Chill Out, Veg Out: A Guide to Streaming Services for Summer Shows
It’s a bad idea to spend too much time watching TV — but we all occasionally need to unwind, get comfy on the couch, and binge on a series. Maybe you need to relax after a long day’s work or you're feeling a little sick and need some comfort. But if your favorite shows are on vacation for the summer, what do you do?
If you aren’t already subscribing to one of the top streaming services, what century are you living in? Not only do these apps offer access to some of your favorite now-concluded shows, and blockbuster films, they also have international hits, and original programming. We’ve got a quick rundown of content to fill your summer nights, while you await the new season.
Netflix
A pioneer of the industry, Netflix just keeps expanding and adding new stuff to its seemingly endless catalog. But we really recommend checking out their original series. By now you must have heard the buzz about Orange is the New Black, the story of a WASPy New Yorker’s unexpected stint in the pokey, now in its 3rd season. Netflix is also the sole distributor of the hit House of Cards. If you don’t want to dedicate time to a full series, they’ve also produced some impressive documentaries like Mitt and The Lady in Number 6. Want a good laugh instead? Many comedians like Marc Maron, and Aziz Ansari have premiered their stand-up specials on Netflix.
Hulu Plus
You can already watch many of your favorite network shows on Hulu (Wipeout is a great summer watch). Upgrading to Hulu Plus gives you access to older seasons of many others, so you can play catch-up while waiting for new episodes. Hulu also has the rights to shows from across the pond that you might not be able to see otherwise. Misfits, wherein juvenile delinquents get super powers, can only be streamed here, along with Rev. They’ve also got originals, including the emmy-nominated, Behind the Mask, which follows the lives of sports mascots.
Amazon Prime Instant Video
One of the Internet’s oldest, biggest companies is still in its infancy when it comes to the streaming game. Still, they’ve managed to snag some great titles. If you’re a 90’s kid looking for some nostalgia, they have an extensive collection of classic Nickleodeon — from Clarissa Explains It All to Are You Afraid of the Dark, and tons of Nicktoons in-between. But the real impressive feat was acquiring a cache of HBO original series. No, they don’t have the latest season of Game of Thrones, but if you’ve never had access to the premium channel before, why not take the opportunity to watch The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, or Deadwood? There’s no bad pick here. Amazon also has award-winning originals, like Gary Trudeau’s political comedy, Alpha House. They have more new programming on the way, too.
WWE Network
Yes, this is super niche category. But if you’re a fan of the weird world of pro-wrestling, we’d be remiss not to recommend it. Get access to literally everything in the WWE archive, which includes WCW, and ECW content. They even have their own original programming, like Legend’s House, a reality show that sticks retired WWE hall-of-famers in a house together — mostly to see who’s the biggest curmudgeon. Included in the price is also live streaming coverage of every Pay-Per-View special. You’ll never miss a Wrestlemania again! — If that’s a thing you’re into. (We won’t judge.)
Subscribing to one, or all, of the above will definitely give you something for everyone. So grab a chair, get yourself a nice cool glass of lemonade, and we’ll see you in September.
[Pic via Flickr - Alessandro Valli]
