What Are Television Streaming Services and How Do They Work?
Television streaming means using the internet to access and watch programming. With most services, you sign up for a username and password and agree to pay a monthly fee. Then, you can watch an unlimited number of shows whenever you like. Billing is typically automatic with a charge to your credit or debit card, and you can usually cancel at any time. Some services even offer free trials.
One of the best things about TV streaming services is that they allow you to watch shows on a range of gadgets, including:
- Smart TVs that connect to the internet
- TVs connected to cable boxes, satellite receivers, Blu-Ray players, DVD players or gaming consoles that connect to the internet
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Smartphones like Android and iPhone
- Tablets such as Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPad
Top Television Streaming Services
There are dozens of streaming services out there, but some are more well known than others. The following are some of the best options for seniors to consider.
Netflix
Originally a service that allowed people to rent DVDs by mail, Netflix is one of the oldest streaming services. It’s also one of the largest, with more than 200 million subscribers in more than 190 countries. Great for bilinguals, the service has content in more than 30 languages.
With Netflix, you can rewatch old series, stream movies and check out exclusive television shows and documentaries. Some of the top Netflix TV shows include Stranger Things, Ozark, Wednesday and Bridgerton. As of September 2023, pricing ranges from $6.99 to $19.99 per month.
Hulu
Hulu is another streaming giant, boasting 48.3 million subscribers. The streaming service is home to more than 70,000 movies and TV episodes. In addition to showcasing classic sitcoms and dramas, Hulu produces original series. Some of its most popular exclusive programs include Only Murders in the Building, The Handmaid’s Tale, Letterkenny and The Bear.
One unique feature of Hulu is that it offers a live subscription service. Sign up and get access to more than 90 live news, sports and entertainment channels. Hulu subscription prices as of September 2023 range from $7.99 to $69.99 per month.
Amazon Prime Video
Brought to you by the Amazon online superstore, Amazon Prime Video is a unique streaming service that provides exclusive films and series, the ability to watch classic shows for free and access to other streaming services like Max, Showtime and Starz through add-ons. As a result, it’s a great way to get access to a wide range of content.
While you can access Amazon Prime Video through the methods outlined above, you also have another option — Amazon FireTV. This small device plugs into the HDMI port on your television and then connects to Wi-Fi, giving you access to Prime Video. You can also add apps for other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to your FireTV if you wish.
Amazon Prime Video is home to many popular exclusive shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Thursday Night Football, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. Pricing is straightforward, with a single plan that costs $8.99 per month. If you subscribe to Amazon Prime, it's included for free.
Max
Originally called HBO Max when it launched, Max is home to HBO’s lineup of television shows like Game of Thrones, Succession and The Sopranos. In addition, the streaming service lets you watch your favorite series from Discovery+, Food Network and Warner Bros. Film buffs will also love the selection of classic movies from Turner Classic Movies available through the service.
There are three subscription plans available for Max, and pricing ranges from $9.99 to $19.99 per month as of September 2023.
Disney+
Disney+ is the online home for everything Disney, as well as for Pixar, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, National Geographic and The Simpsons. In addition to a huge library of blockbuster films, the streaming service lets you watch exclusive shows like Star Wars The Mandalorian, Marvel’s Loki and High School Musical The Series, making it a great option for fans of all ages, including grandkids who come to visit.
With a standard Disney+ subscription, you also gain access to Hulu. There's a trio bundle that includes Hulu and ESPN+ as well. As of September 2023, monthly subscription prices range from $9.99 to $15.99.
Apple TV+
Although it’s the official streaming service of Apple, Apple TV+ is available on the same range of devices as other services, so you don’t need a Mac computer, iPhone or iPad to watch.
Apple TV+ has become well known for Apple Originals, series that are available exclusively through the service. These shows include Ted Lasso, Trying, Severance and For All Mankind. The streaming service also lets you stream Major League Baseball games live, and its standard price of $6.99 per month is one of the most affordable.
Posted on
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
by
Bethesda Senior Living Community
