Just watching TV isn’t enough anymore; not when there are finale spoilers and show discussion boards to follow. But fear not, television fanatics, there are plenty of free iPad apps to keep you informed about your favorite shows and help you find new channels or programs to add to your evening itinerary.
1. GetGlue
If you want to be rewarded for your devotion to television, GetGlue is the app for you. Users earn points for checking in and rating shows, which can be cashed in for stickers and other free items. GetGlue allows you to follow your favorite shows, see what your friends are watching, and suggests new shows to check out. iTunes customers give GetGlue 4.5 stars and reviewers rave about its simple and easy to navigation layout.
2. TV Guide
TV Guide is a practical, easy to use app for TV listings and entertainment news. Just enter your zip code and provider and TV Guide will lead you through air times, episode details and send push notifications so you never miss a show. iTunes customers give TV Guide 3.5 stars and love its pragmatic uses but have some issues with the app crashing unexpectedly.
3. IMDb
Claiming to be the world’s largest collection of entertainment data, IMDb can tell you pretty much anything you need to know about TV, movies, and celebrities. IMDb recaps shows from last night, lists the most popular shows on TV right now, and shares reviews from users and critics. iTunes customers rate IMDb with a glowing 5 stars and can’t say a bad word about the useful app.
4. Miso – Social TV
Miso makes TV watching more interactive. The app uses SideShows to hook you up with your TV-addicted friends so you can all watch together. SideShows allow fans, networks, and bloggers to comment on shows as they play making each episode a forum to show off your TV trivia smarts or post an inspired snarky remark. iTunescustomers gave Miso 4.5 stars and users enjoy the innovative SideShow feature.
5. i.TV
If you’re looking for a central hub to control your TV veiwing, i.TV may have the answer. More that just a TV guide, i.TV can also schedule your TiVo DVR, locate available shows on Netflix and Hulu, and access show information from IMDb and Wikipedia. iTunes customers give i.TV 4.5 stars, but users worry about some glitches that have yet to be worked out in the app.
6 and 7. Entertainment Weekly, EW Must List
Entertainment Weekly magazine proves to be a double hitter with two apps that TV fanatics can’t live without. The basic EW app provides a virtual copy of the magazine. Although the app allows you to buy the mag weekly, subscribers get free access to the virtual copy. The app features EW’s infamous reviews and ratings, essential for at-home TV critics. But for those looking for a shorter read, the EW Must List gives users the editor’s top 10 lists providing weekly must sees for TV viewers. iTunes customersgive both apps 4.5 stars and dig the clean and easy layout of the apps.
8. Tunerfish
For the more straightforward TV watcher, Tunerfish simply lets you share and discovernew shows. The simplistic layout makes it easy to see what’s popular right now and make your own profile of favorite shows. The app also creates a Watchlist with current listing of shows you just can’t miss. iTunes customers give the app 4.5 stars and reviews show loyal followers of Tunerfish that love the newly released iPad app.
9. yap.TV Social TV Show Guide
Working the social network scene, yap.TV connects your TV preferences to Facebook and Twitter. Using Facebook information, yap.TV follows your favorite shows and shares your friend’s favorites with you. The app also streams tweets from fans during the show and makes it easy to follow TV celebs. This is a great app for those addicted to social networking. iTunes customers give this app 4 stars and are excited about the multitasking abilities.
10. Ustream
Ustream aims to make TV viewing more interactive with live chats and polls during a show’s broadcast. The app also allows you to set reminders that will alert you to events surrounding your favorite shows and gives users a chance join Ustream crowds that are full of other TV fanatics with the same interests. iTunes customers give Ustream 2.5 stars because of some problems with the app crashing on occasion.
What is your favorite TV app? Please let us know in comments.
This guest post is by Edwin who regularly writes about celebrities, TV, and movies for the Celebutaunt blog on USDish.
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