The Best Music TV Shows on Free Services

What it's about: After an unusual event, Zoey Clarke, a whip-smart computer coder forging her way in San Francisco, suddenly starts to hear the innermost wants, thoughts and desires of the people around her through popular songs.

Where to Watch: 14 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Peacock & NBC). 14 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu, Peacock Premium, fuboTV & 1 other). 14 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).

What it's about: Join RuPaul, the world's most famous drag queen, as the host, mentor and judge for the ultimate in drag queen competitions. The top drag queens in the U.S. will vie for drag stardom as RuPaul, in full glamazon drag, will reign supreme in all judging and eliminations while helping guide the contestants as they prepare for each challenge.

Where to Watch: 149 episodes (81%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video, Hulu, Philo & 3 others). 40 episodes (22%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1 & Logo). 177 episodes (97%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: A four-part documentary series that tells the stories of Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre -- one the son of a Brooklyn longshoreman, the other straight out of Compton - -- and their improbable partnership and surprising leading roles in a series of transformative events in contemporary culture.

Where to Watch: 4 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Peacock). 4 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a subscription service (HBO). 4 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Kousei Arima was a genius pianist until his mother's sudden death took away his ability to play. Each day was dull for Kousei. But, then he meets a violinist named Kaori Miyazono who has an eccentric playing style. Can the heartfelt sounds of the girl's violin lead the boy to play the piano again?

Where to Watch: 22 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 22 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Netflix, HBO MAX & 2 others).

What it's about: Smash is an American musical drama television series created by playwright Theresa Rebeck and developed by Robert Greenblatt for NBC. Steven Spielberg served as one of the executive producers. The series was broadcast in the US by NBC and produced by DreamWorks Television and Universal Television. The series revolves around a fictional New York theater community and specifically the creation of a new Broadway musical. It features a large ensemble cast, led by Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Katharine McPhee, Christian Borle, Megan Hilty, Jeremy Jordan, and Anjelica Huston. The show debuted on February 6, 2012, and its first season ended on May 14, 2012. Its second and final season premiered on February 5, 2013 and ended on May 26, 2013. NBC announced a change in their lineup in March 2013 and moved the show to Saturdays starting April 6, 2013. The series was officially cancelled on May 10, 2013. Second and final season executive producer/show runner Josh Safran said the final episode of season two would work as a series finale, should the series not be renewed.The series, particularly the pilot episode, enjoyed some critical success. The first season received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography amongst 4 nominations. The series was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Where to Watch: 32 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (NBC). 32 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: The played chord made the rusty air and both our eardrums vibrate smoothly. From that moment... our music was born.

Where to Watch: 11 episodes (92%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll).

What it's about: Naota is a normal Japanese 6th grade boy although a little cynical. When his older brother leaves for America to play baseball, his brother leaves his 17 year old girlfriend Mamimi behind. Mamimi is sending mixed signals and make advances on Naota, and he doesn't know what to do about her. But to make matters worse, Naota's world is totally turned upside down when he is run over by a woman on a Vespa. During their first encounter, she hits him over the head with her guitar, which then causes a horn to grow out of his forehead. She calls herself "Haruko" and her presence changes Naota's life to even further insanity.

Where to Watch: 18 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Adult Swim). 6 episodes (33%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu & Funimation). 6 episodes (33%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).

What it's about: An insider's look at the reckless, romantic, funny, and often poignant lives of a committed group of "roadies," who live for music and the de facto family they've formed along the way.

Where to Watch: 10 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Tubi).

What it's about: Angel Beats takes place in the afterlife and focuses on Otonashi, a boy who lost his memories of his life after dying. He is enrolled into the afterlife school and meets a girl named Yuri who invites him to join the Afterlife Battlefront — an organization she leads which fights against God. The Battlefront fight against the student council president Angel, a girl with supernatural powers.

Where to Watch: 13 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 13 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Netflix, Prime Video & Funimation). 13 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 3 services (Google Play, Prime Video & YouTube).

What it's about: Metalocalypse is an American animated television series, created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha, which premiered on August 6, 2006 on Adult Swim. The television program centers around the larger than life death metal band Dethklok, and often portrays dark and macabre content, including such subjects as violence, death, and the drawbacks of fame, with extremely hyperbolic black humor; which accounts for the cartoon's consistent TV-MA rating. The show can be seen as both a parody and celebration of heavy metal culture. The music, written by guitarist/creator Brendon Small, is credited to the band, and is featured in most of the episodes. The animation is often carefully synced to the music, with the chord positions and fingering of the guitar parts shown in some detail.One of the trademarks of the show is having the usual "bleeps" for extreme profanity replaced by pinch harmonics.

Where to Watch: 5 episodes (8%) are available to watch free online (Adult Swim). 60 episodes (92%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX & Hulu). 5 episodes (8%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (Adult Swim). 62 episodes (95%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).

What it's about: The strongest vocalists from across the United states compete in a blockbusters vocal competition, the winner becomes “The Voice.” The show's innovative format features four stages of competition: the blind auditions, the battle rounds, the knockouts and, finally, the live performance shows.

Where to Watch: 6 episodes (2%) are available to watch free online (NBC). 20 episodes (6%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 17 episodes (5%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (NBC).

What it's about: Biography of the singers who formed the hit Motown musical act, The Temptations.

Where to Watch: 2 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Tubi, PlutoTV & Vudu).

What it's about: Set in Memphis during the tumultuous early days of the civil rights movement, Sun Records tells the untold story of nothing less than the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Guided by Sam Phillips, young musicians like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis combined the styles of hillbilly country with the 1950s R&B sound created by artists like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Fats Domino and Ike Turner, and changed the course of music forever. The series chronicles the young artists’ often jarring and sudden meteoric rise to fame in the face of sweeping political change and social unrest.

Where to Watch: 1 episodes (13%) are available to watch free online (CMT). 7 episodes (88%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (CMT). 8 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Otonokizaka High School stands on the border of three cities: Akihabara—a pop culture mecca that's evolving by the minute; Kanda—a conservative, cultured city where history and tradition reign supreme; and Jinbo—a quiet area reserved for a more mature, sophisticated population. Amidst this culture clash, the school now faces closure due to the enrollment of fewer and fewer students. With the school planning to close within three years, nine female students come together with one thing in mind—form a pop idol group to revive the school's popularity and keep it from shutting down. "In order to protect our beloved school, there's only one thing we can do... become pop stars!" Their goal is simple: Become an overnight sensation and use their nationwide media exposure to promote their school and bring in a wave of new students to the ailing area.

Where to Watch: 28 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Tubi & Crunchyroll). 13 episodes (46%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Funimation). 26 episodes (93%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 2 services (Google Play & YouTube).

What it's about: When people think of the hip hop life, they think of the players - the men who shape the music and the blinged-out lifestyle that comes with success. The fact is the hip hop life is different for the women involved: the spouses, girlfriends or artists trying to define themselves in a world where men are still calling the shots.

Where to Watch: 1 episodes (1%) are available to watch free online (VH1). 122 episodes (87%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Philo, fuboTV, CBS All Access & 2 others). 15 episodes (11%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1). 141 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: Kids on the Slope is a Japanese manga series by Yuki Kodama. An anime television series adaptation of the same name aired in 2012. It is directed by Shinichirō Watanabe at MAPPA and Tezuka Productions with music provided by acclaimed composer Yoko Kanno, reuniting the two who previously worked together on Macross Plus and Cowboy Bebop. The anime has been licensed in North America by Sentai Filmworks.

Where to Watch: 12 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 12 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 1 service (iTunes).

What it's about: Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta is the Atlanta based spin-off of Love & Hip Hop. It premiered on June 18, 2012, on VH1 and chronicles the lives of several women who are involved with hip hop. The second season premiered on April 22, 2013, with new cast members: Atlanta DJ and radio personality Traci Steele plus DJ Babey Drew, Traci's ex and father of their son Little Drew.

Where to Watch: 1 episodes (1%) are available to watch free online (VH1). 132 episodes (84%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu, Philo, fuboTV & 3 others). 8 episodes (5%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1). 157 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: A typical morning. The usual music. Their normal lives. The peace these seven girls experience will suddenly be destroyed. By the living dead... zombies. A reality that they never wanted a part of, an amazing and terrifying zombie world. They all share one wish: "We want to live." These girls will struggle through this saga, in order to achieve a miracle.

Where to Watch: 11 episodes (92%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 12 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Crunchyroll Premium & Funimation). 12 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 3 services (Google Play, Prime Video & YouTube).

What it's about: The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet is an American sitcom, airing on ABC from October 3, 1952 through March 26, 1966, starring the real life Nelson family. After a long run on radio, the show was brought to television where it continued its success, running on both radio and television for a few years. The series stars Ozzie Nelson and his wife, singer Harriet Nelson, and their young sons, David and Eric "Ricky" Nelson. Don DeFore had a recurring role as the Nelsons' friendly neighbor "Thorny". Currently, reruns of the show are broadcast on local Christian television channel in Florida, "Good Life 45" and on Retro Television Network.

Where to Watch: 11 episodes (3%) are available to watch free online (Tubi). 136 episodes (31%) are available to stream on a subscription service (IndieFlix & Best Ever). 13 episodes (3%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 1 service (Prime Video).

What it's about: That Metal Show is a talk show hosted by Eddie Trunk with co-hosts Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson. It premiered on VH1 Classic on November 15, 2008. New episodes air on VH1 Classic on Saturday nights and are rebroadcast throughout the week.Discussions on the show focus on "all things hard rock and heavy metal", past and present. Among the regular segments are round table discussions between the three regular hosts, top-5 debates, interviews with heavy metal musicians, "Stump the Trunk," where audience members ask provided trivia questions of host Eddie Trunk in hopes of acquiring prizes, and "The Throwdown," where the hosts and guests vote on and debate great moments and figures in metal history. The guitar & bass-heavy theme song, "Day to Remember" was co-written by co-host Jim Florentine and Guns N' Roses lead guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and performed by Thal. The intro to "Stump the Trunk" was composed by Mark Fain.

Where to Watch: 2 episodes (2%) are available to watch free online (VH1). 71 episodes (54%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1). 12 episodes (9%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Off the Air is an American anthology television series on Adult Swim. Its a collection of psychedelic and visually complex animation, art, and culture. The show is created by editor Dave Hughes, and produced by Hughes' company, Million Monkeys Inc.

Where to Watch: 27 episodes (69%) are available to watch free online (Adult Swim). 35 episodes (90%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (HBO MAX). 3 episodes (8%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (Adult Swim).

What it's about: Story about an unexpected plane crash that causes a widespread panic in South Korea due to the disappearance of nine people, including some influential figures in the entertainment industry. Seo Joon O used to be a popular singer, but he isn't popular anymore. Now, he works as a reporter for a TV entertainment show. He and his stylist Ra Bong-Hee land on a deserted island.

Where to Watch: 16 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Tubi).

What it's about: Her life reads like a country music tune: her husband cheated on her and spent all of their money, and after she gets mad, she's going to get even.

Where to Watch: 18 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (ABC). 18 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Hip Hop Squares is an American television game show hosted by New York radio personality Peter Rosenberg, which debuted on MTV2 on May 22, 2012. The show's format is similar to Hollywood Squares, but with a more "urban" theme. The show is taped in Brooklyn, New York.

Where to Watch: 5 episodes (10%) are available to watch free online (VH1). 36 episodes (73%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1).

What it's about: Now the longest-running music series in American television history, ACL showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre.

Where to Watch: 37 episodes (10%) are available to watch free online (PBS).

What it's about: Rhyme and her friends - known by their 'ship name, "The Chicken Girls" - have been dancing together forever. But this year, everything's changing.

Where to Watch: 52 episodes (63%) are available to watch free online (Tubi & PlutoTV). 53 episodes (65%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video). 53 episodes (65%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 1 service (Prime Video).

What it's about: Yuu Haruna, a loner and an avid Twitter user, has just transferred to a new school in Tokyo. He ends up befriending a unique high school girl named Fuuka Akitsuki, despite some initial conflict, and the two wind up forming a band together with their classmates. Their relationship becomes strained however when Koyuki Hinashi, Yuu's childhood friend who has become a popular idol, contacts Yuu on Twitter and attempts to rekindle long lost feelings.

Where to Watch: 12 episodes (52%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 12 episodes (52%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Funimation).

What it's about: Since she was very young, Kasumi Toyama has always been searching for the "Star Beat", a sparkling and exciting sound she heard while looking up at the night sky. Just after getting into high school, Kasumi comes across a "star-shaped guitar" in the storage area of an old pawn shop. Feeling a rush and excitement she has never felt before, Kasumi teams up with four other girls and embarks on a journey to seek out the shiny place. We promise to perform a live here!

Where to Watch: 26 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll).

What it's about: THE IDOLM@STER follows 13 girls from the 765 Production Studio, whose sole goals is to become the top idols in the Japanese entertainment industry. Along with the laughs, struggles and tears that are inherently part of this journey, you will cheer for the girls of iDOLM@STER as they climb their way to the top!

Where to Watch: 25 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll).

What it's about: Set in Atlanta’s hip hop scene, The Rap Game follow five young hip hop artists, ages 12 to 16 years old, as they work with Dupri and special guests such as Usher, Ludacris, Da Brat, T.I. and Silentó, to become the next big, young rap star.

Where to Watch: 55 episodes (98%) are available to watch free online (Tubi, PlutoTV & Lifetime). 55 episodes (98%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Netflix & Philo). 2 episodes (4%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (Lifetime). 56 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: Two musicians who retired from their musical careers for different reasons join together with a demanding and difficult genius conductor to form an orchestra against all odds. Although it requires a lot of hard work to form their orchestra, they keep chasing their dreams of doing what they love the most in the world and this gives them great satisfaction. Three young and old people with different personalities and life experiences gather together under a common dream and they find love and the room to forgive each other as they eventually earn each other’s respect.

Where to Watch: 18 episodes (95%) are available to watch free online (Tubi).

What it's about: There are many idols with long-established talent agency 346 Production. And now the company is starting a new program, the Cinderella Project! Girls leading normal lives are chosen to be aspiring idols and see another world for the first time in this Cinderella story. Can they all climb the stairs that lead to the palace? The magic begins now...

Where to Watch: 25 episodes (83%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll).

What it's about: During a concert by idol group ZweiWing, an alien force known as the Noise attack the stage. Group members Tsubasa Kazanari and Kanade Amou suppress the attack using their Symphogear armor, but despite their best efforts, innocent bystander Hibiki Tachibana is fatally injured. Distraught and much to Tsubasa's dismay, Kanade sacrifices herself in the process to save Hibiki.Two years later, Hibiki lives on. Tsubasa now fights alone. With the threat of the Noise increasing, Hibiki finds herself encountering the Noise once again but this time she is granted a chance to become attuned with the same Symphogear that Kanade wielded.

Where to Watch: 60 episodes (94%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 1 episodes (2%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Crunchyroll Premium).

What it's about: Reality show following the daily life of the fabulous K Michelle. Through her busy schedule, heartbreaks, and friend drama, Kimberly always finds a way to come out on top be turning her pain into music.

Where to Watch: 1 episodes (4%) are available to watch free online (VH1). 24 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a subscription service (BET+). 23 episodes (96%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1). 24 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Vernon Brownmule, aka "Burnin' Vernon," is a scandal-ridden, washed-up, one-hit-wonder who was kicked out of country music, only to emerge 20 years later as the second best Elvis impersonator around. After crashing into an old country church sign during a drunken bender, he is arrested and sentenced to return and serve as the church's handyman as part of his parole. Along the way, he pretends to be the congregation's new minister and reconnects with a former one-night-stand, when he learns he has a 15-year-old daughter he's never met.

Where to Watch: 1 episodes (4%) are available to watch free online (CMT). 13 episodes (50%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Philo & fuboTV). 25 episodes (96%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (CMT). 26 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Centers on a rough-edged musician Craig, who's adjusting to his new life as a music teacher in a big-city middle school where he encounters teacher politics and the temptations of single moms.

Where to Watch: 6 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Peacock). 6 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).

What it's about: Dr. Siri Sat Sam Singh sits down to speak with musicians from the world of rap, rock, pop, dancehall and EDM to discover what lies beneath their public personas.

Where to Watch: 1 episodes (5%) are available to watch free online (Viceland). 19 episodes (86%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (Viceland). 22 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: An elite class of idols come together to form the next generation of musical talent!

Where to Watch: 9 episodes (75%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 9 episodes (75%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Funimation).

What it's about: Showtime at the Apollo is a syndicated music television show, first broadcast on September 12, 1987 to May 24, 2008 with 1093 episodes, and is produced by the Apollo Theater. The show features live performances from both professional and up-and-coming artists, and also features the Amateur Night competition made popular at the famous Apollo Theater in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, where the show is recorded.While there is also a live version of the show every Wednesday, the taped version of the show for television usually airs on weekends.

Where to Watch: 5 episodes (12%) are available to watch free online (FOX). 12 episodes (29%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 7 episodes (17%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (FOX).

What it's about: The Billboard Music Awards is sponsored by Billboard magazine. BMAs honors winners based on Billboard's year-end music charts, which are based on Nielsen data for sales, downloads and airplay. Awards were given for the top album/artist/single in every genre.

Where to Watch: 2 episodes (7%) are available to watch free online (NBC).

What it's about: Tsubasa is a new hire in the A&R department of the major recording company Gandala Music. Tsubasa is immediately assigned to oversee the idol unit "B-PROJECT," which is made up of three idol groups: Kitakore, Thrive, and MooNs. This is Tsubasa's first job, and she gets involved in various incidents and accidents as she deals with this group of young men who each have their own differing personalities.

Where to Watch: 23 episodes (96%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 1 episodes (4%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Crunchyroll Premium).

What it's about: The series features over 30 virtual YouTubers or VTubers — characters popularized via videos on streaming services and user-generated content sites.Each episode will be an omnibus of segments, each highlighting different VTubers. The series will stream on Niconico Live and Periscope simultaneously with the television broadcast.

Where to Watch: 11 episodes (92%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 1 episodes (8%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Crunchyroll Premium).