Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about CTV, Canada’s leading free television network and streaming destination.
What is CTV?
CTV is a Canadian television network and streaming platform owned by Bell Media. It offers a wide selection of popular TV series, news programs, reality shows, sports, and movies from both Canadian and international studios.
Where is CTV available?
CTV is available exclusively in Canada. You can watch CTV live or on-demand through:
- The official website: ctv.ca
- The CTV mobile apps on iOS and Android
- Streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV
Due to broadcast rights, CTV content cannot be streamed outside Canada without using a Canadian network connection.
Is CTV free to watch?
Yes. CTV’s on-demand library — including CTV Movies and CTV Throwback — is completely free to watch and supported by ads, with no subscription required. Viewers can instantly stream a wide range of movies, classic TV shows, and recent episodes without logging in.
However, access to certain channels and programs (such as CTV Drama, CTV Comedy, or CTV Sci-Fi) requires signing in with your TV provider credentials. In most cases, newly aired episodes are available to stream for up to four weeks after their original broadcast at no cost. After this free window expires, a valid TV provider login is needed to continue watching.
How do I sign up for a CTV account?
You can create a free Bell Media account to personalize your CTV experience. This account lets you sync your watchlist, continue watching across devices, and access more content.
To sign up:
- Go to ctv.ca or open the CTV app on your device.
- Select “Create an Account”.
- Enter your email address, create a password, and verify your account.
- You can then log in on any supported device to access personalized features.
Is there a cost to creating a Bell Media account?
No, there is no cost to create or maintain a Bell Media account. It’s completely free and available to all viewers in Canada.
Can I watch CTV content without signing in?
Yes. Many series, movies, and full seasons in CTV Movies and CTV Throwback are available without signing in. You can watch these instantly for free.
However, by signing in with a Bell Media account, you’ll unlock additional benefits such as:
- Access to more on-demand titles
- Personalized recommendations and saved watchlists
- Live streaming of CTV channels available through your TV provider
What content can I watch on CTV?
CTV offers a broad range of entertainment across multiple genres and channels:
- CTV Network: Current hit shows, dramas, comedies, and reality programs (e.g., The Good Doctor, 9-1-1, The Voice, The Amazing Race Canada).
- CTV News: Live national and local newscasts, including CTV National News, W5, and Your Morning.
- CTV Drama Channel: Premium series such as Transplant, Station 19, and The Rookie.
- CTV Comedy Channel: Stand-up specials and sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory and Corner Gas Animated.
- CTV Sci-Fi Channel: Popular fantasy and science fiction series like Star Trek: Discovery, The Flash, and Superman & Lois.
- CTV Life Channel: Lifestyle, food, and home series such as Mary Makes It Easy and Where to I Do?.
- CTV Movies and CTV Throwback: Free streaming collections of classic films and full TV series, available without login.
Can I watch live TV on CTV?
Yes. If you sign in with a participating TV provider account, you can watch live streams of the CTV channels included in your cable package. This includes the main CTV channel, as well as CTV Comedy, CTV Drama, CTV Sci-Fi, and CTV Life.
What devices are compatible with CTV?
CTV supports a wide range of modern devices. You can watch on:
Smart TVs
- Samsung Smart TVs (2017 and newer)
- LG Smart TVs (webOS)
- Android TV and Google TV
Streaming Devices
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV and Firestick
- Apple TV (4th Gen and later)
- Chromecast
Mobile & Tablets
- iPhone and iPad (iOS 13+)
- Android phones and tablets (Android 8.0+)
Web Browsers
- Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari on Windows or macOS
Do I need a cable subscription to use CTV?
Not for everything. You can stream most CTV Movies, CTV Throwback, and many recent network shows for free without a TV provider. However, certain channels — like CTV Comedy, CTV Drama, and CTV Sci-Fi — require you to sign in with your TV provider credentials to access their live and full on-demand libraries.
Can I download episodes or movies for offline viewing?
No. CTV currently does not support offline downloads. You must be connected to the internet to stream.
What video quality does CTV offer?
CTV streams in up to 1080p HD for most supported devices and content. A stable broadband connection (minimum 5 Mbps) is recommended for smooth playback.
4K streaming is not yet supported.
Are subtitles and closed captions available?
Yes. Most CTV programming offers English closed captions and subtitles. Some shows may also include French-language options depending on availability.
Does CTV have parental controls?
Yes. CTV includes parental controls based on Canadian content ratings (G, PG, 14+, 18+). You can set these restrictions in the app or your Bell Media account settings to prevent children from accessing mature content.
What should I do if I can’t sign in?
If you encounter login issues:
- Make sure your TV provider credentials are correct.
- Try logging in directly on your provider’s website to confirm your subscription is active.
- Clear your browser cache or reinstall the app.
- If the issue continues, contact CTV’s support team at help.ctv.ca.
Does CTV support casting or AirPlay?
Yes. You can cast videos from the CTV app or website to your TV using Chromecast or Apple AirPlay, as long as both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
How do I contact CTV support?
If you need help with streaming, app setup, or account management, visit the official CTV Help Centre. You can find answers to common issues, troubleshooting steps, and ways to reach Bell Media customer support directly.
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