Streaming services have become an integral part of our entertainment world, offering a vast array of content at our fingertips. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are worth your time and money.
7. Hulu: A Blend of Original and Familiar Content
Owned by Disney, Hulu is a streaming powerhouse that offers a perfect blend of original and licensed content. While their original programming has faced some challenges recently, Hulu shines with its extensive library of shows from popular networks like Fox, FX, and ABC. Two standout original series that have captured viewers' attention are the gripping science fiction drama "The Handmaid's Tale" and the delightful comedy-mystery "Only Murders in the Building."
Hulu also boasts several captivating shows that were initially broadcast on FX, including the critically acclaimed comedy series "The Bear" and the thrilling "Shōgun," hailed as one of the best TV adaptations of 2022. With pricing starting at $7.99 per month with ads or $14.99 per month without ads, Hulu offers a compelling value proposition, especially when bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ as part of the Disney Bundle.
6. Disney+: The Magical World of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and More
Brought to you by the Walt Disney Company, Disney+ is a streaming service that delivers a treasure trove of content from beloved franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and National Geographic. While some of their recent original content has received mixed reviews, Disney+ shines with its extensive back catalog of fan-favorite shows and movies.
Highlights include the groundbreaking "The Mandalorian" and the mind-bending "Loki," along with over 30 seasons of the iconic "The Simpsons" and exclusive content for Taylor Swift fans. With plans starting at $7.99 per month with ads or $10.99 per month without ads, Disney+ offers an unparalleled entertainment experience for fans of all ages.
5. Paramount+: Live Sports, News, and Iconic Brands
Paramount+ is a streaming powerhouse that caters to a wide range of interests. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy live NFL games and other sporting events, while news junkies can stay up-to-date with live news coverage. Additionally, Paramount+ offers an extensive on-demand library of TV shows and movies from iconic brands like CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon.
For sci-fi fans, Paramount+ is the go-to destination for the beloved "Star Trek" franchise, with new originals like "Picard" and "Star Trek: Discovery" keeping the legacy alive. New customers can take advantage of a 7-day free trial, after which the Paramount+ Essential plan with limited ads costs $4.99 per month, and the Paramount+ Premium bundle with Showtime and no ads (except for live TV events and a few shows) is priced at $11.99 per month.
4. Peacock: NBC Universal's Streaming Powerhouse
NBC Universal's streaming service, Peacock, boasts an impressive library of over 80,000 hours of content. From the gripping drama "Yellowstone" and the iconic "Law & Order" franchise to the beloved "The Office," Peacock has something for everyone.
Explore captivating original series like "Poker Face" and the "Ted" franchise, and get early access to new movies produced by NBC Universal before their theatrical release. Peacock offers two plans: Premium at $4.99 per month (which includes ads) and Premium Plus at $9.99 per month (ad-free, with a few exceptions). Additionally, Premium Plus subscribers can enjoy offline viewing and access to their local NBC channel.
Here's the continuation of the guide covering the remaining top streaming services:
3. BritBox: A Treasure Trove of British Television
BritBox is a joint venture of the BBC and ITV, offering a curated selection of high-quality British TV shows. If you're a fan of British television, this streaming service is a must-have. Recently, we've been captivated by fantastic new shows like "Blue Lights" and "Sherwood," while also rediscovering classics like "Sherlock" and "Luther."
BritBox provides a 7-day free trial, after which the monthly subscription cost is $6.99. It's an excellent investment for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of British storytelling.
2. AMC+: Underrated but Unmissable
AMC+ is one of the most underrated video streaming services, yet it offers an incredible lineup of content from AMC Network, Sundance Now, BBC America, and IFC Films. While some subscribers use it primarily to stay up-to-date with the "The Walking Dead" universe, AMC+ is home to many other outstanding shows.
"Dark Winds" and "Gangs of London" are just a few examples of the captivating series available on this platform. After a 7-day free trial, AMC+ offers affordable plans starting at just $4.99 per month, making it a budget-friendly option for accessing premium content.
1. Prime Video: Amazon's Impressive Originals and More
Prime Video from Amazon is a streaming powerhouse that shouldn't be overlooked. With an impressive collection of original TV shows and movies, Prime Video keeps viewers engaged and entertained. If you have an Amazon Prime membership ($139 per year), Prime Video is included at no additional cost. For non-Prime members, the standalone cost is $8.99 per month.
While Prime Video recently introduced ads by default for US customers, you can opt for an ad-free experience by paying an additional $3 fee. Notable highlights on Prime Video include the action-packed "Reacher," the critically acclaimed "The Boys" (now with four seasons), and the outstanding video game adaptation "Fallout."
Bonus Picks: Niche Streaming Services Worth Exploring
Before we reveal our top three streaming services, here are a few bonus picks that cater to specific interests:
- Crunchyroll: A haven for anime fans, with plans starting at $7.99 per month after a 7-day free trial.
- CuriosityStream: Offering a wide range of documentaries in HD and 4K, CuriosityStream is a must-have for knowledge seekers at $2.99 per month or $19.99 per year.
- Tubi: If you're looking for a completely free streaming service with a massive library of TV shows, movies, and reality shows, Tubi is an excellent choice.
For those seeking to cut the cable cord, FuboTV ($84.99 per month) is an excellent option for sports fans, while Sling TV ($40 per month) offers a more budget-friendly alternative with a limited channel lineup. YouTube TV ($72.99 per month) stands out with its impressive multi-view feature, allowing you to watch up to four live streams simultaneously on one screen.
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