It may come as a bit of a shock to anyone deeply entrenched in YouTube, TBP and other P2P sites, but it is possible to watch a lot of TV shows and films online in the UK totally legally.

Some are even free.

It’s a fairly depressing exercise hunting them all down, though. Many services are only available in the US, have shut down or are on an extended hiatus.

Nevertheless, here are 15 services (eight free, seven paid for) that you can use to view TV programmes or films. If you know of any more that are legal and easily available in the UK, let us know in the comments below.

Free Online TV / Film Services

BBC Online / iPlayer

About: Offers live streaming of BBC1 and BBC2 plus 7-day programme catchup service.

Pros:

• Well-established service offering access to a wide range of BBC TV programming.
• Wide range of platforms supported for either streaming or downloading content, including PC, Mac, iPhone, Nokia devices.
• Shows from BBC HD are available to download in high definition.

Cons:

• Rights management issues means some programmes aren’t available to watch live or archived.
• Streaming service can sometimes appear jittery (this may be due to broadband connection)