5 Free Shows and Movies Streaming This Week (Oct. 12–18, 2026)
Here are five free picks for the week of October 12, 2026, all on ad-supported apps that cost nothing: Tubi, Pluto TV and The Roku Channel. The list mixes spooky-season horror with a cult comedy, a crime drama and a true-crime documentary, and we've noted when each one drops.
| Title | Type | Free on | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heel (released in the UK as Good Boy) | Psychological horror movie | Tubi | Thursday, Oct. 15 |
| America's Next Top Cryptid | Animated comedy series (new) | Tubi | Wednesday, Oct. 14 |
| Jennifer's Body (2009) | Horror comedy movie | Pluto TV | On demand now. Also airs Friday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. ET in Pluto TV's Halloween Double Feature Fridays |
| Detroiters | Comedy series, 2 seasons | Pluto TV | Streaming now |
| Unmasking the Tylenol Killer | True-crime documentary | The Roku Channel | Streaming now |
The picks
Heel stars Stephen Graham, from Adolescence, as half of a strange couple who kidnap a reckless 19-year-old and lock him in their basement to "rehabilitate" him. It's dark psychological horror with some black comedy.
America's Next Top Cryptid is a Tubi original from the creators of Cyanide & Happiness. Bigfoot-style monsters compete on a reality show that may really be a government experiment.
Jennifer's Body stars Megan Fox as a possessed cheerleader and Amanda Seyfried as the best friend trying to stop her. It wasn't a hit in 2009, but it has since become a cult Halloween favorite.
Detroiters stars Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson as two small-time Detroit ad men. The Comedy Central series runs just two seasons, so it's an easy weekend binge.
Unmasking the Tylenol Killer follows an Idaho detective who thinks a 1982 death may be linked to the unsolved Chicago Tylenol poisonings.
Watching free apps with DIRECTV
Tubi, Pluto TV and The Roku Channel all run on Google TV, so you can install them on a DIRECTV Gemini device and switch between them and your DIRECTV guide. DIRECTV customers also get MyFree DIRECTV, a lineup of free live channels. For more free options, see is Tubi really free, is Pluto TV really free and free shows on The Roku Channel.
Free apps are great for movies and older shows, but they don't carry most live sports or your local channels. To add those, call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
Are these shows really free?
Yes. Tubi, Pluto TV and The Roku Channel are free with ads. Tubi and Pluto TV don't require a paid subscription, and The Roku Channel works on the web and many devices, not only Roku.
When does Heel come to Tubi?
Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Where can I watch Jennifer's Body for free?
On Pluto TV, on demand, and in its Halloween Double Feature Fridays lineup on October 16 at 8 p.m. ET.
Can I watch Tubi or Pluto TV on a DIRECTV device?
Yes. DIRECTV Gemini runs Google TV, and both apps are in the Google Play store.
Questions about channels or packages at your address? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 13, 2026. Free titles and dates are as announced the week of October 12, 2026 and can change. Channel lineups, regional networks and package availability vary by address and may change. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site; all marks belong to their respective owners.