Free streaming is becoming a threat to Disney+, Netflix and Max

Summary

Free streaming is rapidly growing, with more diverse options and increased accessibility.
Major streamers like Netflix, Max, and Disney+ may face challenges from free ad-supported options.
Larger streaming services could face disruption with FAST platforms claiming more streaming hours.

Free streaming is having a moment, with services like Tubi, The Roku Channeland Pluto TV reaching an ever-growing audience of millions of viewers. In fact the number of FAST TV users in key markets (including the US, Canada, and parts of Europe) has doubled in just the past two years (per AdWeek), and could easily double again by 2026.

This week we saw two major developments in the FAST space with Google TV now mandating a free TV button for all future streaming devices, and MyFree DIRECTV adding Scripps News channels, pushing its total free streaming channel count past 100. These two developments might not seem linked at first, but they’re part of a wider pattern that finds free streaming services becoming not just more diverse in what they offer, but more easily accessible as well.

While it’s easy to brush this off, I think major streamers like Netflix, Max, and Disney+ need to pay attention to what is happening here. While all three of these services have seen massive revenue bumps from introducing ad-supported tiers, one has to wonder how long consumers are going to pay $8 to see ads on Netflix, for example, when free ad-supported options are getting better by the day. As we head into a period of economic uncertainty and subscribers start to really examine their budgets, these paid streamers could be in real trouble, as their value proposition simply isn’t the same as it used to be. Could we see some content from these paid streamers move to FAST platforms? It seems not just likely, but might actually be already happening, as I couldn’t help but notice Max put some of their Looney Tunes cartoons on Tubi several weeks ago.

It’s impossible to know exactly what will happen, but with FAST services claiming more and more streaming hours, it’s clear that the larger streaming world may be in for some disruption in the coming months.

If YouTube TV just disappeared from your Roku, don’t panic

The YouTube TV app has suddenly disappeared for some Roku users.

Sling TV offering deals on sports-focused subscriptions

Watch the NBA playoffs for less

Sling TV

$23 $46 Save $23

notable shows: South Park, Deal or No Deal, Baywatch
notable movies: The Babadook, It Happened One Night, Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Originals: No
Live TV: 500+ channels
Price: Starting at $40 per month (45.99 per month starting in December 2024)

Though YouTube TV has long held the crown as the best streamer for sports, if you’re tired of the constant price hikes, you might want to give Sling TV a try. The streamer has a promotion right now that offers new subscribers a one month of Sling’s Orange package for half price ($23 per month) or three months for $99, when paid in advance. Not only can Sling TV’s Orange package be used to watch the NBA Playoffs, subscribers can also enjoy live TV from ESPN, Disney Channel, AMC, CNN, Comedy Central and more, making this a great deal for those looking to try a different service for live sports as well as entertainment.

Certain Sling TV subscribers may be getting a $2500 check soon

A new class-action lawsuit against Sling TV alleges that the streamer shared personal data with Facebook, without the consent of its subscriber base.

The Last of Us gets surprise season 3 renewal before season 2 starts

We’ll be on this road a little longer

HBO

I was very impressed with the first season of HBO’s The Last of Us, as felt it was a mostly-faithful retelling of one of the most impactful games of a generation, largely following the events of the first game beat for beat with some smart extra character development and world-building along the way. I previously thought the upcoming second season (which debuts this Sunday at 9PM) would adapt the second game in the same way, but it looks like we’ll be in this world a little longer, as HBO has confirmed that a third season of the series has now been greenlit. Given this, game players probably have a good idea of where season 2 will end, which means we’re likely in for a lot of padding. That’s not automatically a bad thing as there’s plenty of opportunities to expand the story, but I do wonder how long this series will stretch (and how interest in the third season will change if season 2 ends where I think it will).

This cheap bundle with free Max might be the best deal in streaming

DirecTV has upgraded its MyEntertainment skinny TV bundle at no extra cost.

Apple TV+ is hoping for their next smash hit with Murderbot

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ has leaned into its reputation as one of the best streamers around for sci-fi and its latest series, Murderbot, looks like it will provide viewers with something a little less serious than Severance and Silo. The series is described by Apple as a “sci-fi thriller/comedy about a self-hacking security construct who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients.” Starring Alexander Skarsgård (who also executive produces), the series follows the titular robot as he tries to figure out his place in the universe (and also find time binge watch his favorite shows). You can check out the trailer for this new series below.