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:
- DIRECTV STREAM: Makes it easy to switch from cable to streaming with their 75+ channel Entertainment plan and options for much more. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
- 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!
If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, try ExpressVPN to get access to the content you deserve.
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:
Everybody Loves Raymond – The Tenth Anniversary On their 10th anniversary, Debra discovers that Ray taped over their wedding video with a Super Bowl game. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – 36! 24! 36! Dick! Harry's girlfriend Cindy Crawford) leads a venusian plot to overthrow Earth at the Super Bowl. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – 36! 24! 36! Dick! Harry's girlfriend Cindy Crawford) leads a venusian plot to overthrow Earth at the Super Bowl. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Pickles and Ice Cream Harry's old pet, Pickles, assumes human form and finds him in Rutherford; Sally takes Dick to childbirth class. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Auto Eurodicka Dick's brief affair with the mother of a student results in an unpleasant visit from the student's father and brothers. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Portrait of Tommy as an Old Man Deciding he is too old to be a teenager, Tommy retires to a rest home. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Stuck with Dick Dick and Mary get locked in the library overnight, providing him with an opportunity to win her back. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – My Daddy's Little Girl Mary's father, George, dates Sally after leaving his wife; Dick finds Sally's interest understandable. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – The Physics of Being Dick Dick convinces Officer Don to let him pose as a police officer for a day. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Just Your Average Dick Dick decides to act normally, but Mary finds his new personality dull and falls for a nutty professor instead. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Dick and the Other Guy Dick must compete for Mary's affections with the unusual Dr. Liam Neesam (John Cleese), a new professor. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Sally and Don's First Kiss Sally obsesses over setting up the perfect first kiss with Don; Dick worries about being disliked; Harry's exam. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – When Aliens Camp Sally, Harry and Tommy rebel when Dick invites Mary on their family camping trip, but Mary organizes the search party when Dick wanders off. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – The Tooth Harry Nina falls for Harry when he cares for her after a dental operation; Don wants independence from Sally. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Eat, Drink, Dick, Mary Three pairs of lovebirds have a conflict when they all plan to use the apartment. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Dr. Solomon's Traveling Alien Show The Solomon family continues to search for Harry, not knowing he is traveling in a circus freak show. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Power Mad Dick Mary's promotion drives Dick to exercise his authority, and he fires a cafeteria worker (Marianne Muellerleile). | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Feelin' Albright Dick feels inadequate because of Mary's job and seeks to regain the dominant role in the relationship. | |
3rd Rock From the Sun – Collect Call for Dick Dick becomes obsessed with collecting Fuzzy Buddy stuffed animals. | |
Parks and Recreation – Galentine's Day Leslie and Justin reunite her mother with an old flame for Valentine's Day; Andy's band is nervous about playing a gig at the Senior Center. | |
Parks and Recreation – Prom Leslie helps organize the senior prom at the high school; Andy takes April as his date, despite her objections; Ben helps Tom with music at the prom. | |
Parks and Recreation – Flu Season 2 While the flu ravages Pawnee, Andy and Leslie must book performers for the concert; Tom looks for a sommelier for his restaurant; Ben turns to Ron for help with a personal problem. | |
Parks and Recreation – One in 8,000 Ben and Leslie organize a charity fund to raise money for the concert; April manages Andy's schedule; Donna turns to Ron for help with an ex-boyfriend (Keegan-Michael Key). | |
Parks and Recreation – Moving Up, Part 1 Ben, Leslie and Chris go to San Francisco for a National Parks conference; Tom opens his restaurant; Leslie is faced with a decision. | |
Parks and Recreation – Moving Up, Part 2 Ron has another encounter with Tammy 2 (Megan Mullally); Leslie makes a big decision about the future. | |
Parks and Recreation – 2017 Leslie competes with a tech company for a large parcel of land, which she wants to turn into a national park; Andy and April try to recapture their spontaneity; Ben is spotted at a gala where Tom is giving a speech in his honor. | |
Parks and Recreation – Ron and Jammy Leslie and Ron set their differences aside to help Jeremy Jamm get away from Tammy 2; Ben promises to help April find passion in her life; Andy and Tom go to Chicago. | |
Parks and Recreation – William Henry Harrison Leslie works to strengthen her case for the land being turned into a park; Ron brings in a celebrity as a minority owner. | |
Parks and Recreation – Leslie and Ron Ben stages an intervention of sorts, locking Leslie and Ron alone in a room together so that they can forget their rivalry. | |
Parks and Recreation – Gryzzlbox Ben and Leslie think the residents of Pawnee are undergoing a privacy invasion; April speaks to the new interns; Tom assists Andy with a contract negotiation. | |
Parks and Recreation – Save J.J.'s In hope of keeping J.J.'s diner open, Leslie organizes a rally; Tom has a surprise pre-wedding gift for Donna. | |
Parks and Recreation – Donna and Joe April tries to keep Donna and Joe's wedding running smoothly; Ron creates awkwardness between Tom and Lucy; Jen Barkley arrives at Ben and Leslie's home with an opportunity. | |
Parks and Recreation – Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer Goes to Washington While on a business trip to Washington with Leslie, April struggles with her future; Andy looks for a job for April. | |
Everybody Loves Raymond – Hackidu Ray pays a high price for a Hackidu card when the owner (Paul Reubens) of a comic-book store gives him a hard time. | |
Everybody Loves Raymond – Debra Makes Something Good Debra throws the Barone family into turmoil when she finally cooks something good. | |
Everybody Loves Raymond – Marie and Frank's New Friends Ray and Debra scheme to get Frank and Marie out of their hair by having them make new friends, but the plan blows up in their faces. | |
Everybody Loves Raymond – Alone Time Ray is worried when Debra asks him to take the kids out more so she can have time to herself. | |
Two and a Half Men – Go Get Mommy's Bra Charlie's mother, Evelyn, asks to borrow his Mercedes so she can impress a Saudi prince who she wants to buy real estate. | |
Two and a Half Men – Bad News From the Clinic Charlie meets his match when he falls for a woman who is better at playing hard to get than he is. | |
Two and a Half Men – The Price of Healthy Gums Is Eternal Vigilance Alan denies having shoplifted a toy as a child and fears he has a dark side, until Charlie admits he planted the toy on Alan to stay out of trouble himself. | |
Two and a Half Men – A Kosher Slaughterhouse Out in Fontana Charlie and Alan hire Berta's sister (Camryn Manheim) to cater a party their mother has conned them into throwing for her. | |
Two and a Half Men – Frankenstein and the Horny Villagers Alan gets a taste of what Charlie's sex life is like when he meets a woman at the grocery store who fulfills his every fantasy. | |
Two and a Half Men – Yes, Monsignor Charlie bumps into an old flame he once thought would be Mrs. Right (Denise Richards) and is pleased to learn her marriage did not work out. | |
Two and a Half Men – The Salmon Under My Sweater Charlie is tasked with writing a theme song to one of Jake's favorite comics; things heat up between Alan and Rose. | |
Two and a Half Men – Last Chance to See Those Tattoos Jake discovers an angry Web site devoted to Charlie's womanizing ways. | |
Two and a Half Men – A Lungful of Alan Alan's homely high-school friend (Paget Brewster) returns as a beautiful woman, and the brothers quickly begin competing for her attentions. | |
Two and a Half Men – Zejdz Zmoich Wlosow (Get Off My Hair) When Judith's pipes burst after an earthquake, Alan invites her to stay with him at Charlie's house. | |
Two and a Half Men – Palmdale, Ech Alan and Lyndsey introduce their mothers; Jake and Eldridge get a ride from Walden to a party. | |
Two and a Half Men – Grandma's Pie Walden tells Zoey that he will be going into business with his ex-wife (Judy Greer); Lyndsey and Alan grapple with their mothers' new relationship. |
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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