Your tv would need the ability to download programs onto it from google store, can't see it doing
that if it's not a smart tv.
i use chromecast, about £30 for the gadget. and cast mobdro or freenet tv from my phone(android)
to the tv
Your other option is the Amazon Firestick or a Roku stick or box. I like the firestick and up to you if you take prime. Roku gives you a lot of options. I use Plex a lot and it works so well on Firestick and Roku if you don't have a smart tv. I looked at Chromecast when I was buying the stick, but that wasn't for me, nor was apple TV. It is personal preference. Have a look at what each does and then see which one suits your needs more
Downloading is kind of having it physically. You can play it again straight after. Streaming ‘downloads’ as you are watching but is slightly behind.
For instance I stream fights from an app to my tv while they are happening. Assuming you wanted to do the same for RUK or similar
if you have an android phone there is an app called apps2fire, basically any app you have on
your phone can be transfered to the firestick (mobdro&freenet tv) very easily.