The TV landscape has been changing fast. And that means every major studio in the US is figuring out how to play catch-up when faced with huge competition from the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for traditional networks in all of this. For example, a lot of the best TV right now can still be found on cable network FX – but even that network has began debuting new shows on Hulu at the same time they air. Viewers have signed up to the likes of Netflix and Hulu in droves, and for good reason.
There’s never been so much choice when it comes to streaming services, which is great for viewers in some respects but it can be overwhelming and expensive to make the right decision.
You’ve got the market leader, Netflix, which has become the default streaming service for many. There’s also the Amazon Prime Video service that comes as part of an Amazon Prime subscription, HBO Now for shows like Game of Thrones or Westworld (and soon HBO Max), and the likes of Hulu, YouTube TV and Sling for getting live TV without the hefty monthly bills.
More recently, Disney has entered the fray with Disney Plus, which hosts shows and movies from Star Wars, Marvel and more. Apple has also thrown its hat into the ring with Apple TV Plus, which may not be able to compete with the rest when it comes to back catalogue, but has ambitious plans for fresh new programming.
In 2020, two more major competitors will join the fray: HBO Max and Peacock, with the latter rumored to be ad-supported. This streaming war is just getting started, and each will have their own original content. There’s also shortform video service Quibi to come.
It’s getting overcrowded, honestly, and now you have to strategize a little to get the TV you want within the budget you have.
To help you choose from the best TV streaming services out there, we’ve put together this guide to the essentials.
Best TV streaming service 2020 overview:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- Disney Plus
- YouTube TV
- HBO Now and HBO Go
- Sling TV
- Fubo
- Crunchyroll
- Apple TV Plus
- Twitch
- Crackle