Introduction
Television is a fundamental component of most people's everyday lives. From tuning in to the latest Game of Thrones episode before your friends spoil it on Facebook to catching the championship match on pay-per-view (before your friends spoil that on Facebook, too) there can be more TV to watch than can fit on one screen. Thankfully, in this modern age, a second screen is never far from hand thanks to the myriad mobile devices we carry with us.
But with more companion apps out there than channels on a premium cable package, it's tough to sort out which apps are the equivalent of Emmy winners and which ones stink worse than an Adam Sandler movie. We've done the research (read: watched a lot of TV) and have narrowed it down to these nine apps that are just as vital to your entertainment experience as your remote.
TV Guide
From the makers of that old stack of magazines in your parent's living comes the app no self-respecting viewer of live television should be without: TV Guide. Ensuring you don't wind up aimlessly surfing the airwaves, this mobile application also provides a bevy of modern conveniences not found in its paper-printed predecessor.
Netflix
The world's second-leading procrastination tool (more on that later), Netflix offers unlimited streaming access to hundreds of hit shows, movies and original exclusive series like Orange is the New Black, BoJack Horseman and Marvel Comic's own Daredevil.
- See the best shows on Netflix for more even recommendations
Let's face it: odds are that you already know what Netflix is and what it can do. But for those unacquainted with the service's on-the-go offering, you can get your hands on all the Netflix content you enjoy watching directly to your device. You can also stream it via AirPlay to your TV if you sport an Apple TV or to your Google Chromecast for those who prefer Android.
On both Apple and Android devices the Netflix app is free to download, though you still need to be a Netflix subscriber, which runs for $8.99/£6.99 a month.
YouTube
The undisputed leader in video-based procrastination (see, I promised a payoff), YouTube needs no introduction. Millions upon millions of on-demand videos have been watched from the comfort of web browsers and smartphones alike, but we all know that videos are best watched on the big screen.
Plex
While amassing a large media collection may not take up much physical space, it can still create a mess of clutter. Piles of old pictures, MP3s and movie downloads from years past can be a hassle to sort through, and there are even more hoops if you want that five-year-old digital copy of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World that came with the DVD to stream on your shiny new Xbox One.
Cable providers
Just about every major cable television provider has a companion apps these days. And as part of signing up for an account with these companies, you more than likely are also able to get your hands on their specialized application.
Depending on your carrier, these apps range in privileges from streaming live TV to your device (TWC, FiOS Mobile, Sprint TV) to having on-the-go control of your DVR (AT&T U-Verse, Cox TV Connect). Other apps add extra features to your viewing experience by offering a digital remote (Comcast Xfinity Remote) or access to every episode of The Simpsons (FXNOW) Subscribers in the UK can get in on the action as well with apps such as Virgin TV Anywhere and an entire lineup's worth for Sky users in the UK and Ireland.
