Netflix and Hulu aren’t the only players in the streaming service sandbox, anymore. As millions of Americans continue to cut the cable TV cord, there’s an even greater selection of alternative entertainment.
Don’t worry, you’ll still find plenty of hit original series and your favorite reruns from decades past. But with big names like Apple, Disney and Food Network joining the game, you can expect access to movies and shows you’ve never had before. In fact, with Food Network Kitchen, you have direct contact with the stars themselves.
If you’ve been reluctant to break up with your cable provider, these new streaming services may pull you to the dark side. The following is a look at the streaming services that launched in 2019.
1. AMC Theatres on Demand
AMC Theatres is the first U.S. theater chain to reach into the home. With the launch of AMC Theatres on Demand, AMC Stubs members can purchase or rent approximately 2,000 movies. The selection includes some of the most popular movies from every major studio, according to AMC’s press release.
How to access it: Join AMC Stubs, and browse the digital movies available on demand. You can also use the AMC Theatres mobile app and leading smart TV providers.
How much it costs: It’s free to become an AMC Stubs member. According to AMC Theatres: “Rentals typically cost anywhere from $2-$6 and purchases range from $10-$20, but pricing varies by movie.”
2. Apple TV+
On Nov. 1, Apple TV+ launched with an exclusive lineup that includes new entertainment, including “The Morning Show” starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. It streams all original shows, movies and documentaries.
How to access it: The Apple TV app is available on Apple devices, as well as other platforms, including online at tv.apple.com.
How much it costs: After a free seven-day trial, subscriptions are $4.99 monthly.
3. BET+
This streaming service, launched in September, boasts “the best in Black content by your favorite creators.” So far, that includes “Martin,” the exclusive original series “First Wives Club” and “Bigger.” Content is commercial-free and available on-demand, too.
How to access it: Supported devices include certain smartphones and streaming media devices in addition to Amazon Kindle e-readers. You can also subscribe to BET+ as a channel on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
How much it costs: $9.99 a month, with a free seven-day trial through Amazon Prime Video.
4. DC Universe
Through DC Universe, comics fans have access to content they can’t find anywhere else. The collection includes original live-action films, animated series and the all-new “DC Daily” show, which provides breaking news about the DC comic-book universe.
How to access it: DC Universe is available on select smartphones, streaming video devices and the web.
How much it costs: $7.99 per month or $74.99 for an annual membership.
5. Disney+
Unlimited downloads and concurrent streaming are a couple of features you get with Disney+. Once you subscribe, you can download as many Disney+ shows and movies as your device can store. Families will especially enjoy the fact that up to four registered devices can stream video content simultaneously without additional charge.
How to access it: Supported devices include mobile devices, desktop browsers, game consoles, smart TVs and set-top boxes.
How much it costs: $6.99 a month after a free seven-day trial. You can also package Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month total.
6. Food Network Kitchen
Want advice from the top chefs at Food Network? Sign up for Food Network Kitchen, and you can communicate with the stars live as you’re cooking. This streaming service offers opportunities for real-time, two-way interaction. In addition to live cooking classes, you’ll have access to a selection of Food Network shows, plus instructional videos and classes.
How to access it: The Food Network Kitchen app is available on select smartphones, mobile devices, Amazon’s Alexa and Echo, some smart TVs and other platforms.
How much it costs: The app is free to download, but access to live and on-demand cooking classes and commercial-free shows requires a monthly subscription. The initial subscription cost is $4 per month.
7. Frndly
Frndly was designed with families in mind, offering 13 top-rated, family-friendly TV networks, including Hallmark Channel, The Weather Channel and Outdoor Channel. In November, Frndly added UPtv to the lineup, which brings hit shows like Gilmore Girls, Reba and Home Improvement to the platform.
How to access it: Frndly is available on certain smart TVs, mobile devices, smartphones, streaming devices and most major web browsers.
How much it costs: Three packages range from the Basic, at $5.99 a month after a seven-day free trial to $9.99 for the Premium plan, with streaming content on up to four devices at the same time.
8. IMDb TV
IMDb Freedive launched in January, before being renamed IMDb TV. Currently, content includes award-winning movies and premium TV shows.
How to access it: Visit the IMDb TV website on your computer or mobile device. You can also find the IMDb TV Channel on Amazon Fire TV devices.
How much it costs: Free
9. Vidgo
When it first launched this past January, Vidgo offered over 25 of the most popular Spanish-language channels around the world. It has since added its National English package, which includes more than 45 live-stream channels, including Comedy Central, HGTV, TLC and Nickelodeon.
How to access it: The app can be downloaded to app-supported smartphones and mobile devices or access Vidgo with certain web browsers and smart TVs.
How much it costs: Subscription packages start at $14.99 for 30 days, after a free seven-day trial.
Which streaming services do you use and recommend? Tell us in a comment below or on our Facebook page.
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