A method for accessing TV programs and applications on a smart TV may include receiving a channel selection command from a user, and determining an index number corresponding to the channel selected by the user according to the command. The method may also include searching for a program resource or an application corresponding to the determined index number through a preset index table, and starting and displaying the identified program resource or application. A system for accessing TV programs and applications on a smart TV may change a channel management mode of conventional systems of smart TVs and set-top boxes, such that information of TV programs and applications can be displayed together and called conveniently. A user can conveniently and rapidly switch between programs and applications without the need to switch between TV channel and application interfaces.