Is Netflix worth it anymore?

It’s not a secret that Netflix is no longer a streaming monopoly. In recent years, tablets, phones, and computers have been flooded with different versions of the same app— Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO. Recently, the list has expanded to include GooglePlay, YoutubeRed, and soon Apple (Apple TV+) and Disney’s (Disney +) own streaming services. The truth of the matter is simply this: as shows flee Netflix in favor of their parent organizations (many of which have their own services), the value of keeping that old Netflix subscription seems to be diminishing. So, from a numbers perspective, what’s going on? And, most importantly, what should you be paying for?

Streaming Service	Notable Exclusive Content
Netflix	Stranger Things, 13 Reasons Why, Orange is the New Black, How to Make a Murderer, Sabrina, House of Cards, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Hulu	The Handmaid’s Tale, The Path, Difficult People, Casual
HBO	Game of Thrones, Veep, Barry
Disney+	All Disney, National Geographic, Pixar, StarWars, and Marvel content **Soon
NBC- The Peacock	The Office, Parks and Rec, Jimmy Fallon
Amazon Prime Video	The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Carnival Row, The Boys, The Grand Tour
Apple+	Dickenson, Ghost Rider, Carpool Karaoke the Series
YoutubeRed	Good Mythical Morning, Lifeline
ABC Go	The Bachelor Franchise, How to Get Away with Murder, Jimmy Kimmel

The problem lies in the fact that no streaming service is created (or paid for) equal. It really all depends on what one wants out of their service. If the consumer only plans to watch one movie or television show monthly, Vudu might be a great option. It’s free to have a membership, and you only pay for what you want to watch. On the other hand, if binge-watching is the viewer’s cup of tea, an option such as NBC or Hulu might be the optimal choice. And, of course, there’s the topic of content. In terms of award-winning, original programs, Netflix is definitely a leader, as well as HBO. It’s hard to even identify how many awards both services have been won because the number is so great (estimates put both companies in the hundreds). Keeping one’s account on either service guarantees access to the most popular entertainment as soon as it’s released. However, if you’re not a fan of Netflix or HBO’s original content, it might be time to ditch your subscription.