TV Shows Not On A Major Streaming Service
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There are countless classic TV series that have yet to find a streaming home — but that doesn't mean that they aren't available in some capacity.
TVLine recently asked you, our beloved readers, to pick just one — and only one! — show that you wish you could binge-watch that isn't available on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime. We then took stock of the most sought-after shows of all. Scroll down to see how you can possibly get a hold of 'em!
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ed
ED (NBC, 2000-2004)
Four seasons, 83 episodes — not available
Oh, how we wish we could return to Stuckeyville! Tom Cavanugh's early-aughts dramedy — which also starred Julie Bowen, Justin Long and Michael Ian Black — remains a fan-favorite. When we asked TVLine readers which one beloved show they wished was available at their fingertips, Ed was far and away the most requested series, mentioned in 14 percent of all responses. Music rights are reportedly to blame for the years-long holdup.
homefront
HOMEFRONT (ABC, 1991-1993)
Two seasons, 42 episodes — not available
A young Kyle Chandler headlined this 1940s-set drama, which chronicled the lives of GIs adjusting to civilian life after World War II. Aside from a very brief run in cable syndication, this short-lived series has not been seen since it was cancelled 27 years ago.
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HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET (NBC, 1993-1999)
Seven seasons, 122 episodes — all seasons on DVD
Before he was Brooklyn Nine-Nine "robot captain" Raymond Holt, Andre Braugher stuck Emmy gold with his potrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton in this iconic NBC cop drama.
BUY:
The Complete Series
millenium
MILLENNIUM (FOX, 1996-1999)
Three seasons, 67 episodes — all seasons on DVD
Chris Carter's X-Files follow-up chronicled the investigations of ex-FBI agent Frank Black (played by Lance Henriksen), who possessed the ability to see inside criminals' minds. It was the second most-requested show among TVLine readers.
the-nanny
THE NANNY (CBS, 1993-1999)
Six seasons, 146 episodes — all seasons on DVD
The first two seasons are available to stream on The Roku Channel. Be that as it may, the fact remains that the only way for cordcutters to revisit the beloved Fran Drescher comedy in its entirety is via DVD.
BUY:
Seasons 1 & 2
Season 3
Season 4
Season 5
Season 6
The Complete Series
thirtysomething
THIRTYSOMETHING (ABC, 1987-1991)
Four seasons, 85 episodes — all seasons on DVD
Assuming ABC greenlights the in-development sequel series thirtysomething(else), the only way you'll be able to revisit the original is via DVD.
sisters
SISTERS (NBC, 1991-1996)
Six seasons, 128 episodes — all seasons on DVD
Two-time Emmy winner Sela Ward took home her first trophy for her portrayal of Teddy in this NBC family drama, which also featured then-up-and-comers George Clooney and Paul Rudd.
murphy-brown
MURPHY BROWN (CBS, 1988-1998, 2018)
Eleven seasons, 260 episodes — select seasons on DVD and digital
Neither the original 10 seasons nor the recent revival can be found on a streaming platform — but there are ways in which you can revisit how the Candice Bergen newsroom comedy started and ended (the second time).
jack-and-bobby
JACK & BOBBY (The WB, 2004-2005)
One season, 22 episodes — not available
This beloved, one-and-done drama, from exec producer Greg Berlanti, featured then-up-and-comer Logan Lerman (of Amazon's Hunters), future Mad Men co-stars John Slattery and Jessica Paré, and a post-Alias Bradley Cooper (in a recurring role). It's currently not available in any capacity.
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Knots Landing
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CHINA BEACH (ABC, 1988-1991)
Four seasons, 61 episodes — all seasons on DVD
Dana Delany won a pair of Emmys for her turn as First Lieutenant (and later Captain) Colleen McMurphy on this Vietnam War-era drama, which also featured future CSI star Marg Helgenberger.
BUY:
The Complete Series
castle
CASTLE (ABC, 2009-2016)
Eight seasons, 173 episodes — all seasons on DVD and digital
After he was captain of Serenity, but before he was The Rookie, Nathan Fillion was the title character in this beloved procedural about a best-selling mystery novelist and a homicide detective (played by Stana Katic) who teamed up and solve crimes... and inevitably fell in love.
BUY:
Season 1: DVD / Digital
Season 2: DVD / Digital
Season 3: DVD / Digital
Season 4: DVD / Digital
Season 5: DVD / Digital
Season 6: DVD / Digital
Season 7: DVD / Digital
Season 8: DVD / Digital
american-dreams
AMERICAN DREAMS (NBC, 2002-2005)
Three seasons, 61 episodes — select seasons on DVD
Long before her tuneful turn in Pitch Perfect, Brittany Snow danced her way through this 1960s-set drama, which in part took place on the set of Dick Clark's American Bandstand.
BUY:
Season 1
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alias
ALIAS (ABC, 2001-2006)
Five seasons, 105 episodes — all seasons on DVD and digital
The show that made Jennifer Garner a household name will soon be available to binge to your hearts content: The early-aughts spy drama is coming to Amazon Prime on Monday, May 11. (Can't wait that long? There's always DVDs and digital downloads. You can also read Kim Roots' fantastic oral history.)
BUY:
Season 1: DVD / Digital
Season 2: DVD / Digital
Season 3: DVD / Digital
Season 4: DVD / Digital
Season 5: DVD / Digital
Complete Series: DVD
northern-exposure
NORTHERN EXPOSURE (CBS, 1990-1995)
Six seasons, 110 episodes — all seasons on DVD
Before he was Numb3rs FBI agent Don Eppes, Rob Morrow starred in this early '90s dramedy, which took home the 1992 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series.
BUY:
Season 1
Season 2
Season 3
Season 4
Season 5
Season 6
The Complete Series