No, Facebook does not currently offer full-length TV shows on its platform. However, Facebook does allow users and Pages to post short-form video content, including clips from TV shows.
Facebook’s Video Offerings
Here is an overview of the types of video content available on Facebook:
- User uploaded videos – Users can upload videos up to 240 minutes long to share on their own profile or Facebook Page. These include personal videos, as well as clips from TV shows, sports events, movies, etc.
- Facebook Watch – Facebook’s video platform allows creators and publishers to upload longer form videos and series. However, most videos on Watch are 5-20 minutes long rather than full TV show length.
- Live videos – Users can live stream videos on their profile, page or in Facebook Groups. These are typically real-time videos rather than pre-recorded TV show clips.
- Native video content – Facebook is producing some original video content through Facebook Watch, often focused on talk shows, reality and documentary genres. However, these are not full-length TV shows.
So in summary, while users can share clips and excerpts from TV shows, Facebook does not have full-episode TV shows available on its platform natively. The focus is more on real-time, user generated and short form video content.
Can You Watch Full TV Episodes on Facebook?
Here are some additional details on how full TV show episodes relate to Facebook’s platforms:
- Uploading full episodes is prohibited – According to Facebook’s Rights Manager, users cannot share full-length TV episodes they do not own the rights to due to copyright.
- Clips only – The platform focuses on short clips from TV shows rather than full episodes. Clips are covered under fair use copyright laws.
- Links only – Users can post links to full TV show episodes on other platforms like YouTube or network websites, but cannot natively host them.
- Facebook Watch exceptions – A very small number of shows funded by Facebook air full episodes on Watch after they air on TV. But choices are limited.
- Live stream exceptions – Users may be able to live stream full TV episodes, but this violates copyright and is often removed.
So in general, Facebook does not offer an easy, native way for users to watch full-length TV show episodes from start to finish on the platform.
Why Doesn’t Facebook Have Full TV Shows?
There are a few key reasons why Facebook does not offer full TV show episodes:
- Copyright restrictions – Facebook most likely does not have the rights to air full TV episodes. Networks own those rights.
- Not part of their strategy – Facebook’s video strategy focuses on real-time, user generated content rather than competing with Netflix or Hulu.
- Production costs – Creating full high-quality TV shows is expensive and time consuming compared to Facebook’s current video offerings.
- Limited appeal – Full TV shows may have less appeal to users scrolling quickly on their feeds compared to short clips.
- Monetization – Long form videos are harder to monetize with ads compared to short clips.
So while users may wish they could watch full TV episodes on Facebook, the platform is not designed or optimized for that type of video content. The focus is on community engagement and sharing versus passive TV viewing.
Other Ways to Watch TV Shows Online
Here are some of the top options for watching full-length TV episodes online:
- Subscription streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, etc. These give you access to a library of TV shows on-demand.
- Individual TV network websites and apps like ABC, NBC, Fox, etc. Most offer recent episodes of their shows for free.
- YouTube – Some networks and shows post full episodes on YouTube either for free or to purchase.
- Live TV streaming services like Sling TV, YouTube TV, etc. Provide live streams of cable TV channels.
- Digital purchase/rental platforms like iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play allow you to pay per episode or season.
- DVD rental services like Netflix DVD or Redbox for physical discs.
- Cable, satellite or live TV streaming subscriptions give you access to live episodes as they air.
The many streaming and on-demand options provide plenty of choice for watching full TV show episodes online. While Facebook offers community around TV shows through posts, clips, and discussion, getting the full episodes requires looking beyond the social platform.
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook does not currently provide full-length TV show episodes on its platform. While users can share clips, live stream shows (illegally), and discuss TV content, Facebook’s focus remains on short form, user generated video. To get access to full TV show episodes online, platforms designed specifically for TV streaming are a better option.