The explosion of streaming services over the past few years has made it increasingly challenging to navigate the sea of streaming options. If you’re looking for something to keep you entertained during winter, here are some of the most popular streaming platforms.
Netflix: 269 million subscribers
Netflix continues to dominate as the world’s most popular streaming service. With a treasure trove of originals, plus a plethora of acquired hits, it’s a haven for binge-watchers. Pricing starts at $7.99/month for the ad-supported tier and increases to $18.99/month for full access without ads.
Winter watch list:
The Witcher: dive into this fantasy series filled with magic, monsters and epic battles.
The Crown: perfect for a historical drama binge, with stunning performances and beautiful cinematography.
Firefly Lane: a heartwarming series about lifelong friendship that’s perfect for those cosy nights in.
Stan: 2.6 million subscribers
Stan is an Australian-owned streaming service that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The basic plan is $12/month, the standard is $16/month and the premium will set you back $21/month. You can add Stan Sports to your plan for an extra $15/month.
It offers a diverse range of content, including exclusive shows such as Yellowstone and RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under. Stan also boasts an impressive collection of Australian content, making it a great choice for those looking to support local productions.
Winter watch list:
Hacks: a darkly comedic exploration of the unlikely bond between a veteran Las Vegas comedian and a young comedy writer, as they navigate the complexities of show business and personal relationships.
Your Honor: a tense drama starring Bryan Cranston as a judge who gets entangled in a web of deceit and crime to protect his son.
Knives Out: a clever and twist-filled modern ‘whodunit’ that follows an investigation into the mysterious death of a wealthy patriarch, unravelling family secrets and motives along the way.
Binge 1.5 million subscribers
Binge is a Foxtel-owned online streaming service only available in Australia. It offers more than 10,000 hours of ad-free on-demand content, with many premium international shows available. Binge currently offers three monthly subscription plans. The basic plan is $10/month (with ads), the standard is $18/month and the premium will set you back $22/month.
The basic plan could work for an individual or smaller household if you don’t mind watching an ad or two every 30 minutes. However, if you want more flexibility between screens (and no ads), then you may be better off choosing the standard plan.
Winter watch list:
White House Farm: a chilling and meticulously crafted true crime drama that retells the tragic events surrounding the infamous 1985 murders of the Bamber family in Essex, England, and the subsequent investigation that exposed shocking truths.
Game of Thrones: revisit the epic fantasy series or start it anew for an unforgettable winter marathon.
Succession: a sharp, dramatic series about a powerful family’s battle for control of their media empire.
Amazon Prime Video: 230 million subscribers
For many, an Amazon Prime subscription is a no-brainer for the free shipping alone. But Prime members also get access to the Prime Video service at no extra cost. Though its interface leaves something to be desired, Prime Video has an impressive library of originals and big-budget films.
At just $9.99/month (or $79/year) for the full Prime membership, it’s great value for those who will take advantage of the other Prime perks such as free shipping and the Prime Reading ebook library.
Winter watch list:
Fleabag: a sharp and emotionally raw comedy-drama that offers a candid and witty glimpse into the chaotic life of its titular character as she navigates love, loss and self-discovery in contemporary London.
Bosch: a gritty and atmospheric police procedural series that follows the relentless pursuit of justice by LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he investigates complex crimes while wrestling with his own demons.
Clarkson’s Farm: a delightful and humorous documentary series that chronicles former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson’s misadventures and triumphs as he attempts to run a functioning farm in the English countryside.
Apple TV+: 25 million subscribers
Apple TV+ may have a smaller content library, but it’s home to some high-profile originals. At $12.99/month with no ads, it’s best for those seeking specific shows or movies.
Winter watch list:
Ted Lasso: a heartwarming comedy series that follows an American football coach who moves to England to coach a soccer team, bringing his infectious optimism along with him.
The Morning Show: a gripping drama that takes viewers behind the scenes of a fictional morning news program, exploring power dynamics, ambition, and the #MeToo movement.
Shining Girls: a thrilling and time-bending mystery series that follows a journalist’s pursuit of a serial killer who traverses through different eras, leaving a trail of victims who seemingly have a connection to an ominous house.
Be aware that Amazon Prime and Apple TV have extra channels that you can subscribe to within each platform.
Disney Plus: 111 million subscribers
Disney Plus brings the magic of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic into your home. It’s ideal for family viewing and nostalgic trips down memory lane, as well as exciting new releases. The standard plan is $13.99/month or $139.99/year. The premium plan is $17.99/month or $179.99/year.
Winter watch list:
The Mandalorian: set in the Star Wars universe, this series has captivated audiences worldwide.
WandaVision: a unique and intriguing Marvel series that blends classic sitcoms with superhero drama.
Frozen II: an enchanting movie that’s perfect for a winter watch with the whole family.
Do you subscribe to any streaming platforms? Have you discovered any hidden gems among these services? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Six popular Australian TV shows from the 1960s and ’70s
