An unasked for guide to: streaming services

Sam Johnson

More stories from Sam Johnson

The Tator
December 13, 2022
I+know+it%E2%80%99s+the+season+of+giving%2C+but+I%E2%80%99m+broke.

I know it’s the season of giving, but I’m broke.

I’m an incessant binge-watcher. Once I start a show I plow through seasons like Marvel’s Punisher does bad guys. I’m watching “House” as I write this article.

I own or borrow almost every streaming service — except HBO, I’m broke and want to watch “The Sopranos,” so see the email at the bottom if you’re feeling generous. 

With that being said, I’m here to give my thoughts, comments and complaints on a number of streaming services.

Netflix

Netflix has some of the best and worst shows on earth. They’re really good at crime shows and cartoons, but if you want a well-crafted reboot of a series you love, stick to fanfiction.

Ozark” is entertaining and well-written. Who would’ve thought Missouri could be interesting.

Mindhunter” is a fascinating true-crime series about FBI profilers; every episode feels like a movie and they’re all great. Unfortunately, season three doesn’t appear to be on its way, so once you finish the riveting first two seasons, you’ll be jonesing for more.

Black Mirror” is another amazing show coming out of Netflix — but please, skip the first episode or don’t judge me for my recommendation.

Netflix also kills it when it comes to cartoons. “F is for Family,” “Bojack Horseman,” “Big Mouth” are all weird, but still good.

Netflix’s quantity over quality approach has led to a number of really good series. Maybe even a watchable movie or two.

Then there’s the “Arrested Development” reboot. 

I’m not sure which genius decided to reboot a beloved show after nearly 20 years, but it’s a disjointed dumpster fire.

Hulu

I haven’t seen many Hulu original shows, but what I have seen is promising. “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” is a superbly interesting show, especially if you like rap music.

Solar Opposites” is like a Kirkland brand “Rick and Morty,” if you like “Rick and Morty” but hate waiting years between seasons it’ll curb the withdrawals.

That ends my experience with their originals, but if art curators get respect, I’ll give Hulu props for the shows they buy.

Atlanta” is amazing. I doubt we’ll ever see season three, but it’s worth a watch either way.

Fargo” is a compelling drama about midwest organized crime, the second and third seasons were a little wacky but still good, and the fourth season came back strong.

Hulu seems to have every show on earth, which means there’s a lot of shows worth watching, but even more that aren’t, so binge at your own risk.

Disney Plus

Disney’s newest streaming service is home to an endless supply of nostalgia and a few surprisingly good original series.

Once you’ve finished your “Star Wars” marathon, continue the binge with “The Mandalorian.” Come for baby Yoda, stick around for the best “Star Wars” related media I’ve seen in years.

There’s also a number of new Marvel shows that have come out in the past year.

WandaVision” is a solid series, it got ridiculous towards the end, but diehard Marvel fans will love it.

Loki” is an impressive series following one of Marvel’s most likable villains. “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is action-packed and gives insight into two of the lesser-known Marvel heroes.

There’s a lot of shows out there, some terrific, a lot of good and even more bad. Say what you will about Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus, but at least they don’t charge you to watch ads like Prime Video. Don’t even get me started on Peacock.

Johnson can be reached at [email protected]