Thanks to many streaming sites online, we are able to watch our favorite shows and movies anytime, anywhere. When talking about VOD services, it would be hard not to mention these 3.
Hulu
Hulu was founded in October 2007 by News Corporation, NBC Universal, and Providence Equity Partners. The Walt Disney Company later joined the business venture. Eventually the Disney Company got full control of this video on demand streaming service, with Comcast as a silent partner. You can also catch broadcast network shows from ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and The CW. It features classic shows like Seinfeld, Buffy, and Veronica Mars. Or the latest episodes of hits like The Handmaid’s Tale, Ramy, Better Things, Atlanta, and Shrill. Then there’s Stumptown, Looking for Alaska, Claws, and The Terror to keep you glued to Hulu. Hulu’s monthly basic subscription rate is at USD 5.99, while premium goes for USD 11.99, which is almost ad-free. It is also packaged with Live TV, which brings it to USD 54.99 (with basic) and USD 60.99 (with premium), wherein you get 60+ channels of live TV and shows from other cable news networks. Hulu has over 28.5 million users all over the world.
Netflix
What Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph started in 1997 has grown to be a multi-billion-dollar business, with over 148 million subscribers all around the world. You can get Netflix TV shows anywhere in the world except mainland China, Crimea, North Korea, and Syria. Since it has taken a more proactive role in producing and distributing movies and TV shows, and original content, Netflix’s business has grown exponentially. With hits like Stranger Things, You, Sabrina, and recently, The Witcher, many people are tuning in to their shows. They have October Faction, The Ranch, Rise of Empires: Ottoman, and The Ghost Bride. They also ordered another season of Family Reunion and has gotten fans on the edge of their seats with the thriller, Messiah. Netflix subscription rates are at USD 8.99 for basic (standard definition, 1 screen only), USD 12.99 for standard (high definition, 2 screens), and USD 15.99 for premium (high definition to 4K Ultra HD, 4 screens).
Disney+
Disney+ is a force to reckon with in the VOD sphere, with the power of Walt Disney, Pixar, National Geographic, and 20th Century Studios behind it. Just having the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars in its roster are enough to keep you glued and keep your subscription for life. Officially launched in November 2019, it already got 10 million users under its belt from its first day of operations, and this number continues to rise. Especially with the introduction of The Mandalorian. What makes Disney+ different is that they also feature shows from the past like Darkwing Duck, Hannah Montana, and The Simpsons. Subscription rates range from USD 6.99 to 12.99 per month in 4K and HDR. Disney+ is available in the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico, and the expansion will continue in Europe and Latin America in 2020.
It is hard to make an apples to apples comparison among the three as each offers something different. The best choice would depend on your preference in terms of the kind of shows you want to watch. If you can afford it, why not get all three?
