How to Legally Download Television Shows

You missed last night's episode of Law & Order, but you've been dying to see it for a week. This happens to average citizens all the time, but how you handle your disappointment could place you outside the law. You can legally download your favorite television shows and watch them on your own time, but you have to be careful how you go about it.

Find the Official Web Site

Many cable networks have begun uploading television shows to their own Web sites so that viewers can settle in to watch TV whenever it suits them. This allows them to plug in their advertising and helps curtain the sale of illegal DVDs and other downloads that can cost the networks money. If you miss your favorite show, hop on the 'Net and find out if it's available online. You can also visit the TV Guide Web site for more information.

Download to MP3

Although this method isn't as cost-effective as the previous one, many people have taken to downloading their favorite television shows to their MP3 players so they can watch TV at their leisure. This usually involves a small fee for each show, or a monthly subscription billed to your mobile phone. Either way, you can legally download shows and, in some cases, enjoy them without advertising. If your phone comes equipped with a Web browser, you can also use that route.

Contact the Networks

Cable networks are constantly looking for ways to fight piracy of their television shows, which means that they are more than willing to talk to consumers about legal downloads. Contact a representative of the network to ask about potential methods, and let them know that you are as against piracy as they are. They will likely have multiple ways in which you can find TV shows online without risking prosecution.

What Not to Do

Now that you know how you can legally download your favorite television shows, now you should probably get an idea for what you shouldn't do. Piracy is a growing problem both for television and the big screen, and the FCC monitors violations very closely. If you are caught in possession of pirated property, you could face up to a year in prison as well as substantial fines.