Does Your Streaming Service Have the Programming You Need?
In 2017, every company seems to want you to unplug the cable and subscribe to their platform. Unfortunately, not all of the shows you watch are available on the same platform.
So what do you do when Hulu offers a CBS show but doesn’t have your favorite Viacom channels? Choosing a streaming service is difficult in the midst of a turf war.
If you’re looking to cut the cord because you’re not watching TV anymore, but just watching a show on your computer, here’s a quick guide that will give you a better idea of which networks are available on which platforms.
Hulu Live TV
Since its inception in 2008, Hulu has dedicated itself to replacing the conventional TV viewing experience. That being said, of all your choices, Hulu is the most comprehensive, offering shows from NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox.
However, this was not always the case. Most recently, he got the rights to broadcast CBS and all Fox programming, including older shows like Glee.
But in addition to regular network TV, Hulu also has several cable shows from A&E, Big Ten Network, Bravo, E!, ESPN, Cartoon Network, CNN, FX, and Fox Sports. In addition, it features original programs such as The Mindy Project, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Casual.
Like most things, Hulu isn’t perfect. If you’re a fan of MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon, you won’t be able to see any of these shows on Hulu. You will also skip Discovery Channel, TLC and all AMC programs including BBC America and IFC.
So if you’re looking for the widest variety of streaming services, Hulu is the place to go. However, variety also has the highest price tag. You will have to pay $ 40 a month (or $ 44 without ads) for the Hulu Live TV service. For a regular Hulu account, you’ll have to pay $ 8 per month ($ 12 ad-free).
You can see the full list of available Hulu networks here .
PlayStation Vue
Like Sling TV, PlayStation Vue is more of a replacement for your cable subscription than an alternative to network TV. Vue will set you back at least $ 40 for the basic package and up to $ 75 for the “premium” package. Vue also offers NBC, FOX and ABC programming. It also offers CBS, but only in select markets. So for a couple of dollars, Vue might be the best option for you.
You can see the full list of available PlayStation Vue networks here .
YouTube TV
Next to Hulu, YouTube TV is probably your best streaming option. YouTube has managed to attract all the major networks to broadcast its shows. This includes ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and even The CW, which Hulu lacks. So if you want to keep up with all DC superhero shows (eg The Flash, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl), YouTube TV is perfect for you.
Other major YouTube TV channels that Hulu doesn’t have are AMC, BBC America, and IFC. And of course, there is also original content from YouTube Red.
YouTube is also great for sports fans as it has a variety of sports channels including ESPN, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, and NBCSN.
The basic package costs $ 35 a month, so it’s slightly cheaper than Hulu, but offers you the same number of channels, as well as CW and AMC shows.
You can see the full list of available YouTube TV networks here .
Sling TV
Sling TV won’t be your ideal network TV replacement as it only offers three of the four major networks (NBC, FOX, and ABC) and is only available in certain markets. CBS is not an option. So you might find out about Shonda Rhime’s programs in TGIF format (thank goodness it’s Thursday), but you won’t be able to watch the Grammy or Mario Lopez’s new game show Candy Crush . But for $ 20 a month, you can replace your cable subscription with programs from Viceland, Bloomberg Television, Travel Channel, AXS TV, Flama, Cartoon Network, and Comedy Central. All of these channels are not available on Hulu or YouTube TV.
The basic Sling TV package also includes CNN, ESPN and ESPN2, Travel Channel, HGTV, Maker, Food Network, TNT, TBS, Disney Channel, ABC Family, and Cartoon Network. So $ 20 gives you a decent amount of programming. You will also have the option to add additional services like HBO if you pay more.
The takeaway here is that if you want a cable subscription, you can pay monthly without any cancellation fees, Sling TV is for you.
You can see the full list of available Sling TV networks here .
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
Hulu, YouTube, Sling TV and PlayStation Vue offer live TV coverage. But if you’re looking for a simple streaming platform where all your shows are available on demand, you can try the classic Netflix subscription. Or, if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, check out the TV Show catalog under Amazon Prime Video. The only downside to the TV shows available on Netflix and Amazon is that they are always one or more seasons behind.
So if you have no problem watching your shows right after they go live, these streaming platforms are perfect for you. And at the end of the day, being able to stream shows after they go live also means you can digest them and not have to deal with breathtakingly breathtaking week after week.