How/where do I find and view US TV shows through my laptop?

[SoftKittyWarmKitty]

Friend has told me about some US shows that sound good but I've missed the first four or five episodes on TV. I've never streamed though my laptop to my TV before - what website can I find the shows on, and how do I get them from my laptop to TV? I'm a bit of a technophobe, so nothing too complex, please!

HDMI cable from asda amazon etc.
Webpage depends on the series. Netflix nowtv amazonprime. Most have one month trial offers for you to test it before you commit.

If you know anyone at university, you could ask for their bob national log on.
Which pretty much gives you access to anything.broadcast in the uk, ever!

I don't know anyone at uni but on the plus side, I have an HDMI cable so will check out the above sites, thanks. Friend recommended a streaming site but someone else said it's illegal and not worth the risk.