This guide will teach you how to install and use TCM on FireStick. The guide applies to any Fire TV streaming device, including TVs with a Fire TV OS, Fire TV Cube, FireStick Lite, FireStick 3rd Generation, and FireStick 4K.
What is TCM?
Watch TCM, popularly known as TCM, is a streaming app developed by Turner Entertainment Networks. The app is a subsidiary of Turner Classic Movies (TCM), a cable television service that offers thousands of on-demand classic movies.
With a cable or satellite subscription, you can stream movies on TCM and add movies to your queue to watch later. Besides the full-length films, the TCM app contains additional clips, trailers, and never-seen-before pictures of the cast and crew.
In addition, you can read a complete movie synopsis on the app, background information about the cast, classic movie news, and related articles. Moreover, the app offers closed captions if you like watching your movies with captions.
TCM also has a Watch Live section that lets you watch the TCM channel live. This live stream feature lets you catch your favorite East and West Coast TCM feeds uncut without ads.
If you are already a TCM subscriber through a cable or satellite pay TV provider, the TCM app on FireStick will offer you a non-stop supply of classic movies. Let’s see how to subscribe to TCM and install it on Fire TV.
Unlike unofficial or third-party apps, you can download TCM directly from the Amazon Store.
For FireStick Users
ISPs, hackers, and other third-party entities worldwide may monitor your online activities. For security, privacy, and smooth streaming, it is recommended to use a reliable VPN for FireStick. Your IP address is visible to sites you visit.
I recommend ExpressVPN, a fast and secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device, including an Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 4 months free and save 61% on the 2-year plan.
Read: How to Install and Use the Best VPN for FireStick
How to Subscribe to TCM
TCM app is free to download, but you need a subscription to access the content. The only way to subscribe to TCM is through a cable, satellite, and streaming service TV provider. Below are the various providers that offer TCM:
You can also watch TCM without cable or satellite TV by subscribing to a streaming service that offers the channel. These services include the following:
If you have one of these services, you don’t need the TCM app.
How to Install TCM on FireStick
You can find TCM as Watch TCM on the Amazon App Store. Below is a step-by-step guide to install the app on your FireStick:
1. On the Fire TV home screen, select Find.
2. Select Search to open the search bar.
3. Input TCM on the search bar and select TCM on the suggested results.
4. Click the Watch TCM app tile under Apps & Games.
5. Click Get or Download to download the app to your device. The download should take a few moments, depending on your internet speed.
6. Select Open when the app installation is complete.
Your TCM app on FireStick is installed and ready to use.
How to Stream on FireStick with a VPN
Your internet provider and many websites/apps can see your IP address and some details about your connection. Using a VPN encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address, which helps protect your online privacy.
I recommend ExpressVPN. It’s a reputable VPN with strong encryption and fast connections, and it’s straightforward to install on Fire TV/FireStick and other devices.
Next, I’ll show you how to set up and use ExpressVPN on your Fire TV/Stick.
Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Meaning, you can use it for free for the first 30 days, and if you are not satisfied with the performance (which is highly unlikely), you can ask for a full refund.
Step 2: Power ON your Fire TV Stick and go to Find, followed by the Search option.
Step 3: Now type “Expressvpn” (without quotes) in the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it shows up in the search results.
Step 4: Click Download to install the ExpressVPN app on Fire TV / Stick.
Step 5: Open the app and enter the login credentials that you created when you purchased the ExpressVPN subscription. Click Sign in.
Step 6: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for FireStick.
How to Use TCM on FireStick
I recommend relocating the Watch TCM app to your Fire TV home screen if you plan to use it regularly.
Upon opening the app, you will see its terms of use and privacy policy. Click Accept to accept the terms and acknowledge the policy.
On the app’s home screen, you’ll see a decluttered main menu consisting of five sections. These include Home, Watch Live, Films, Watchlist, and Settings. The Home tab contains the editor’s pick for the day and recently added films.
Watch TCM lets you catch up with movies currently airing on the TCM channel. TCM presents live streams in two feeds: TCM West and TCM East. You’ll find the live movies in the Watch Live tab.
The Films section is the most detailed, with movies categorized by various aspects. When you select Films, you’ll see two categories: All Genres and Recently Added.
The All Genres category is further subdivided into various genres. These include Adventure, Adaptation, Comedy, Crime, Documentary, Drama, Horror/Science-Fiction, Musical, Romance and Suspense.
You’ll find the latest movies to be added to the TCM library on the Recently Added menu. The section is divided into Expiring Soon, New to Old, Old to New, A to Z, and Z to A.
When you select a certain category, you find a list of movies that fit the category. For instance, if you choose A to Z, you’ll see the various films in the library arranged alphabetically.
Away from the Films section, the next in line is the Watchlist. As you explore the movies in the TCM library, you can add a movie to the queue to watch later.
The films in your queue are added to the Watchlist section for easy access. You must log in with your TV provider’s credentials to add movies to the watchlist.
The Settings section lets you personalize your TCM app to suit your viewing preferences. You can turn on closed captions in the Closed Captioning menu to watch movies with captions.
Other sections under settings include the FAQ, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.
You’ll also find the Sign In section under the Settings menu. This is where you link your TCM app with your TV provider’s credentials to access movies.
Please follow the steps below to Sign In to the TCM app with your TV provider’s credentials:
1. Click Sign in.
2. Note down the activation code on the FireStick screen.
3. Go to www.tcm.com/activate on your computer or mobile device browser. Select your streaming device.
4. Input the activation code in the provided field, then select Submit.
5. Choose your TV provider. If you can’t see your provider, click View All TV Providers and look for your provider in the longer list. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete linking your TCM app with the TV provider details.
FAQ’s
Does TCM have a streaming app?
Yes, the TCM network has a streaming app called Watch TCM. It is an official app that you can install on your device directly from the Amazon App Store.
Is TCM free?
No, while downloading TCM is free, you can only access its content through a cable TV, satellite TV, or streaming service subscription.
Can I watch TCM on FireStick without cable?
Yes, you can watch TCM on FireStick without cable by subscribing to a streaming service. Streaming services that offer TCM include Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
Wrapping Up
I have shown you how to install and use TCM on FireStick to watch hundreds of classic movies. Have you installed the app? Kindly share your experience or questions in the comment section below.
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