The “streaming wars” is still an ongoing effort. Companies like the AT&T-owned Warner Bros., Netflix, Disney, Paramount, and so many others all vying for some of the money you earn every month. To do that, it all centers around one thing: content. Apple jumped in, too, but, unlike those other companies it’s missing one thing: content.
At least, that’s what a lot of folks think is the case. While Apple TV+ technically has more than, say, a dozen things to watch at any given moment, it pales in comparison to what Netflix, Disney, HBO Max, and other services have. Even other smaller streaming services have more in the backlog than Apple TV+, andsome see that as a major flaw.
Indeed, it’s hard to argue that it’s not an issue for folks considering whether or not they should fork over any money at all for Apple TV+ instead of, say, HBO Max or Netflix.
Not all customers need to choose, but many do. The potential good news for Apple is that the company’s original video streaming service doesn’t cost as much as many of its competitors. The $4.99 per month price tag is great, especially with the films and series that are available to watch now. Will Apple hike up the price at some point in the future, especially as more content becomes available? It’s possible. But hopefully it doesn’t happen anytime soon.
Apple TV+ feels like an investment, honestly. Not just from Apple, which is obviously the deal on a much, much larger scale. But, as it stands right now, I’m okay with paying Apple the $5 per month to help build out the library it’s working on. Why? Because the majority of the stuff I’ve watched on Apple’s streaming service has been great.
And, in some cases, fantastic.
If things were different and Apple TV+ had basically dropped the ball so far, and released a bunch of films and series that weren’t worth watching, I’d be ready to give up the subscription without a moment’s hesitation. But so far the folks making decisions at Apple TV+ have done a good job in curating what’s available, and that means Ishouldbe able to expect the same moving forward.
They aren’t always going to be great, or things that resonate with me at all. And that’s okay! That happens with me and stuff on Netflix all the time.
There’s theFoundationseries to look forward to, which could be Apple TV+’s ownGame of Thrones.
Brie Larson isstarring in a seriescalledLessons in Chemistry.
Anne Hathaway and Jared Leto will starin the seriesWeCrashed, based on the demise of WeWork.
Sarayu Blue joinsPaul Rudd and Will Ferrell inThe Shrink Next Door.
The kid-friendly content expands with aseries based on the work of Dr. Jane Goodall.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more coming it’s just frustrating we have to wait so long to watch it.
Is Apple TV+ worth $4.99 per month? I personally think so. I’ve been able to watch something every month, or at least close enough that it feels like that’s the case. And shows likeSeeandTed Lassohave stood out to me for very different reasons. (Seriously,Seestarts off weird and the writing needs some time to work itself out, but by the end of the first season it’s pretty awesome.)For All MankindandAmazing StoriesandLittle Americastand out, too. I had some issues withThe Morning Show, but even by the end of the first season I was on board with it and ready for the second season.
The only show I haven’t watched so far, despite being told I need to, isMythic Quest. If you like international dramas, bothLosing AliceandTehranare absolutely worth checking out, too.
I have no doubt I’m going to keep subscribing to Apple TV+ when my own free trial expires. But I definitely understand why some folks are ready to call it quits. Not having a backlog of content, and then running the well dry in the interim can make paying for something not that great.
So I can’t help but be curious. If you’re on a free trial for Apple TV+, are you planning on paying for the service when that expires? What’s been your favorite thing you’ve watched so far? Your least favorite? Let me know where you stand with Apple’s video streaming service.
