Did the Streaming Wars End Without A Fizzle?

The so-called streaming wars coming, every major content provider was working on the next big service. Everyone from Apple to HBO, to NBC, to Disney was trying to end the streaming giants Netflix and Hulu. Each was putting out their original content and each had their price point to entice fans. Unfortunately for audiences, most of them have missed the mark.

First, let’s start with the heavyweights, Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu have to lead the way for years. Netflix has been the leader of the pack for years. Disney entered the fray with Hulu and ESPN+ giving people the bundle that other services don’t offer. Even Amazon gives Prime Video, Amazon Prime, and a host of other services. So as far as the streaming originators, they’ve got a comfortable lead on the pack.

Speaking of Disney, their streaming service is the closest thing to maximizing content that a new startup can offer. Disney+ has all the Marvel, Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars people could ask for. Unfortunately, the majority of their library is old content, most of which audiences have seen before. Even when they do add new titles, they’re still too far in between to enjoy consistent memberships.

More Streaming: Raniking Apple TV+ Shows

Then there’s Apple, another huge player in the tech industry who decided to play their hand at streaming. Apple has iPhones and Apple devices in the billions and has no issue with delivering their product to customers no matter where they go. Apple TV+ can be streamed on smart tvs, Apple TV devices, iPhones and iPads. Their biggest problem again is content. They have a ton of great shows but even know those shows are in limbo.

Apple has announced a majority of their shows are already renewed for second seasons, but no one knows when those season twos will take place. Not a single one has a release date.

Then throw HBO into the streaming mix with HBO Max. You would think that a company that owns Warner Bros, HBO, AT&T, DC and a host of other properties would have no trouble getting out new content. HBO has new movies released every Saturday night. As a “premium service provider” their new movies are the closest any of the services come to offering consistent content.

And these aren’t even including the services from network television and the ones in the works. Audiences were promised a “streaming war” that would only push original content to the best it could be. Unfortunately for audiences, even outside of a pandemic, there’s hardly any competition. New releases are few and far between with each one of these new streamers on the block. If this is the streaming wars, it’ll be over before it gets started.