I Miss Netflix Sovereignty
For my fiscal stability in entertainment interests, I’ve committed to subscribing to two things and two things only:
- Spotify
- A streaming service (rotating)
Spotify is one I can justify super easily. Me and my brother share a Duo Plan and I make use of the Premium features a lot. Music helps me focus lots more when I’m working, and I think Spotify overall has the music streaming stuff “figured out” the most, right next to Apple Music. It’s just so nice to have. I use it all the time.
For the streaming services, however, I’ve never found myself thinking “This provides a great benefit to my life, and I would be sad without it” for any of the providers. And I’ve tried a wide variety of the main ones: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and most currently HBO Max. I don’t feel the bind.
I also just don’t stream much media. There was a time, though, when I could at least appreciate the medium of streaming.
Pax Netflixa
I know it may have been harmful in terms of “free markets” or something and all that, but I really do miss the time when Netflix was the only real contender in the streaming space.
Absolutely selfish opinion, yes, but when Netflix was on the absolute top everything was just so comfy. I could be pretty certain that any media that interested me was in the subscription with around 50-70% certainty. But that certainty is gone now: I see a particularly compelling ad for a show or movie and feel suspense from what streaming brand is on the end card, not the content of the trailer.
In the olden days, it was either a Netflix or Hulu subscription. Now, there’s the head scratching choice of picking from Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Peacock, Pluto, AMC+, Tubi, and many many more.
I won’t say what I think Netflix shoulda coulda woulda did to have continued domineering. I’m not a business guy, and I shouldn’t be making those decisions. But man, is the downturn rough to watch.
Cable 2.0
This sentiment’s very widespread: Streaming is turning into cable, which I find ironic. As ads continue to seep their way up the pipe, I realize that the only real difference I can make out is that streaming is done over the internet.
I’m awaiting the Streaming Service Bundles, if those ever crawl their way into the market. I’m kidding. Those already exist! It’s actually quite shocking how many things come bundled with Hulu.
Such a Strange Thing
Years back when Stranger Things was on Season 2, I experienced Netflix for the first time. Great show, had a blast binging everything with my siblings, including the later 3rd season.
Now we’re here, with the long-awaited and greatly-acclaimed Season 4. And I haven’t seen a second of it, because I’m committed to the whole one service at a time thing. I just don’t watch enough media to justify paying for two, and the only reasons I pay for HBO Max are that my brother watches the Cartoon Network stuff they have, and Doctor Who.
I’ve missed the hype train entirely, and it’s all thanks to the illusion of choice.
I think there should be a stock ticker for streaming services at this point, or maybe even a white-label streaming service industry.