized name, it houses a vast archive of television broadcasts that you can watch on-site. This is a rare opportunity to see history in action, backed by a dedicated institution.

Library DVDs

Another convenient option is to explore your local library. Many libraries offer various DVD collections, including classic television series. You can check these out to enjoy on your own time and at no cost. It's a great way to support your community and find hidden gems in your local lending system.

Streaming Services

While not all streaming services feature the shows you're looking for, many do have extensive libraries. For instance, I'm using a popular TV streaming service that offers a plethora of episodes from shows that aired before I was even born. Even on a service that combines both Netflix and Showmax, I couldn't find the shows I was searching for, but discovering these on my current streaming service was a pleasant surprise.

Bundles of Old Shows

There are specialized services like "Friendly TV" that offer a bundle of 49 different streaming channels for a yearly price of $89.95—a much better deal than a single month's subscription to Comcast. These channels showcase old classics such as "Gunsmoke," "Leave It to Beaver," and "The Waltons," as well as networks like Lifetime, Hallmark, and the History Channel.

Google and YouTube

If you're looking for a specific old TV show, you can usually find it by asking Google. For a more general search, consider checking YouTube. Many old TV shows have been uploaded to the platform, either as complete series or individual episodes. Simply use the search feature to find what you need.

YouTube Downloads

For those who prefer downloading, you can use the YouTube Downloader app to search for episodes of the TV show you're interested in. If you don't find what you're looking for, consider using an alternative app like Video Mate. Both tools can be found in the app store and are effective for downloading content from YouTube.

Steps to Download Old TV Shows from YouTube

Use Google to find the index of the TV series you're interested in. The search term should look like "index of TV series name." Open the first link from the search results. In most cases, the first result will be the link you need to download the episodes. Download and enjoy your show. If you encounter any issues, mention them in the comments section for assistance.

By using these methods, you can successfully track down and enjoy old TV shows that no longer air on traditional channels. Whether it's via libraries, streaming services, or YouTube, there are plenty of resources available to satisfy your cravings for classic television.