Is Netflix still worth it?
Streaming services,
ranked by value
This is Nick’s purely subjective and 100% biased list, based on nothing of any scientific value except for the monthly (or annual) bill associated with each service. Many people have “cut the cord” or attempted end-arounds to avoid steep monthly cable bills, but inevitably, they end up paying similar monthly amounts when all the services are added together.
Full disclosure, I have never tried YouTube TV; I cut the cord from cable 6 or 7 years ago and have a digital antenna, so I can get local versions of CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, Channel 17 and Fox 29. With the digital antenna, there are also bunch of sub-channels like MeTV, etc. Also, I don’t have Paramount+ or Peacock.
Streaming services, ranked by value (time watched / enjoyed vs. monthly / annual cost):
1. Disney+
The annual package, which is the $70 to $80 range depending on which options you choose, includes Hulu and ESPN+. Obviously, with this package you get Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, and Nat Geo. Tons of terrific content in just those options alone. And lots of live sports options with ESPN+. But the Hulu / FX combo is the REAL hidden gem here. Only Murders in the Building (currently my favorite show on TV); Reservation Dogs; Under the Banner of Heaven; The Dropout; Pam & Tommy; Welcome to Wrexham; Dave; Letterkenny; The Handmaid’s Tale. The list goes on and on and obviously, there are lots more. But these are the shows I keep coming back to because they’re all SO GOOD!
Only Murders In The Building is hilarious, touching, dramatic and somehow also finds a way to be a great murder mystery! The dialog is compelling and each episode is written brilliantly, so perhaps it’s strange that my favorite episode, “The Boy From 6B” is nearly silent.
2. Apple TV+
Low monthly fee (only about $5 a month) and excellent originally programming, like Ted Lasso, Severance, Mythic Quest, Servant. I mean Ted Freaking Lasso!
Be curious, not judgmental.
3. HBO-Max
Best overall movie selection and their original programming is top notch! At about $15 per month, it’s just a little cheaper than Netflix, although there’s an option that’s only $10. However, it’s the most bang for the buck. Last Week with John Oliver, House of the Dragon, Succession, Curb Your Enthusiasm and if you haven’t seen it, Our Flag Means Death is a great comedy starring Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby. Plus, with this platform you can dive back into The Sopranos or The Wire or any of your favorites from the late 90’s early 2000’s.
A funny scene from Our Flag Means Death:
4. Amazon Prime
Decent movie selection, some decent original programming but right now, I just don’t spend a lot of time on this platform. However, it’s fairly cost effective if you’re already an Amazon Prime member, which of course has its own benefits for shopping, deliveries, and essentially, Jeff Bezos’s march toward global domination. The Rings of Power didn’t really do it for me, but if you’re a fan, go for it.
5. Netflix.
It has become way too overpriced for the time spent watching. $16.42 per month makes it nearly $200 annually and other than Stranger Things, I find I don’t really watch much on there any more. Cobra Kai is fun, but once you binge it, you kinda move on. It’s a good junk food 80’s nostalgia reboot. The Great British Baking Show is comfort food, quite literally, and a Paul Hollywood handshake makes me feel warm and happy. Anyway, I’m thinking about canceling, how about you?
“Running Up That Hill” from Stranger Things, Season 5: