The ability to download tv episodes is becoming extremely popular. So popular in fact, that some of today's leading television stations are letting you download tv episodes from their website. Having the ability to download television shows makes it very convenient to watch them at your leisure. A little like TiVo - on broadband.

There are several ways to download tv shows:

1. Streaming tv episode or video sites. This is a perfectly legal way to download tv episodes online. A few major networks are making it possible for you to download tv shows available straight from their website. These are usually available as streaming video from the network's or show's home page. These are usually accompanied by a single sponsor commercial between show breaks.

2. Online stores. There are several online stores that sell episodes of the latest big hits. Episodes often sell for under two dollars. It's a very inexpensive way to download tv shows. When you make the purchase, you then have the ability to download tv shows or episodes to your computer's hard drive. You can watch your shows on a PC, Mac or your handheld device. If you're not sure you want to buy the most recent episode, you can watch a 30 second preview first.

3. Torrents, or file sharing. These are usually hit-or-miss websites. They may be up one day and down the next. They are usually tracked and targeted for piracy. They use 'torrents' which are files you download using a special file sharing program. As you download tv shows, other people can download them from you or share them with you. Many of these sites also carry a high risk of downloading viruses. These aren't exactly legal sites, so you are going to be taking a risk of being arrested if you participate.

4. Other peer to peer sites. These sites are heavily dependent on the number of available users logged in at the same time. They also use a 'torrent' system. So you're sharing files with others from all around the world. Some peer to peer sites, like torrent sites, are also illegal.

Things You Should Know

Most torrent or peer to peer sites are illegal if they are distributing copyrighted material. Each file uses a tracking file that can be traced to each individual person who downloads it. Many of the files held on these sites are infected with a wide variety of viruses. Even if you like living dangerously, you may be biting off more than you can chew if you try to download tv shows from this type of site.

The ability to download tv episodes directly from the network's site is a great way to go. The network can easily see how many people are watching their show, whether on tv or online. This helps the network decide if shows are popular enough to survive another season.

While being able to download tv shows for free may sound like the way to reduce your monthly entertainment expenses, keep in mind you may be hurting the show's popularity, participating in a criminal activity or you could end up with a nasty viruses on your computer.