Although it isn’t quite the independent film hub that was in the beginning, IFC is still a great channel for film buffs. And thankfully, it’s pretty easy to get access to without cable. Read on to learn how!
In a hurry? IFC isn’t as broadly available as some channels but there are still a number of top choices. Here are our favorites:
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- Sling TV: The top low-cost streaming service provides a great base channel lineup in both its plans. Save 50% your first month with Sling TV.
- Philo: This service gives you 60+ live TV channel for just $25/mo!
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Table Of Contents
If you like programming that tends to be on the unconventional side, you will enjoy watching IFC. Although this channel still produces and showcases independent films and documentaries, it has largely abandoned its original format in favor of sketch comedy, talk, and similar types of shows.
Let’s take a closer look at the history of this channel, a few of its more popular programs, and how you can watch them without the need for a cable subscription.
What Is IFC?
In 1994, the Independent Film Channel (IFC) was officially spun off from Bravo. It was intended as a hub for independent content creators. By 2001, the channel largely went by IFC in most of its marketing materials.
Over the next decade, the channel started its shift to a format featuring a mixture of off-color comedy and horror content. In 2011, IFC owner Rainbow Media became its own company called AMC Networks. In 2014, AMC Networks announced that the channel would be rebranded as IFC.
IFC Programming
While IFC has a lot of quality programming to offer viewers, many of its shows are no longer in production or were acquired from other networks. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top shows that you are encouraged to check out first if you’re new to IFC.
- Portlandia: This sketch comedy program generally made fun of the idea that everyone in Oregon’s largest city is a hipster or is otherwise part of a counterculture. Veteran comedians Fred Armisten and Carrie Brownstein created the show, and it won a Peabody Award during its eight seasons on IFC.
- Comedy Bang! Bang!: This program presents sketches, spoof interviews, and other content using a faux talk show format. Adapted from a podcast by Scott Aukerman, it continued to make new episodes for IFC until 2016.
- Brockmire: A traditional comedy, it follows the adventures of a former Kansas City Royals play-by-play announcer trying to resurrect his career following a public outburst. Throughout most of the show, the titular character calls games for a minor league team in Pennsylvania before eventually moving to New Orleans. The show came to an end in May 2020.
- Stan Against Evil: A horror-comedy that sees two police officers coming together to battle demons threatening to take over their town. This program ran for three seasons between 2016 and 2018.
- Bunk: Comedians complete a series of challenges such as shaming puppies and coming up with new movie ideas to win prizes awarded by host Kurt Braunohler. There are 10 episodes available for streaming on IFC.com.
If you are interested in shows that are still airing new episodes, you should watch comedies Sherman’s Showcase and Documentary Now. They are currently slated for renewal by the network and are both scheduled to air new episodes at some point in 2022. In addition, Slo Pitch is expected to debut its second season in June 2022.
Unblock Your Favorite Movies and Shows With a VPN
If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, a VPN will allow you to get the access you are entitled to, plus extra security and unequalled privacy. Check out our VPN Guide for everything you need to know, including our top pick ExpressVPN.
Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.
Stream IFC
Two of the biggest live TV streaming services, FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV, do not offer IFC. But many others do.
- Philo: This platform is ideal if you just want to watch your favorite channels without spending a lot of money. You get IFC, Comedy Central and more than 65 others for $25/mo. No sports or local channels, but at that price, why not? Comes with unlimited cloud DVR and streaming on 3 devices. (Philo review)
- Sling TV: Known for offering flexibility and affordability. You can get IFC for $40.00/mo through the Sling Blue or Sling Orange base plans. You can get both for $55.00/mo. Comes with 50 hours of cloud DVR. Sling Blue allows you to stream on up to 3 devices at once. (Sling TV review)
- DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV): For $79.99/mo, you can get IFC and roughly 80 other channels. It is the easiest service to migrate to if you are leaving your current cable or satellite provider. Regional sports networks (RSNs) and other premium channels are available with upgrades. All plans come with unlimited cloud DVR storage (online sign-up only) and simultaneous streaming on unlimited devices. (DIRECTV STREAM review)
- YouTube TV: For $72.99/mo, you’ll get 100+ channels such as IFC, ESPN and CNN. It comes with unlimited cloud DVR and streaming on up to 3 devices.
- AMC+: Starting at $6.99/mo, you’ll have a chance to watch most IFC shows on an on-demand basis. It also comes with subscriptions for Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films Unlimited (see below). You will also be able to watch content from networks such as BBC America and AMC.
IFC Films Unlimited
IFC Films Unlimited is a subscription on-demand movie platform. There are more than 500 films available on the platform at any time. The selection features most genres and tends toward the more unusual.
You can subscribe to it through Sling TV, YouTube TV, and AMC+.
Superpower Your Live TV Streaming With a VPN
You can’t beat a VPN for privacy, security, and access. We have used them for years as an important part of our streaming toolkit and we recommend ExpressVPN. Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.
| i | See our VPN Buyer’s Guide for complete information on how to choose the best VPN for your needs. |
TVs and Devices to Live Stream IFC
Most popular devices can be used to stream IFC. All the ones we’ve discussed support these:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Android mobile
- Chromecast
- iOS devices
- Roku
- Web browsers.
Other than Philo, they all support Samsung smart TVs. And other than DIRECTV STREAM, they support TVs built to the Android TV standard. Smart TVs from LG and VIZIO and gaming systems from Xbox are supported by Sling and YouTube.
If you don’t see a device listed here, it may still be supported. Our streaming service reviews for the complete lists.
Today’s IFC Schedule
Here is today’s schedule in Eastern Time:
| Sanford & Son – A Pain in the Neck Fred is honored with the Watts Businessman of the Year award. | |
| Sanford & Son – Sergeant Gork Fred fabricates a story about the war to tell to his grandchildren. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Hey, Dude! Samantha announces that she plans to drop out of college and get married. | |
| Who's the Boss? – The Fabulous Robinson Sisters When Angela's (Judith Light) dating schedule slows down, Tony (Tony Danza) persuades Mona (Katherine Helmond) to entertain her. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind? Tony (Tony Danza) meets Kathleen's (Kate Vernon) father (Mitchell Ryan) while Angela (Judith Light) baby-sits a little boy (Jonathan Halyalkar). | |
| Who's the Boss? – One Flew Over the Empty Nest Tony (Tony Danza) is lonely when Samantha (Alyssa Milano) leaves for college and Angela (Judith Light) is busy with her boyfriend. | |
| Who's the Boss? – The Kid Tony and Angela (Tony Danza, Judith Light) face a difficult decision when Billy's elderly grandmother (Vera Lockwood) asks them to adopt Billy (Jonathan Halyalkar). | |
| Who's the Boss? – Parental Guidance Suggested Plans backfire when Tony and Angela (Tony Danza, Judith Light) set activities for Billy (Jonathan Halyalker). | |
| Who's the Boss? – Roomies When Sam moves off campus, she realizes that being an adult is not always easy. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Four Alarm Tony Tony (Tony Danza) goes too far in his enthusiasm for his new post as a volunteer fireman. With Danny Pintauro and Judith Light. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Starlight Memories Tony and Angela (Tony Danza, Judith Light) fantasize about a 1940s-style romance with each other. With Alyssa Milano. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Inherit the Wine Tony travels to Italy to claim an inheritance from his late Uncle Aldo. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Who's Minding the Kid? Billy (Jonathon Halyalkar) is missing when a social worker visits and Tony and Angela (Tony Danza, Judith Light) appear negligent. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Broadcast Blues Tony and Samantha (Tony Danza, Alyssa Milano) compete for the same broadcaster position at the college. With Judith Light. | |
| Everybody Loves Raymond – Marie's Vision The men are afraid to spoil Thanksgiving Day dinner by telling Marie she needs eyeglasses. | |
| Everybody Loves Raymond – The Thought That Counts Debra wonders why Ray does not put the same effort into finding thoughtful gifts for her as he does for Marie. | |
| Everybody Loves Raymond – Grandpa Steals Frank must make amends with his granddaughter, Ally, when she catches him stealing food at the supermarket. | |
| Everybody Loves Raymond – Somebody Hates Raymond Raymond learns that a local sports radio broadcaster dislikes him after Ray offers to be on his show. | |
| Two and a Half Men – Don't Worry, Speed Racer When Jake tells Charlie and Alan that he often overhears Judith and Herb (Ryan Stiles) making out, it triggers a repressed memory for Charlie. | |
| Two and a Half Men – That's Summer Sausage, Not Salami Charlie has second thoughts after setting Alan up with their new neighbor (guest star Brooke Shields). | |
| Two and a Half Men – My Damn Stalker Charlie must face his feelings when Rose announces she is moving to London; Alan fudges his online dating profile, only to wind up with a fellow profile-embellisher (Allison Janney). | |
| Two and a Half Men – Young People Have Phlegm Too A more mature woman (Morgan Fairchild) helps rebuild Charlie's ego after he becomes insecure about his age. | |
| Two and a Half Men – I Merely Slept With a Commie Evelyn makes Charlie and Alan regret saying that she will not have any mourners at her funeral. | |
| Two and a Half Men – It Never Rains in Hooterville After realizing that Jake's childhood is almost over, Alan makes a last-minute try at father-son bonding; Kandi embarks on a new career. | |
| Two and a Half Men – Smooth as a Ken Doll Charlie gets close to Herb's witty sister, as Judith and Herb's wedding nears. | |
| Two and a Half Men – Aunt Myra Doesn't Pee a Lot Alan prepares Jake for Judith's wedding; Charlie continues his fling with Herb's sister. | |
| Two and a Half Men – Tucked, Taped and Gorgeous Alan's friendship with a gay single dad prompts both Alan and Charlie to re-examine their sexual identities. | |
| Two and a Half Men – Mr. McGlue's Feedbag Jake has a windfall when Charlie takes him to the track; Alan finds himself stuck at the Department of Motor Vehicles. | |
| Two and a Half Men – Three Fingers of Creme de Menthe Alan finds out that Lyndsey broke up with Larry without telling him; Walden tries to prove he is a man's man. | |
| Two and a Half Men – Cab Fare and a Bottle of Penicillin Alan asks Lyndsey to choose between him and Larry; Jenny worries that she and Brooke are growing apart. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Days of Blunder Jonathan (Danny Pintauro) uses Tony's (Tony Danza) prized Jeep to impress a girl and returns it with a large scratch. | |
| Who's the Boss? – You Can Go Home Again Tony (Tony Danza) has the cure for Samantha (Alyssa Milano) when she comes home from college with the freshman blues. With Judith Light. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Ms. Mom Tony and Angela (Tony Danza, Judith Light) trade roles when Tony goes back to school and Angela agrees to stay home. | |
| Who's the Boss? – The Unsinkable Tony Micelli Tony (Tony Danza) is forced to reveal his hidden secret when Billy (Jonathan Halyalkar) suggests they go swimming. With Judith Light. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Tony and Angela Get Divorced Tony and Angela (Tony Danza, Judith Light) begin to act the part when they learn the IRS considers them married. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Let Her Tell You 'Bout the Birds and the Bees Tony (Tony Danza) teaches a seventh-grade sex education class and learns about the subject himself. With Judith Light and Katherine Helmond. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Party Politics Tony and Angela (Tony Danza, Judith Light) get caught in a case of one-upmanship when they plan a birthday party for Billy (Jonathan Halyalker). | |
| Who's the Boss? – Choose Me Mrs. Rossini and Mona (Rhoda Gemignani, Katherine Helmond) compete for the same man (Ian Ogilvy), involving Tony and Angela in the fight. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Tony and the Princess Tony (Tony Danza) regrets his promise to help a friend's daughter (Shareen Mitchell) when she falls for him. With Judith Light. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Between a Rock and a Hard Place Tony (Tony Danza) steps in when concert promoter Samantha (Alyssa Milano) seeks a headline act. With Judith Light. | |
| Who's the Boss? – The Road to Washington Tony (Tony Danza) travels to the U.S. Senate in his campaign to protect Chappy (Pat Buttram) from Medicare cutbacks. With Judith Light. | |
| Who's the Boss? – The Road to Washington A senator's aide and the charms of power distract Tony (Tony Danza) from his efforts to help Chappy (Pat Buttram). With Judith Light. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Seer of Love Tony and Angela finally express their true feelings to each other. | |
| Who's the Boss? – An Affair to Forget Tony and Angela (Tony Danza, Judith Light) hesitate to share news of their new romance with the family. With Katherine Helmond. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Misery Tony plays nurse when Angela becomes bedridden with a twisted ankle. | |
| Who's the Boss? – Selling Sam Short Tony (Tony Danza) gets carried away trying to be supportive of Sam's (Alyssa Milano) new relationship with a Wall Street genius (Dan Gauthier). | |
| Three's Company – Chrissy's Cousin Chrissy's cousin Cindy (Jenilee Harrison) arrives. | |
| Three's Company – Jack to the Rescue Cindy's boss expects her to be his errand girl. | |
| Three's Company – The Not So Great Impostor Jack gets a prestigious job after being mistaken for a famous chef. |
Wrapping Up
IFC offers a combination of horror and comedy shows with a dash of independent films and documentaries to round the channel’s programming.
It is available through a number streaming services, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a platform that meets your needs and budget. We recommend Sling TV for IFC but if you don’t need a live stream, AMC+ is a great deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IFC have any new shows?
Aside from Sherman’s Showcase, Documentary Now, and Slo Pitch, IFC does not have much original programming. However, the Baroness Von Sketch Show recently finished up its run in 2021 if you are looking for shows that are still relatively new despite being out of production. And it is likely IFC will produce more original content in the future.
Is there a Canadian version of IFC?
Until 2019, there was a Canadian version of IFC that was owned by Corus Entertainment. This entity licensed the IFC name from AMC during the majority of its 18 years on the air. A number of mainstream shows such as Game of Thrones and Californication were also broadcast on this channel.
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