What is MyRetroTVs?
MyRetroTVs puts six virtual television sets in your browser, one for each decade from the 1950s to the 2000s. Pick a decade, press power and you get a random channel already playing, complete with commercials, cartoons, music videos and news clips from that era. Flip the dial and you land somewhere else, just like channel surfing used to feel.
It is a passion project by Joey Cato, a UI engineer who previously worked at Netflix and Electronic Arts. It started with My80sTV in September 2013, then grew with My90sTV, My70sTV, My00sTV, My60sTV and finally My50sTV in February 2023. The clips come from YouTube, but the random channels and random start points make it feel like live TV. Clips of people flipping through it are a long-running trend on TikTok.
What You Can Do
- Choose a TV set for the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 2000s
- Flip through random channels with a virtual remote
- Filter by category, such as music videos only
- Catch old commercials between shows like real broadcast TV
- Suggest content to the creator through the site
How to Play MyRetroTVs
- Open MyRetroTVs and pick a decade.
- Press the power button on the TV set.
- Use the channel buttons to surf until something grabs you.
- Set a category filter if you only want music videos or a certain type of show.
Is MyRetroTVs Free?
MyRetroTVs is free with no account or paid tier. There is an optional Donate a coffee link if you want to support the creator.
Who Will Enjoy It?
- Anyone who grew up with cable TV and misses channel surfing
- Younger viewers curious what TV looked like decades ago
- People who want nostalgic background noise while they work
- Fans of old ads and pop culture history
Websites Like MyRetroTVs
- Radio Garden: Tune in to live radio around the world instead of old TV.
- Retro Games: More nostalgia, this time with classic games you can play.
- The Useless Web: Another way to click into something random and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MyRetroTVs free?
Yes. It is free with no sign-up. The only money ask is an optional coffee donation.
Where do the MyRetroTVs videos come from?
The clips are played from YouTube, arranged into random channels for each decade.
Who made MyRetroTVs?
Joey Cato built it, starting with My80sTV in 2013.