Category: Streaming

TV and movie audiences were already turning to online streaming in large numbers before COVID-19, but the global pandemic cemented the popularity of at-home viewing in the early 2020s. Today, media giants are in hot competition in the streaming sector, leaving experts wondering if a clear leader will ultimately arise.

Let’s examine some of the top contenders. 

Netflix

 

The first company to take at-home streaming video mainstream, Netflix dominated the market until relatively recently. In terms of both the quantity and the quality of its entertainment content, it remains a monumental force in the streaming industry. Even after losing more than 200,000 subscribers in early 2022, Netflix remains the top streaming service in terms of market share. 

Witnessing Netflix’s unprecedented success, other companies have rushed to replicate it. However, none of these companies, as yet, has been able to definitively knock Netflix off of its throne. A recent appraisal by the market-watching organization Financhill determined that “though industry experts started to speculate about the future of Netflix, most agreed that the streaming giant wouldn’t lose market share.” 

Hulu 

For many years, Hulu was the only streaming service to come close to Netflix’s massive market share. However, consumers tended to add a Hulu subscription to their existing Netflix subscription rather than abandoning Netflix for Hulu. This trend has made it impossible for Hulu to pull in front of Netflix to become the market leader.

In 2022, there is some indication that Hulu might be gaining some new momentum. Between 2021 and 2022, Hulu’s Emmy nomination count more than doubled. Among its 58 Emmy nods. There were many for its critically acclaimed programs Dopesick and The Dropout, which took home Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress wins, respectively, for their star performers Michael Keaton and Amanda Seyfried. 

HBO Max and Apple TV+ 

Many experts view industry awards and recognition as key factors in the streaming wars. In light of this, one must also carefully consider HBO Max and Apple TV+ as possible contenders. According to The Seattle Times, HBO Max is riding a “wave of winning momentum” in the wake of the 2022 Emmys.

“If the Emmy Awards are the yardstick for quality television content,” writes Times contributor Alison Saldanha, “the HBO empire has left its biggest competitor, Netflix, in the dust this year.” With 140 Emmy nominations, HBO Max scored the considerably more than any other streaming service this year including multiple wins in major categories.

Considering its relatively light roster of streaming content, Apple TV+ also did extremely well with 51 Emmy nominations. Its original TV programming, such as Ted Lasso, Severance, and The Morning Show has been critically celebrated for several years now. Ted Lasso received the second most wins for any show (4) in 2022 after securing a record-breaking 20 nominations in 2021.

Disney+

When Disney+ burst onto the scene in 2019, many industry experts deemed it the first serious challenger to Netflix. The Walt Disney Company not only owned some of the most valuable entertainment properties in world history, but it had the resources and skill needed to create a state-of-the-art platform.

Although Emmy nominations for Disney+ have never been particularly widespread and Netflix still brings in more corporate income, no one can doubt the powerful position that Disney+ holds in the streaming market. In her November 2022 article “Disney Overtakes Netflix, Again. Who Will Win the Streaming Wars?” Motley Fool contributor Jenifer Saibil explains that Disney+ is gaining on Netflix pretty fast in terms of subscriber count. If this trend continues, Disney+ will soon overtake Netflix as the top-grossing streaming service. 

Amazon Prime

Amazon are a powerful technology company with a huge presence in several spheres already, something they are utilizing to add value to their streaming offer – as a Prime subscriber, you can get unlimited free deliveries from Amazon and often other benefits, such as access to Amazon music. This will make Amazon difficult to dislodge from the market, but it hasn’t so far translated into market dominance. While Amazon Prime has impressed many with its high quality shows, it has so far failed to deliver the extraordinarily popular must-watch shows – think Squid Game and Game of Thrones – that have driven viewers to other streaming services, nor do they possess intellectual property goldmines such as Star Wars. As long as Amazon’s online stores remain popular, their streaming service will have a significant presence – but their formula will need a significant tweak before they can take the next step.

Many streaming services are available, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. There are more than 200 streaming services to choose from that offer live-streaming TV, on-demand TV, and movies. We narrowed down the picks to the top seven.

Some content is exclusive to a particular system, such as Netflix’s original television series and films, which you can only see on the Netflix system. HBO content is only available on HBO Max, such as all the television episodes of Friends. Disney+ has all the Disney shows and movies and the big franchise films such as the Marvel movies. 

Here are seven streaming services that offer the best value for their genre.

1. Disney+: The best value for families with children.

Disney+ has all the kids’ favorite Disney films and television shows, documentaries from National Geographic, and the entire Star Wars collection. It costs $7.99 per month with ads and $10.99 without ads.

2. Sundance Now: The best value for independent films.

For award-winning independent films and critically-acclaimed international films, Sundance is the service for film connoisseurs. The monthly plan is $6.99. There is a seven-day free trial.

3. ESPN+: The best value for sports fans.

ESPN+ is a must-have streaming choice for sports fans. It has a huge on-demand library of high-profile sports events, including football, baseball, golf, tennis, and more. It costs $9.99 per month.

5. Prime Video: The best value for Amazon shoppers.

Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service included with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $12.99 per month. It offers various TV shows, movies, and original content. Another benefit of Amazon Prime is the free shipment of anything ordered on Amazon. You can order your snacks from Amazon, get them delivered for free, and watch Amazon Prime entertainment without ever having to leave your house.

5. HBO Max: The best value for exclusive television programming.

HBO Max is a streaming service that offers access to various movies, TV shows, and all of HBO’s original content. There are comedy series like Friends and new hit television shows like House of the Dragon. It offers films like Fast and Furious 9 and The Batman. The plans start at $9.99 per month.

6. Hulu: The best value for live television programming.

Hulu carries plenty of live television programming. It also has a large library of TV shows, movies, and documentaries, with plans starting at $5.99 per month.

7. Netflix: The best value for on-demand original content.

Netflix offers a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and documentaries from its extensive library of over 5,000 films and television shows. It does not have any live programming. Don’t be surprised if you binge-watch the various Netflix television series. It has plans starting at $6.99 per month if you agree to watch the advertisements. Ad-free entertainment starts at $9.99 per month.

Final Thoughts

It’s worth considering what types of content you are interested in watching and any additional features or perks (such as free shipping with Amazon Prime) when deciding which television programming/movie streaming service is the best value for you. You can save money by buying a programming bundle such as the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ combination offered by Disney. You can also save by paying for each streaming service in advance on a discounted annual plan.

If you’re looking for something new to watch on Netflix, look no further than these 10 great Netflix India shows and movies. From crime thrillers and lighthearted comedy to heart-wrenching dramas and addicting reality shows, there’s something for everyone on this list! 

1. Indian Matchmaking 

Indian Matchmaking is a drama-filled reality dating show featuring the wild shenanigans of matched (and mismatched!) men and women, from attorneys and veterinarians to jewelers, teachers, business professionals, single parents, and more. Despite receiving some criticism for allegedly depicting religious and caste segregation, Netflix has renewed the popular show for a third season. 

2. Delhi Crime

Delhi Crime is a thrilling crime drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, from the first episode to the last. The series is based on the terrifying true story of the Delhi gang rape in 2012 and depicts the devastating aftermath of the victim’s gruesome murder.

3. Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives

Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives follows a handful of women married to Bollywood actors as they navigate finding work in the cutthroat entertainment industry. The show’s recent renewal for its second season opens the doors to new titillating arguments, exciting celebrations, and nerve-wracking interactions that can only be found in Bollywood.

4. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

While Glass Onion is an American show, it has gained significant popularity on Indian Netflix for its original plot and all-star cast, including Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy), Madeline Cline, and many more. The show centers around a group attending a murder mystery dinner that ultimately becomes reality in a number of thrilling twists and turns.   

5. Doctor G 

While not a series, Doctor G is a critically-acclaimed medical comedy-drama about a would-be orthopedic physician whose low test scores leave him with few options. Hilarity and drama ensue as the doctor attends a gynecology course, delivers a baby, faces disciplinary action, is involved in an abortion gone wrong, and finally learns his responsibility towards his patients. 

6. Sacred Games

Sacred Games is a thrilling neo-noir crime series about a burdened Mumbai police officer who has only 25 days to save the entire city, according to a harrowing phone call from a key player in the local gang. The series is massively popular, having been subtitled in more than 20 languages. 

7. Mumbai Mafia: Police vs the Underworld

Mumbai Mafia is another film that makes this list for its originality and popularity. This riveting political documentary exposes the decades-long war between the Indian mafia and the Mumbai police. Viewers of this gritty, revealing film come away with a new look at the credibility and morality of law enforcement in India, particularly in regards to the heinous extrajudicial murders perpetrated by uniformed officers. 

8.  Decoupled

Decoupled is a quirky Indian comedy about a man in the midst of a divorce who can’t help but ruffle feathers with his uncontroversial opinions. Viewers join him as he navigates couples therapy, divorce, work, and more with his unconventional and often troublesome viewpoints. 

9.  She 

The crime drama She follows a young policewoman who goes undercover as a prostitute in Mumbai in an effort to take down the city’s largest drug dealer. At home, she faces domestic abuse and learns to use her appearance to control the world around her. 

10.  The Fame Game 

The Fame Game is a series thriller that follows the story of a young woman who, after spending a lifetime embroiled in violence and drama, suddenly goes missing. Viewers join the cast as they begin to unravel the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, which only serves to bring up more questions and uncertainty.

Streaming has gone through a multitude of changes over the past five to ten years. Netflix was the first to establish itself as a streaming giant. The company that started as a DVD rental business transitioned into an on-demand streaming company in 2007. The success of Netflix made countless media companies want to replicate it and launch their exclusive streaming divisions. Worldwide, there are currently more than 200 streaming services available. The expansion of the streaming marketplace has many left wondering why there are so many current offerings.

Netflix Duplication

One of the many reasons that there are numerous streaming services is that companies are attempting to achieve the level of success of Netflix. Not only was Netflix the first major on-demand streaming platform, but the company has also retained a large percentage of market shares. Netflix makes up 21 percent of the streaming market share and has an estimated annual revenue of $30 million.

Despite its substantial hold on the market, popular TV shows from other streaming platforms have diminished the number of Netflix subscribers. For instance, the streaming service Paramount Plus has an 8 percent hold on the market, a substantial leap compared to its launch numbers. Streaming services have focused energies on developing exclusive content to attract subscribers. For Paramount Plus, they increased viewership through the show “Yellowstone,” while Apple TV experienced growth because of “Ted Lasso.”

No Unified Streaming Service

Each streaming service has its own lineup of exclusive shows and original planning. Consumers may fear missing out by only using one or two streaming subscription services. For instance, Disney Plus has the rights to top intellectual properties such as “Star Wars” and “Marvel.” Customers are paying multiple streamers to access shows and movies only available on specific platforms.

With the growing number of streaming offerings, consumers have grown weary of paying multiple fees for access. According to a November 2022 survey, 69 percent of respondents feel that there are too many streamers on the market. Furthermore, 58 percent felt overwhelmed by how much content was being offered. The monthly cost is typically a strong deciding factor in choosing a streaming service. Yet, almost half of those surveyed also stated that specific shows would also determine whether they subscribe.

Rising Costs of Too Many Streaming Services

Streaming services rose in popularity as households worldwide started to participate in the trend of “cord-cutting.” Cord-cutting was a move away from traditional cable and satellite TV subscriptions. Instead of paying a high monthly cable bill, households aimed to save money by paying a low streaming service fee. However, at least 20 percent of all consumers feel they are subscribed to too many services. After adding up four or more services, users may pay more per month than a cable subscription.

During the pandemic, TV viewership numbers rose to unprecedented amounts. However, with TV viewership on the decline, there will likely be fewer streaming services on the market. Instead of large streaming service platforms, the market could see more niche options.