YouTube offers thousands of free TV episodes -- with ads

YouTube has begun streaming free TV shows in the United States -- but with ads

YouTube on Wednesday began streaming some 4,000 television episodes from shows like "Hell's Kitchen" and "Heartland" to US viewers as the site tries to capture viewers in a fiercely competitive market.

The Google-owned video platform said that popular television shows along with films from major studios will be available, with ads, on YouTube using smart televisions, mobile devices or web browsers.

Originally published as YouTube offers thousands of free TV episodes -- with ads