The Best Music TV Shows on Free Services

What it's about: In 2071, roughly fifty years after an accident with a hyperspace gateway made the Earth almost uninhabitable, humanity has colonized most of the rocky planets and moons of the Solar System. Amid a rising crime rate, the Inter Solar System Police (ISSP) set up a legalized contract system, in which registered bounty hunters (also referred to as "Cowboys") chase criminals and bring them in alive in return for a reward.

Where to Watch: 26 episodes (96%) are available to watch free online (Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Tubi TV & 1 other). 26 episodes (96%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 26 episodes (96%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Rebecca Bunch is a successful, driven, and possibly crazy young woman who impulsively gives up everything - her partnership at a prestigious law firm and her upscale apartment in Manhattan - in a desperate attempt to find love and happiness in that exotic hotbed of romance and adventure: suburban West Covina, California.

Where to Watch: 5 episodes (8%) are available to watch free online (The CW). 62 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Netflix). 62 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 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: 21 episodes (14%) are available to watch free online (Logo & VH1). 40 episodes (26%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1 & Logo). 151 episodes (97%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 7 services (iTunes, Google Play & 5 others).

What it's about: Mugen is a ferocious, animalistic warrior with a fighting style inspired by break-dancing. Jin is a ronin samurai who wanders the countryside alone. They may not be friends, but their paths continually cross. And when ditzy waitress Fuu gets them out of hot water with the local magistrate, they agree to join her search for the "samurai who smells of sunflowers."

Where to Watch: 26 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Sony Crackle, Tubi TV & Yahoo View). 26 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 26 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).

What it's about: A powerful family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.

Where to Watch: 14 episodes (17%) are available to watch free online (FOX & Yahoo View). 84 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 29 episodes (35%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (FOX). 84 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 8 services (iTunes, Google Play & 6 others).

What it's about: Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes face personal and professional challenges as they navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them, and often complicating their lives, are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers, as well as the up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business. In Nashville, musicians and songwriters are at the heart of the storm driven by their own ambitions. Some are fueled by their creativity and passion for fame. Others struggle to cope with the pressures of success and are doing everything in their power to stay on top.

Where to Watch: 5 episodes (4%) are available to watch free online (Yahoo View). 124 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video & Hulu). 16 episodes (13%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (CMT). 124 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 8 services (iTunes, Google Play & 6 others).

What it's about: A 12-year old boy named Naota one day meets a strange woman, riding a Vespa and wielding a big guitar. As soon as she appears, mysterious things start happening.

Where to Watch: 16 episodes (84%) are available to watch free online (Adult Swim & Yahoo View). 6 episodes (32%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 2 episodes (11%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (Adult Swim). 6 episodes (32%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 3 services (iTunes, Google Play & Prime Video).

What it's about: A late night television talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien.

Where to Watch: 4 episodes (0%) are available to watch free online (Team Coco). 9 episodes (0%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Netflix). 191 episodes (10%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (TBS). 46 episodes (2%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

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: 60 episodes (95%) are available to watch free online (Adult Swim). 1 episodes (2%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 62 episodes (98%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 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 8 services (iTunes, Google Play & 6 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 & Hulu).

What it's about: Star is a tough-as-nails young woman who came up in the foster care system and decides one day to take control of her destiny. She tracks down her sister, Simone, and her Instagram bestie, Alexandra, and together, the trio journeys to Atlanta with the hope of becoming music superstars.

Where to Watch: 11 episodes (23%) are available to watch free online (FOX & Yahoo View). 48 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 29 episodes (60%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (FOX). 48 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 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: 5 episodes (1%) are available to watch free online (NBC & Yahoo View). 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: Four teenage friends move from Minneapolis to Los Angeles to form a potential chart-topping boy band after Kendall is inadvertently discovered by an eccentric record executive, Gustavo Rocque. As they seize this opportunity of a lifetime, these friends embark on an exciting comedy and music-filled journey to prove to themselves and their record label that they are serious about their new career choice.

Where to Watch: 2 episodes (3%) are available to watch free online (Nick). 72 episodes (96%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video & Hulu). 3 episodes (4%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (Nick). 72 episodes (96%) are available to rent or buy from $0.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Prime Video & 3 others).

What it's about: Each year, hopeful singers from all over the country audition to be part of one of the biggest shows in American television history. Who will become the new American Idol?

Where to Watch: 36 episodes (6%) are available to watch free online (ABC & Yahoo View). 36 episodes (6%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 1 episodes (0%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (ABC).

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 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: Rock n' Roll may never die, but the Sakuragoaka Girl's High School Light Music Club might not be here to stay unless would-be drummer Ritsu Tainaka can find three more members to replace the graduated seniors. Determined to see that the beat goes on, Ritsu can get a little help from her friend Mio Akiyama on bass, and together they might be able to convince choir-inclined Tsumugi Kotobuki to join on the keyboards. But even then, they'll still need a hero, preferably of the juke-box variety with stars in her eyes. Instead they find Yui Hirasawa, who's looking for a club to join and who's never held a guitar in her life. But when Yui does pick up a beat-up six-string, it feels good in her hands, and it doesn't take long to understand that maybe she's finally found a place where she belongs. Because you can't stop the music when four girls share a dream, even if it's something as crazy as someday playing at the famous Budokan. It's going to be a long and winding road, but if they find their passion and follow their muse, they could go anywhere in K-ON!

Where to Watch: 40 episodes (95%) are available to watch free online (Yahoo View). 40 episodes (95%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 37 episodes (88%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).

What it's about: A working class high school drama department and the students come alive under a passionate teacher and family man whose dedication to the program galvanizes the entire town.

Where to Watch: 10 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Yahoo View). 10 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 10 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (NBC). 10 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Prime Video & 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 & Yahoo View). 12 episodes (100%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 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). 15 episodes (10%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1). 144 episodes (99%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 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). 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 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 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: 30 episodes (97%) are available to watch free online (Adult Swim & YouTube).

What it's about: A group of rule-abiding prep school students – Zack, Lawrence, Freddy, Summer and Tomika – learn to take risks and reach new heights thanks to substitute teacher Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck musician who uses the language of rock ‘n’ roll to inspire his class to form a secret band. Throughout the school year, these middle-school classmates find themselves navigating relationships, discovering their unknown talents and learning lessons on loyalty and friendships.

Where to Watch: 4 episodes (9%) are available to watch free online (Nick). 45 episodes (98%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 46 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: The school idol project is set at a school between Tokyo's Akihabara, Kanda, and Jinbouchou neighbourhoods. The school faces the danger of being streamlined out of existence, so nine of its female students decide to become idols to protect their school and boost attendance.

Where to Watch: 28 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll & Tubi TV). 13 episodes (46%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video). 26 episodes (93%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Jonas, previously promoted as "J.O.N.A.S.", is a Disney Channel Original Series created by Roger S. H. Schulman and Michael Curtis, starring the Jonas Brothers.The brothers appear as the "Lucas Brothers", the three members of the fictional band "JONAS" who try to live a normal life in the face of stardom. The pilot was filmed in 2007 but because of the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, the series was put on hold. The original shooting date had been set in January 2008, but was pushed back to September 2008.The series premiered on Disney Channel on May 2, 2009, and became available on demand starting April 25, 2009.JONAS is the first Disney Channel Original Series (DCOS) since Phil of the Future not to be filmed before a live studio audience or to have a laugh track. The series was the first on the network premiere on a Saturday night, part of a deliberate strategy by Disney to open up the night to original programming and compete with Nickelodeon's traditional dominance of the evening. The series is set in New Jersey and shot at Hollywood Center Studios.

Where to Watch: 2 episodes (6%) are available to watch free online (DisneyNOW). 32 episodes (94%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (DisneyNOW). 21 episodes (62%) are available to rent or buy from $0.99 on 1 service (iTunes).

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). 12 episodes (9%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1). 125 episodes (98%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 8 services (iTunes, Google Play & 6 others).

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: 1 episodes (1%) 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 7 services (iTunes, Google Play & 5 others).

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 TV).

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 7 services (iTunes, Google Play & 5 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 TV).

What it's about: Great music. No limits. Now the longest-running music series in American television history, ACL showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre.

Where to Watch: 42 episodes (12%) are available to watch free online (PBS).

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: 1 episodes (4%) are available to watch free online (NBC).

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 & Yahoo View). 12 episodes (29%) are available to stream on a popular subscription service (Hulu). 12 episodes (29%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (FOX).

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: 4 episodes (10%) are available to watch free online (VH1). 27 episodes (69%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1).

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: 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: 3 episodes (5%) are available to watch free online (Lifetime). 53 episodes (95%) are available to stream on a TV everywhere service (Lifetime & Lifetime). 56 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 7 services (iTunes, Google Play & 5 others).

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: 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).

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: 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: 2 episodes (8%) are available to watch free online (VH1). 22 episodes (92%) are available to stream on a popular TV everywhere service (VH1). 24 episodes (100%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

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).