You need this guide to streaming what you want when you want it by knowing where to go to get it. Step into the future with:
The Streaming Bible
by David Bloom
Apple’s announcement of its long-awaited streaming service will add yet another big player to an already-overstuffed business. Cutting the cord is no longer a radical act; according to a recent MPAA report, it’s now the TV-watching norm. However, cable still holds an advantage that streamers do not: It’s easy to use. Dozens of networks, all accessible through a scroll. No clicking through multiple platforms or apps. It’s a simpler world.
For some, the answer is Netflix. It spends billions annually on content creation that’s designed to convince subscribers that the studio offers everything they’d ever want to watch. However, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Amazon, and HBO, among many others, are spending their own billions to convince consumers otherwise.
As a result, watching TV can feel like running an obstacle course of clicking between apps and platforms, along with the challenge of remembering which show is where. It’s a problem that no amount of great programming can solve; in fact, the more that’s made, the worse it gets.
It’s possible that Apple TV+ will prove to be a savior in that regard; as one analyst recently noted, “Apple is looking to become the cable box of streaming.” And like every other growing industry, at some point expansion will segue into consolidation. But for now, the golden age of TV is a bit of a mess.
That’s why IndieWire has assembled this guide to what’s contained within the known streaming universe. It’s meant to give you a sense of what’s out there, what it will cost, and what you can get. It’s extensive, but it’s not exhaustive; all of this is subject to change, possibly while you’re reading this piece….