YouTube offers thousands of free TV episodes -- with ads

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