You probably remember the bloody, weird, and deeply divisive werewolf transformation that went viral back in 2013. It was raw. It was gross. It was everything the "Team Edward" era of supernatural TV wasn't. Hemlock Grove was one of Netflix’s very first original swings, arriving right alongside House of Cards.
But then, it vanished.
If you go looking for it on Netflix today, you’ll find... absolutely nothing. It’s gone. Poof. In a bizarre twist for a "Netflix Original," the licensing deal with Gaumont International Television expired in October 2022, and Netflix just let it walk out the door. Honestly, for a while, it felt like the show had become digital "shelfware"—something that existed once but was now impossible to find unless you owned a dusty DVD from 2014.
The good news? You can finally watch Hemlock Grove free online again. It hasn't just resurfaced; it’s actually more accessible now than it has been in years, provided you know which "free with ads" corners of the internet to check.
Where to Actually Find Hemlock Grove for Free Right Now
Forget the subscription fees for a second. The rights to the show were snatched up by FilmRise after it left Netflix, which is basically the best-case scenario for viewers who don't want to pay. Because FilmRise specializes in ad-supported streaming (FAST channels), the show has been distributed to several platforms where your "payment" is just a few commercials.
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As of early 2026, here is the current layout for streaming the Godfrey family's chaotic lives:
- The Roku Channel: This is arguably the most stable home for the series right now. You don't even need a Roku device; you can watch it via their website or app. All three seasons—from the "Jellyfish in the Sky" pilot to the bloody series finale—are available here.
- Tubi: The king of "weirdly good" free content. Tubi has been cycling Hemlock Grove in and out of its library. It’s currently available, offering that classic high-def experience without the monthly bill.
- Plex: Often overlooked, Plex has a "Movies & TV" section that functions similarly to Tubi. They’ve got the full series available for free streaming in the US.
- Hoopla: If you have a library card, check Hoopla. Many local libraries have digital licenses for the show, which means zero ads and a completely legal, high-quality stream.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Hemlock Grove Again (The Bill Skarsgård Effect)
It's kinda funny how time works. When the show first dropped, critics basically threw tomatoes at it. It was called "messy" and "incoherent." But fast-forward to today, and the cast has become iconic.
Before he was Pennywise the Dancing Clown in IT, Bill Skarsgård was Roman Godfrey. You can see the seeds of his eerie, magnetic screen presence right here. Watching him play a wealthy, troubled "upir" (the show's unique take on vampires) alongside Landon Liboiron’s Peter Rumancek is a trip. The chemistry between them—this weird, bromantic, supernatural detective duo—is the real reason the show has developed a cult following a decade later.
People are rediscovering it on TikTok and Reels. Short clips of the legendary werewolf transformation (which used practical effects instead of just lazy CGI) are pulling in millions of views from a generation that was too young to watch it on Netflix in 2013.
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Is It Worth the Binge? Let’s Be Real.
Look, I’m not going to lie to you and say this is Succession with fangs. It’s a wild, uneven ride. Eli Roth produced it, so you know it’s going to be gory. It’s gothic, it’s soapy, and sometimes the plot makes absolutely no sense.
But it has an atmosphere that most modern "sanitized" streaming shows lack. The Godfrey Tower, the White Tower labs, the "vargulf" mystery—it feels like a fever dream. If you like True Blood but wished it was more "Twin Peaks" and less "Louisiana Romance," this is your show.
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What You Need to Know Before You Start:
- Season 1 is a murder mystery based on Brian McGreevy’s novel. It’s the tightest part of the series.
- Season 2 shifts gears. There's a new showrunner (Charles H. Eglee of Dexter fame), and the budget for gore goes way up.
- Season 3 is... a choice. It gets very dark and very weird. Some fans love the ending; others are still screaming into their pillows about it.
The "Free" Catch: AMC+ and Other Options
If you absolutely hate ads, you can’t really get it "free," but you can use the AMC+ 7-day free trial. Since AMC+ currently hosts the show (alongside Shudder), you can technically sign up, binge all 33 episodes in a week (good luck to your sleep schedule), and cancel before you’re charged.
Alternatively, if you’re a digital hoarder, the series is frequently on sale for under $15 on the Apple TV store or Vudu. Given how easily "Netflix Originals" can disappear nowadays, actually owning a digital copy isn't the worst idea if you plan on rewatching.
Actionable Steps to Start Watching
If you're ready to dive back into the weirdness of Pennsylvania's creepiest fictional town, here is how to do it tonight:
- Step 1: Check The Roku Channel first. It’s the most reliable "no-login" way to see if the show is available in your specific region.
- Step 2: Install Tubi or Plex. If Roku is a no-go, these are your best secondary bets for high-quality, ad-supported playback.
- Step 3: Check your Library. Use the Libby or Hoopla apps to see if your local library card gives you access to the series without ads.
- Step 4: Brace yourself for Episode 2. That transformation scene is still one of the most intense things ever put on television. Don't say I didn't warn you.