Watching Netflix is the perfect pastime to decompress after a long day of studying, writing papers, and extracurriculars. Sometimes we need time to step away from the breakneck pressures of academics, clubs, and other activities. When an opening in the schedule finally appears, why not take the time to indulge in a little enjoyment?
With several streaming services offered to the consumer, why Netflix? The online streaming giant offers different content ranging from award-winning originals to nostalgic shows, movies, and documentaries. Original series like “The Crown,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” and “Ozark” are just examples of recent critically-acclaimed shows that have bolstered Netflix’s roster. The extensive content library of 3,781 movies and 1,940 TV shows ensures that the consumer is never starved for content.
Netflix customizes each user’s main page to match their likes depending on what the user watches. Each experience is custom-tailored by Netflix, which recommends various shows that fit the user’s profile, ensuring that the content matches their preferences. This custom experience sets Netflix apart from its contemporaries. Finding new quality content could never be more accessible: it’s just a few scrolls and a click away.
The age of cable is dead. Who has the time to sit through almost 15 minutes of advertisements per hour of content? Our friends who subscribed to Hulu+ have not gotten the memo. With all of its subscription options, Netflix offers its content ad-free; Hulu+’s basic package ($5.99) forces its users to sit through approximately six to seven minutes of advertisements per episode. Advertisements in modern streaming services disrupts a show’s flow and incentivizes their users to switch to their premium plan ($11.99).
Moreover, Hulu+’s complicated ownership by Disney places its future as a viable streaming option in uncertain waters. In 2019, Comcast’s stake in Hulu+ was bought out by Disney, giving the entertainment heavyweight complete control over Hulu+’s future. However, later that year, Disney unveiled its streaming service “Disney+,” causing Disney, ABC, and Fox content to leave Hulu+ and join the Disney+ roster.
What remains for Disney’s strange amalgamation of the current version Hulu+? Honestly, Disney doesn’t even know what to do with it. In December 2020, Disney rolled out the Disney-Hulu-ESPN+ package, offered for the reasonable price of $12.99. However, upon closer inspection, this bundle has several problems.
All these different subscriptions are not centralized onto one platform. This sacrifices the efficiency and customizability of having one central platform while giving the illusion that these three streaming services are separate from the shared corporate entity: Disney. Compared to Netflix, Hulu+ and the rest of the bundle can not offer the same customizable experience that Netflix can create — at the price of just $8.99 for a basic profile.
Another issue is that the bundle is overpriced, considering that Hulu+ and ESPN+ have ads. Once again, the consumer is forced to sit through a stream of advertisements that disrupt the content’s flow. Now you can upgrade the package so that you can have Hulu+ ad-free. However, this this causes the total package to cost $18.99, a far greater price than the standard Netflix subscription.
Finally, Hulu+’s “exclusive” library is ultimately a facade, since many of the shows touted as unique, such as “Rick and Morty” and Marvel’s “Agents of Shield,” are also a part of Netflix’s library. Avid consumers will also note that by using a VPN, they can access these shows and many others that Hulu+ has, thereby dropping Hulu+ into further irrelevance.
College life can be overwhelming; it is important to take a break every once in a while and splurge with an episode of a series you enjoy. However, it is vital to acknowledge how the current streaming market takes advantage of the consumer at the cost of their time and money. Choose your service wisely. Choose Netflix.
Josh Hypes is a freshman studying politics.
