Streaming services are not in short supply, with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, and plenty of other more specialized platforms vying for people's attention. The vast majority of these services cost a monthly subscription, money that can go to waste if someone invests in numerous platforms.
Tubi is a free streaming service that has an impressive collection of movies, TV shows, and anime. As long as a person does not mind sitting through an ad, Tubi is worth bookmarking as a companion piece to other sites. Outside of age-restricted content, most shows and movies also do not require registration.
There are almost countless drama shows out there, covering a wide spectrum of subgenres from police procedurals to sci-fi epics. The best drama series on Tubi are on the older side, but they hold up incredibly well.
Firefly (2002)
Arguably the most well-known drama series on Tubi, Firefly is Joss Whedon's short-lived space western. Revolving around the crew of the Serenity spaceship, Firefly follows the group's misadventures, with the show mostly sticking to an episodic format as it was not given the time to do much else.
Firefly's characters are incredibly likable and charismatic. From the dashing Captain Malcolm Reynolds to the mysterious River Tam, the show comes packed with big personalities that own the screen. Serenity, Firefly's movie conclusion, is unfortunately not on Tubi.
Rome (2005-)
Game of Thrones fans with an itch for a touch of history should put aside the time to watch Rome. HBO and BBC's show was cut short due to its high cost, however, Rome still blessed the world with two fantastic seasons of epic sets, brilliant acting, and engrossing drama.
An award-winning series, Rome is a period piece done right. It remains relatively accurate to its era while taking creative liberties that enhance the drama.
Misfits (2009-13)
Lasting for five seasons, Misfits tells the tale of five teenagers who, while on community service, end up bestowed with superpowers. Blending comedy and drama, Misfits' premise might suggest it is a British X-Men but the show is predominantly concerned with the individuals behind the powers rather than the abilities themselves. How do these powers influence their user? How do they grow and change because of them?
Misfits' first few seasons are its strongest, although it remains a fun watch throughout its entire run.
Midsomer Murders (1997-)
Want a drama show that will keep you busy for quite a while? If the answer is yes, then Midsomer Murders is the ticket. Debuting in 1997, this British crime drama has produced 22 seasons, with 20 of those being available for free on Tubi.
A procedural, the show follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby as he investigates cases in Midsomer, a beautiful county with an oddly high crime rate. Great writing and consistent acting are just par for the course for this staple of British TV.
Alias (2001-06)
Created by J. J. Abrams and featuring a stellar cast headlined by Jennifer Garner, Alias is an awesome spy drama that also incorporates a healthy helping of sci-fi. The action series revolves around Sydney Bristow, an agent who learns that she has been actually working for a criminal organization rather than the CIA. Therefore, she goes undercover for the real CIA.
A predominantly serialized show, Alias has the perfect mix of suspense, character-driven drama, and globe-trotting escapades. The show is just as fun now as it was in the early 2000s.
Doc Martin (2004-)
When a respected surgeon develops a fear of blood, he decides to leave London and head to a small village, setting up shop as its general practitioner. In its opening seasons, Doc Martin is a fish out of water narrative, with the grumpy doctor struggling to get along with his new neighbors. This clash of worlds is often played for laughs, although it leads to plenty of dramatic moments as well.
The first five seasons of the show are available on Tubi, providing more than 35 episodes. Doc Martin is a great pick for anyone looking for a medical drama with a side of comedy and a hint of romance.
Merlin (2008-12)
Merlin is better than it has any right to be. Based on the legend of King Arthur, Merlin is a fantasy drama about a budding magician and the person he is charged with protecting. While the first season is rough around the edges, the show builds nicely upon it, making admirable use of its stellar cast and the effortless chemistry they share with each other.
The entirety of Merlin is available on Tubi, and once this show picks up steam, the magic does not stop.
Heartland (2007-)
Drama shows do not have to be hard-hitting or cynical; sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a charming series about horses. Heartland is a Canadian show about a ranch dedicated to helping horses. The ranch is run by the Fleming family, who serve as the beating heart of this wholesome and endearing series.
With 13 seasons available on Tubi, Heartland will keep somebody busy for a very long time. Most importantly, it will entertain them for just as long.
The Fall (2013-16)
Set in Northern Ireland, The Fall finds Gillian Anderson's Stella Gibson on the hunt for Jamie Dornan's serial killer. This fantastic crime drama sets itself apart from other police procedurals by being more concerned with the smaller moments rather than the big cinematic reveals, delivering a grounded experience in the process.
With just 17 episodes, The Fall is a quick and effortless sit, one that can easily be knocked out in a week. The show is consistently great, although its final season is slightly weaker than its two predecessors.