My hot take on streaming in general: every one of these studios completely missed why Netflix & Hulu were successful. These two rose to power as a one-two punch of "here's your one stop, everything on demand library of old TV favorites and the latest episodes of current hits." The original content on both was just a bonus. By making their back-catalogs exclusive to their own platforms, the big studios have created a model where they're now fully dependent on original content to boost continued subscriptions from people who really just wanted to watch a handful of their popular shows & movies -- and the fact is that most of these production companies are left either desperately milking existing IP because the truly original material doesn't land as often with audiences, or they're spending millions trying to create the next great "prestige television" hit and praying it doesn't bankrupt them.

Netflix needs to listen to their costumers and not cancel good shows

When it comes to physicial media, I want to give a shout out to public libraries. Getting a library card is free depending on where you live and a lot of them have dvds of movies and TV shows that are on streaming sites I don't have access to or not on streaming sites entirely.

HBO Max becoming Max made sense. But making me download a new app when all it was was changing from purple to blue was stupid.

I liked the semi batch model that was used for Arcane. To release 3 episodes at a time, gave me enough to watch to feel satisfied and also enough to convince my friends and discuss the show with them. It would maybe need more testing, but I agree that the binge system is dying.

The one place where Netflix is still very strong is in their foreign-language imports. Even years before Squid Game was a big hit, Netflix maintained a pretty deep library from places like China, India and mainland Europe.

Dat feeling when a youtuber you watch shouts out another youtuber you watch. Arlo is pretty solid.

This is a fun format, especially branching out into other topics. Also, Netflixs best feature is that you can look at the season and episode lists while watching the show so you dont need to exit the show to navigate it

Could choosing between the binge model and weekly model ever be a creative decision? I occasionally watch binge model shows and think how it would’ve been better suited for the weekly model and vice versa. I know right now it’s very much a business decision, though, but could you ever see a showrunner going one day, “I truly believe this specific season is fit for the binge model”?

definitely need these hot take videos every month or so, this was extremely entertaining

I found it confusing when HBO s original competition was Cinemax, but they named their own streaming service Max

I like Netflix okay when it has shows I enjoy, but one thing that really grinds my gears is the fact that their algorithm works a little TOO well. I like a wide variety of shows and movies depending on my mood, but Netflix only suggests content that's similar to what I've recently watched. The end result is that I don't realize when other content is available until I get a newsletter from Netflix saying that it's leaving the platform. It's really annoying, because I would probably watch more on Netflix (which I imagine is what they want) if only I knew which content was there.

I think weekly model is supreme and this is evident by Disney+ going back to the model. Not only does it bring discussion back, but it also means that you can keep people subscribing for multiple months to keep watching the show week to week. I think in the end, we're going back to weekly stuff with a few rare exceptions.

A problem with netflix is releasing the entire season at once, people talk about the show for a week and then it dies. it makes it so much more difficult for a show to build an audience through word of mouth. Another problem is dragging stuff out, so many docs are way longer then they should be and are hurt really badly because of that. at the end of the day I still think netflix is still releasing the most good shows out of all of these platforms but it definitely is not as good as it once was and those good releases are becoming rarer. while everyone else seems to be improving.

CANNOT AGREE MORE WITH YOUR SEVERANCE TAKE. Super underrated and finally a true successor to lost, not just mystery for mystery sake. It's a cinematographic masterpiece of a story that is intriguing enough to deserve mystery surrounding it. Amazing premise

A couple takes : 1. I actually use Hulu more than the other services. That will change come later this year as Disney+ get's Dr Who. 2. Netflix needs to fix a issue that bugs me - why do I have to turn my volume up to 75 just to barely hear the dialog in a show when I can keep it at 20 for everything else? 3. To all of the channels - we have these things call light bulbs. Learn to use them when filming.

something I really enjoyed about this video is your voice. You seem more laid back and genuinely happy to be making the video. This video just feels like a conversation and I like it.

4:15 - I legit had no idea that "Peacock" referred to the NBC logo until you mentioned it here. To be fair, I'm an Australian that can't access Peacock legit (even if I wanted to lol), but following the streaming "wars" it just never even occured to me!

Hulu is incredibly underrated to me. I feel like that streaming service has so much quality and unique content to me

Since everyone else is covering their streaming service takes, I do want to give you feedback and say that this video was well made. I enjoy the idea of you engaging with your community in a way that lets them participate and feel as if they're part of the channel as well. So I do look forward to future videos in the same vein of community involvement.

The binge model sucks because you can never know where a fellow fan of something is in the show, released week to week is so much easier to discuss a show with other people which really helps the show grow.

I’m actually shocked that studios are releasing their movies on VOD/streaming services so EARLY after their theatre run. Do they realise how us Gen Z can pirate the movies for free in HD ?!?!

The streaming services should really be building for consistency and long term sustainablity. It's not enough to have a show or movie be a huge hit, it has to be able to maintain high viewership over time so they keep their subscribers around. They need shows like The Office, Friends, Breaking Bad, Parks & Rec, etc. Shows that may not get massive numbers but the viewership is consistently high year after year. They would also benefit from smaller shows like 30 Rock, The Good Place, Star Trek, etc. with loyal passionate audiences. But the problem is that it goes against corporate mindset. Companies want huge short term quarterly profits to impress their investors. And many of those types of shows provide steady long term returns and that's not enough for them.

i will say that shudder is the one streaming service i have full on LOVED. i love horror and so it was really awesome getting to go thru old movies and compare those to more modern ones :) def recommend for anyone who really likes horror

Max, Hulu, and Apple TV are the definitive choices within our household. In regard to quality, the content produced by FX and HBO is unmatched. There are hundreds of amazing shows/miniseries on these platforms, so you’ll always have something intriguing to watch.

I’d love to hear more of your take on Ted Lasso. I find that the show is spilling over with heart, but I also always open to exploring the views of others, especially when they differ from my own

AppleTV is BY FAR my favorite. They put more care into their shows and original movies than any other platform I’ve seen. They seem really committed to telling the full story. Will that change? Maybe. But I’ve never been afraid to start a show on AppleTV. And their production value seems a cut above the rest. I know many people aren’t fans of cinematography and set design as much as I am, but for me that’s a huge selling point. Details matter and AppleTV knows that. Except when it comes to usability of its app. It’s one of the most frustrating apps to use and I often forgo a show I want to watch on AppleTV for something I’m not as interested in on Netflix just because I don’t have the time or patience to deal with AppleTV’s buggy platform.

In discussing Apple+ you focused a lot on the shows, but it is also worth noting that while Netflix has been putting out movies with Oscar hopes for years, it was was Apple+ that had the first Best Picture winner from a primarily streaming studio.

My dad taught me to always finish what I start, I wish Netflix had a dad like mine.

Ah, I still think my Peacock take of their comparatively impressive live sports options is where streaming will go. Even if Peacock isn't there by the end. Sports drives TV more than just about any other genre.

If you don't want to watch a show all in one sitting, you're able to watch it one episode per week. But if it's released that way, then I CAN'T binge it.

iTunes is still surprisingly relevant for buying movies. It's got the best bitrate out of any non-enthusiast service plus the UI, extras support, catalogue, and pricing (at least if you wait for sales) are all pretty great. Personally though I find the best thing about it is that lots of physical media contains codes that let you view your movies digitally through iTunes.

Gotta say im liking these free form video styles and wouldnt mind seeing more!

I’ve been watching your content for a while, but finding out you’re a fellow Arlo watcher is what tipped me over the edge for a subscribe. Seriously, tho, I really like your style of discussion on media, and while ranty videos about how Disney did another bad are very cathartic, I enjoy how level-headed you are and the way you look at every angle.

My take is lukewarm at best: Pluto is the streaming service I use far more than any other.

i'm really torn on the topic of binge model vs weekly shows. Personally, I hate waiting a week or more to watch the next episode. It REALLY takes me out of the story. I love having an experience where I can watch a show in the span of a weekand be totally immersed in that world (I never binge in 1-2 days). But for a lot of shows (right now I'm into queer Asian dramas), it's amazing to be able to connect with others over discussing the events of each episode and that's really hard to do if someone people have already seen the whole thing and others are still catching up. It's nearly impossible.

Of the major platforms & regardless of any issues with the platform itself: Max contains the best catalogue of award winning films, both modern and classic. Most other services feel far too bloated with pumping out modern popcorn - where you end up having to spend ages sorting through the junk to find anything good.

I loved this, great community interaction! Would love more of these in addition to the normal Captain Midnight fare.

A lot of digital storefronts support bonus features for movies, like Movies Anywhere and Vudu. It varies by studio, but the biggest movies of the last several years and older ones from big franchises have things like deleted scenes and commentaries.

I still don’t get why they always cancel good shows. Inside Job is a great example. It was popular, everyone seemed to enjoy it, but then Netflix cancelled it for the almost universally despised Bigmouth. What’s the deal?!

Completely Random Streaming Mild Takes: -Any Streaming Service with unique profile pictures that feature a character >>> -Max's mobile performance is a really good improvement compared to the original HBO Max app -But Max is absolutely terrible to find something because the massive influx of Discovery+ shows. All my HBO Max discovery has been taken over by true crime and TLC, which is annoying. -Disney Plus is still probably the best *value* in streaming in terms of a strong back catelog and regular releases -Every mobile platform for Streaming Services needs to include picture in picture. If im watching something at work, and then need to reply to an email, i dont want to have to reload the episode/movie or find where i was when i am done. Just give me the option to let the episode play on in a small bubble on my phone/tablet

This worked out really well! If you find a week where you need to make a video and you dont have the time or the will for one of your regular topics, do one of these again, they are fun!

I know I’m late to comment and watch this but please keep doing this. This was really interesting and refreshing to hear your comments off the till like this. You should make more about specific tv shows, franchises, or anything else in the entertainment industry.

I like this format I'd love another vid like this!

I like the free-form content! Would definitely be down for more stuff like this.

Just wanted to say I enjoyed this experiment, hope you do more of this kind of video in the future!

Loved this, hopefully there will be more with different topics !!

I love how half of Paramount's library is just Taylor Sheridan shows 😆🙌

The Arlo shout out! That's literally why i clicked the video, cause i thought it'd be like that. Awesome video!

Love this type of video. Would love to see more

Cool new format! Definitely looking forward to hearing your opinion on people's hot takes :) Especially when it comes to such specific subjects. Usually never comment on anything but love your channel!

Not even a hot take but the Discovery merger was probably the worst thing that happened to Max. As someone who mainly used it for DC's back catalog I find it frustrating knowing that I have to be scared of seeing something I love and enjoy just vanish from the site, like what happened with Space Ghost: Coast to Coast also I find it really frustrating that once the Crunchyroll license was given to Sony post-buyout they didn't do anything with giving the anime a separate hub, like a Toonami hub would be REALLY nice

I definitely think more videos like this would be a good idea, personally I have loved hearing your counter points and or agreements with the community. Super fun video

After watching all 3 seasons of Dickinson on Apple tv, I'm surprised I haven't heard anyone talking about it. I won't say it's the best tv show in streaming, or even on their service, but I loved it so much and it felt really unique and genuine.

Keep doing videos like these I love videos like this keep up the amazing work

I really like this format. You give off some many ideas very fast and still manage to develop them I don’t agree with all your takes, but that’s not rlly the point and the disagreement but still seeing where your coming from and even in some places convincing me makes this a really great video and I would love to see more

I don't know how Disney Plus can survive with their lack of new content. They don't even consistently run a single new show the entire year, whereas normal tv networks, Netflix, and Max have new stuff coming all the time. (they run a single 6-episode show for 2 months, then nothing for 2 months, then starts another single show)

So glad you talked about Severance in this. Such a phenomenal first season. Really hope they can keep the story as interesting moving forward.

I really liked this format and video :)

Really enjoyed the new format!

Great video - like the concept ,please make this a regular feature maybe once a month or two months. is right timing wise

Love this format

Loved this on Arlo love it form you! Take's aren't hot enough gotta turn up the heat!

I actually like the prime video model of just being able to purchase an episode or season as it allows me create my own unique playlist.

Loved this style of video!!

I actually do think Netflix is still one of the best streaming platforms, if not the best right now. I find myself watching Hulu, Netflix, and Max the most out of any other. Purely because of how many shows I watch on those. I really only use Disney + for Star Wars/Marvel content. I think because there are so many streaming services right now, you have to choose which ones you’re going to pay for, and it’s going to be one’s that have the most amount of content that you can watch and enjoy watching. I feel like Netflix and Max both still have the most amount of popular/most talked about shows coming out as well. I see Netflix shows being talked about on social media constantly. I do think Netflix needs to put out better movies and stop canceling so many shows. But I think other streaming services are paring down their stuff to only the most popular as well. They have to if they’re going to continue spending as much money as they are on new stuff. I’m sorry, but unless I’m getting Apple TV +, Peacock, or Paramount + for a year for free, I’m not spending money on those streaming services. I’m not a massive Star Trek fan, and there’s just not enough content on any of those to justify it. Regardless of whether there are a few really good things. Amazon Prime is alright, and I feel like most people already just have that any way, so the shows that are on there are a bonus.

Hot take: As much some people hate Netflix, they legit provide the best experience out of all streaming services. The UI, UX, compatibility with platforms, aesthetic of their apps, seamless payments, somewhat-uniform systems across countries, and even their huge catalogue are simply unmatched imo. I'm from India and Netflix has the absolute widest catalogue of Indian content (even original shows and movies).

I forget that Hulu exists routinely. When I do remember and pull it up, i always come across a lot of things I want to watch.

BROO I miss legit Behind The Scenes so much. I remember it being during the BlueRay era where it really felt like they were being edited down more, and the bloopers just turned into throwin funny music over shots of the actors making a face at the camera. It started to become less personal and less like it was actually trying to show you how the movie was made, which made the decked out "interactive" menu screens feel even more disappointing when they lead to next to nothing

I didn't grow up on the binge model, but I loved it from my first time. I absorb the content better and have far more thoughts on what I'm watching when I can enjoy in fewer sittings. Anything i watch that's a weekly show, i have to come back and rewatch it in a binge later anyway

it's so nice hearing your real voice from time to time

I honestly would've said HBO Max was the best streaming service. But ever since they switched over to Max I haven't been able to stream anything on it on my PS4. It's been like that since May 23rd and it's June 19th today when I post this. Kinda inexcusable that they haven't put out an update to get the app to work. I've even been in contact with them through their Twitter help page but even then I'm like talking to a brick wall. Just has been very annoying.

this was a really good video And i agree mythic quest's stand alone episodes are really fun

I'm 30, am well aware of the NBC peacock, and had never even BEGUN to make the connection between it and Peacock until this very moment.

My hot take is AppleTV+ is the best streaming service out right now. Price is definitely helping but quality of the product is amazing.

Very nice video, good discussions in this one

Just mentioning a couple other underrated Appletv shows, The After Party and Slow Horses

If you went into Ted Lasso expecting a comedy I can see why you wouldn’t care for it. It’s much more focused on strong character moments over getting laughs. To me what makes it such a good show is how refreshingly wholesome it is in an era where so much of prestige TV is about gruesome subject matter and cynicism.

All my favorite shows are cancelled and I hate every streaming service 😭

Netflix has been dead to me since they created a circumstance in which they could crackdown on Account sharing. The circumstance: Why charge/force a person to allow more users on your Account if you know a certain percentage will share their Account as a consequence? Penny pinching :P

Oh wow I was not expecting to be the first tweet in the video lmao, I was already doubting if I'd even make it in. Wooo!

The United States was always more spoiled for choice when it came to streaming. Even the US Netflix still has more content than its overseas counterparts. Still, here in Australia there is a lot more content for a country of 25 million people because although we don't have HBO Max or Peacock, a lot of their content is located on local streamers Stan and Binge.

2:09 I am always fascinated using Paramount how bad the app is. I remember a few years back using CBS All Access and having it at least be functioning. No clue how they managed to make it so much worse when they renamed it.

Great video as always!

This was really good & entertaining

For me, Apple TV is the most underrated. I believe because there is a lack of legacy content like the other streaming platforms, they are forced to push their creative limits. This means that their shows can be a hit or a miss, but they always seem to offer something interesting. In some way, they also have the money to push this creative push, attracting directors like Scorsese in Killers of the Flower Moon or Ridley Scott in the new Napoleon film. In some way, Apple TV seems to look for quality creative stories to make up for the lack of legacy content, which in a world of Marvel, Star Wars, and DC where everything seems repetitive, AppleTv is refreshing for me. Also, they release quality content for everyone, there is of course Severance and Ted Lasso which are excellent, but also Schmigadoon for musical lovers or Foundation for Sci-Fi lovers, Slow Horses or Black Bird for drama. Platonic and Shrinking are two of the most wholesome comedy series I' 've watched. In short, AppleTV may not have the back catalog right now but is the only streaming platform I'm constantly looking at for new releases.

Omg totally agree with the thing about Netflix jumping to the next show/movie after you got done watching it. I remember watching Lord of the Rings on there, and I'd have to quickly press the "watch credits" thing. With the last movie, I fast forwarded back through the whole movie to see the credits bc a giant picture of some other movie showed up on the screen, then the time ran out 😭😭 why???

thought this was an ok format take and all. would definitely try this again

i stopped giving these producers chances to let me down with cancellations by literally never starting a series that isn't concluded already, other than a few exceptions like HotD. When Sarah Connor Chronicles and the Borgias both got cancelled after i watched every episode twice and got super invested, it really turned me off weekly tv in general.

Great video! More of this!

Excluding KZfaq and the Rifftrax app, I mainly stick to just Tubi and AppleTV, because I know I won't have to scroll so long before giving up and put a dvd on. I have Hulu as part of their deal with Spotify, and Prime, but I didn't sign up specifically for those services, they're just a nice bonus for me.

I agree with everything you said about Netflix... except the UI part... I remember when Prime Video had terrible UI and only recently has it become actually useable without it being a laggy shitshow... and that's Amazon, a multi-billion dollar company that launched their service fairly recently. I mean other streaming services that have a decent UI like Disney still fall flat and feel pretty lackluster when compared to Netflix. idk I feel Netflix has always been superior when it comes to UI... but with that being said I do agree with things auto playing when you're simply just trying to read the synopsis of what you're about to watch, extremely annoying.

Really enjoyed the switched up format! Interesting to have a change and do a more informal discussion and bringing in different perspectives and hear your thoughts on them. For me (an Aussie) I’ve switched to mostly watching Asian dramas (Thai/japanese/Korean) because usually they are just one complete season. Been burned too many times watching shows that get cancelled; Sick of huge cliffhangers, waiting months for a new season announcement, show runners asking fans to annoy the network/streaming service to renew the show. Byeeee I’m done with that shit! Now I can watch a show and be satisfied with a complete story. A lot of Thai dramas are officially on KZfaq, or streaming sites like Viki or iQiyi.

13:36 I think you're right with how the binge model can hurt shows that have a decent story and can probably generate a slow build and stuff week to week. I think we should definitely keep that week to week model. Also I think there are probably some shows that you could probably just dump out all at once that just plays better that way to get it all out there. Like some shows that work better as an extended movie fit that model. Maybe some comedy shows that aren't really all that great that you just want to get out there or something. I don't have an exact answer for which model works best for what show as a straight up formula. But I think Netflix should really figure that out to maybe try and give some other shows a chance and maybe work up to stuff below the level of Stranger Things to build up the chatter and talk and stuff. no idea what could possibly fit that model, just that they should experiment and figure it out somehow.

Love this video idea!!

My problem with Netflix is they cancel shows just as they are finding their feet and finding out what they want to be. "Oh hey this show is getting really good.........oh they cancelled it!" Its kind of a miracle Bojack made it as far as it did (at least it got to end properly!) As for the binge model. I do that often with shows but studies have shown that when you binge a whole series you actually retain less of the plot than if you are watching a show on a weekly basis. I have noticed too that more recent streaming shows that drop weekly tend to get more buzz and I think its part the social aspect where you watch that weeks episode then chat about it with friends who like it too, going over what happened and speculating what might be next. If I love a show or movie I am definitely buying it on physical media. I like being able to watch the things I love whenever I want without having to worry about a sub. I do worry that streaming and digital versions will entirely replace physical media, which I would hate. I love my DVDs and Blu Rays packed full of extras :P

I grew up with having to wait week to week and tune in to the correct channel at the correct time with many commercials during it. I will forever love the binge model. If a show is being released week to week, I will wait until the show is fully released to watch it. And I think the real winner in all this is Sony, just licensing everything out and not having to build a steaming service and infrastructure. Thanks for all the great videos!

Great episode 👍🏻

I always love when I find out that the creators I watch, watch each other's content.

I live in Canada where D+ and Hulu are combined and it’s definitely the best service because of that