T.V. Guide

So I was thinking about all of the great shows that are everywhere right now. In my opinion, the last 5-7 years has provided us with some of the best tv of my lifetime. I watched tv a lot as a child but as time went on and I became an adult, I could go months at a time without even turning my television on. When I would watch, there was very little that I was interested in. For years, I was without any form of cable and I didn't even miss it. I still don't pay for a standard cable package, but there are many other ways to watch quality programming nowadays. I have service via Comcast/Xfinity, but I only have basic local channels, HBO, and internet. I pay for a few other streaming services, but there is still about a $55-$75 difference from when I had cable. 
The award show that honors the best in television, The Emmys, comes on tonight and I thought I would share with you some of the shows I watch and the services I use to watch them. 

1. Netflix - Unless you've been sleeping under a rock, buried deep beneath the ground in another dimension, you know all about this streaming service. I love it because of the variety of programming that it offers and it is still reasonably priced with monthly plans ranging from $7.99-$13.99/month. Another good perk is that you can watch Netflix ANYWHERE as long as there is Wi-Fi; on your computer, phone, tablet, and gaming or streaming devices (e.g. Playstation, Apple TV, or Roku). Netflix streams old and new feature films, made for tv movies, network and cable television series, sitcoms, reality shows, comedy specials, and documentaries. They even offer Netflix original movies, series, sitcoms, comedy specials, and documentaries. If you miss watching something on tv in real time, you can usually find it on Netflix at the end of the season or at some point before the new season starts. Some of my favorite shows I've watched/am watching are Breaking Bad, Orange is the New Black, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Disjointed, Atypical, Ozark, Luke Cage, Weeds...and that's just to name a few.
2. Hulu - This is a streaming service similar to Netflix and can be streamed the same ways as listed above. I find that the movies they offer are usually a bit more dated than what is offered on Netflix. However, I like Hulu because they stream many sitcoms and series in more real time than Netflix. For instance, if I miss watching This is Us (which if you haven't watched, you should because it is the best show on tv and you can watch the previous seasons so you can get your life and be caught up for the season premiere on 9/25) on Tuesday, I can watch that episode the next day. I also keep up with some of my other favorites like, Marlon, Jane the Virgin, and How to Get Away With Murder. Like Netflix, Hulu offers original programming as well. So far, the only original series I've watched is Casual, but I have several others on my list to watch, including the award winning Handmaid's Tale. Hulu also offers the ability to add-on Showtime, HBO, or Cinemax AND they have a live streaming service. I purchase the Showtime add-on to watch Shameless and The Chi, then I cancel once the season is over. Prices for their various offerings range from $7.99-$39.99. My favorite Hulu feature is that you can pause your membership from 1 to 12 weeks, unlike Netflix which you would just have to cancel and reinstate. 
   
3. Philo - This is a live streaming service that offers packages of 40 or 49 channels. I ended up getting this service because whatever I couldn't find on Hulu, Netflix, or YouTube, I would find on my Kodi app on Firestick, however, I wasn't able to locate all of the shows that I like to watch on the OWN network. Philo is one of 3 streaming apps that has the OWN network, but it is the cheapest. I pay $16/month for 40 channels including, OWN, BET, Paramount, and the Food Network. I stream via the Philo app on my phone or Philo app on Firestick, and to my understanding, it can also be streamed via Apple TV and Roku.
4. Amazon Prime - I pay for Amazon Prime in order to get free two day shipping on items that I order via Amazon, but, with the Prime membership comes access to their music and tv programming. I usually use Amazon Prime around the holiday season, from Halloween to New Year, because I LOVE watching holiday movies and they have a lot. I stream via the Firestick and Apple TV. During the holiday season, I also purchase the Hallmark and Lifetime Movie apps. Amazon Prime is $12.99/month or $119 for the year.

Whew! It is amazing how television, and the way we watch it, has evolved. And there is just too much GOOD tv out there! My list of things to watch is long and ever growing. I'm sure I'll have more to add after watching the Emmys tonight. How do you watch your favorite shows and what do you like to watch? Share with me in the comments!