Free to use, supported by ads
No account or login required
Web access only via decade-specific URLs (e.g., my70sTV.com, my90sTV.com) (00s.myretrotvs.com, etsy.com, techforbrains.com)
Interactive interface: users can “tune” channels with knobs or remote-buttons matching the era
Cast to TV: users cast browser or mobile screens for bigger display (no standalone app yet) (reddit.com)
Era-specific UI: realistic retro controls—rotary dials for the 60s/70s, old-school remotes for later decades
Massive clip library: thousands of content pieces—sitcoms, commercials, news, music, sports—from each decade (techforbrains.com)
Authentic channel-surfing experience: includes static, transitions, loading delays for nostalgia (nerdist.com)
Classic sports moments: e.g., ‘90s Bulls vs. Cavs full game clips, complete with static and surprise finds
Retro nostalgia: from 60s variety shows to 2000s music videos and movie trailers
A Redditor on r/InternetIsBeautiful raved:
“My new favorite website on the internet… simulate the vintage experience of channel‑surfing on a TV from the 60s…00s.” (reddit.com)
Users note: “Was watching a Bulls–Cavs game from ’95 for a good 5 minutes… probably the full game.” (reddit.com)
Others highlight the authentic slow transitions: “At first I thought that was a feature… Wait a few seconds when changing the channel.” (reddit.com)
Retro enthusiasts seeking authentic 60–2000s TV experiences
Background streamers who enjoy ambient nostalgia
Casual viewers curious about vintage content variety
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Immersive, era-accurate UI with tactile nostalgia | 📺 Web-only—no mobile or TV app for broader casting convenience |
| ✔️ Rich, varied media library across decades | 🔍 No search index—users channel-surf rather than select specific shows |
| ✔️ Totally free—no signup, ads only support hosting | 📡 Dependent on YouTube—content may vanish or encounter copyright restrictions |
| ✔️ Viral appeal—the chaos and randomness are part of the fun | 🕒 Slow channel flips and loading times are intentional, but may frustrate impatient users |
My Retro TVs captures the joy of channel surfing in past decades through thoughtful UI design, rotating controls, static transitions, and rich YouTube-sourced clips. It’s a nostalgia-rich digital time machine and perfect “ambient nostalgia” experience. It may not replace modern streaming, but it’s a delightful rabbit hole and conversation starter for anyone who remembers the golden tube-era. (youtube.com, techforbrains.com, ausretrogamer.com, korben.info)
