Marvel fans who are also into Netflix originals were disappointed last year when the streaming giant finished off its popular superhero shows Daredevil – after axing all of its other Marvel properties. The only ongoing Marvel-themed Netflix original right now is The Punisher with its second season recently hitting its virtual shelves. It’s OK to be disappointed even if the Marvel / Disney properties leaving Netflix was expected: Disney has made it clear that it wants to end its collaboration with Netflix and starting its own online streaming service, Disney+.
This brings us to today’s subject: the online streaming landscape in 2019 – an increasingly hostile and competitive environment where everyone wants a slice of the pie.
Netflix
Right now, Netflix is the “de facto” leader of its market segment. It is present in 190 countries in the world, it has around 140 million subscribers (close to 60 million in the US alone), and a little something for every viewer, from cartoons and animated series to science fiction, horror, and comedy shows – a lot of original content. Even with its recent price hikes, it has cheaper options than most of its competitors, and its Ultra subscriber tier with HDR support will also surely attract some new customers.
Hulu
Hulu is a lot like watching TV online. When it comes to an international presence, though, it falls far behind its competitors. Plus, it has one very annoying “feature” – commercials showed even to paid subscribers. It does have the advantage of getting brand new programming the day after it’s aired, so it’s easy to keep up with network shows even without a cable subscription.
Amazon
Amazon is another champion of original programming. It is pretty bold when it comes to choosing its originals – think of the pile of money it spent on the rights to Lord of the Rings and turning it into a series. It has a great selection of comedy and kids’ shows, making it one of the best choices for families. Plus, it is bundled with the many other benefits of the Prime subscription ($99 per year).
HBO Go
Great content but not enough variety – this is how many describe HBO’s service for cord cutters. Still, there are a few reasons why many prefer it over its competitors: Game of Thrones, Westworld, Last Week Tonight, and its other award-winning original content.
The contenders
And this is where it gets interesting: many content providers plan on launching their own online streaming services (or have done so already). Disney+ has great properties behind it – Marvel and Star Wars are the first two to come to mind – and plans to attack the streaming market with many fresh and exclusive series. Apple has a big pile of cash that it plans to spend on original content, including the first screen adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s famous “Foundation” series. DC Universe is a DC-specific streaming service (available in the US alone) that is also pushing out original content – like the gritty live-action Titans and the upcoming Doom Patrol and Swamp Thing series. And there’s also a service called YouTube Premium that debuted with the pressing and bloody series “Origin”, produced by Josh Appelbaum and with its episodes directed by talents like Paul W. S. Anderson, Mark Brozel (Humans), and Ashley Way (Torchwood).
Not to mention the many streaming services attached to individual channels filled with original content. CBS All Access is coming strong with its loads of new Star Trek series. Starz offers series like Outlander and American Gods. Showtime has Shameless and Homeland. And the list could go on and on. Each of these cost at least $8 a month, usually more.
2019 will be a year when the first big streaming war begins.