True Blood is among the shows that Blinkbox customers can see for free (Picture: HBO)

Online streaming service Blinkbox is allowing its customers to sample TV shows such as The Wire and True Blood before shelling out for the full series.

The Try TV On Us scheme features a string of shows which will also include the likes of The Newsroom and Sons Of Anarchy as well as comedies Modern Family and I’m Alan Partridge.

Users will be able to watch an unlimited number of pilot episodes of the featured programmes during the scheme, which runs until August 19.

‘Great TV continues to be one of our biggest obsessions and the fuel for many conversations,’ said Blinkbox CEO Michael Cornish.


I’m Alan Partridge is also among the featured shows (Picture: BBC)

‘There’s more choice than ever before thanks to services like ours, and our insights told us that customers relished the opportunity to try TV before committing to purchase.’



He added: ‘We’re confident that we have the best selection of great TV, so offering a taster for free seems like a good way to introduce people to our service. We’re delighted to say be able to say ‘try TV on us.’

Blinkbox, which is owned by Tesco, differs from rivals Netflix and Lovefilm in that it allows customers to pay for individual film and TV show ‘rentals’.

Users have 30 days to watch titles that they rent – but also have the option to buy films and TV shows from the site – while those who want to take advantage of Try TV On Us will need an account in order to tune in.