I love it when my friends on Facebook throw something out there like, We’re thinking of getting rid of cable and wondering what you use.
First of all, we got rid of cable almost four years ago so you are soooo behind. Second of all, I don’t need to give my opinion because apparently the hundreds of other friends all like to chime in, even if they’re saying something that everyone else has said 50 times.
People like to talk about their viewing habits. But it’s a recent question that came up that made me think about my topic this month.
It was a question that was something like this, Should we go with Hulu or Amazon or Netflix?
I started to type an answer but when I saw 50 other replies just like mine would have been, I stopped and saved it for you. The correct answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE!
The beauty of living in a streaming-only family is that we have lots of options. We’re currently subscribers to Netflix, Amazon (included with our Amazon Prime membership), Hulu, and SlingTV. In addition to that, we also have a HD antenna that I swear we only use when it’s time for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
My point is that these services are all fairly cheap and certainly unique. You’ll find little overlap from one service to another. So it’s not really about making a choice. It’s about making the most of your choices.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Netflix is so popular.
Lots of Subscribers
- By the end of the year, Netflix is projected to have 69.9 million subscribers, with 43.54 million of them in the United States. That means that about 36% of U.S. homes are now Netflix subscribers.
- We’re not totally sure about that number though because apparently you Canadians have wised up and realized we have more content in the U.S. It’s estimated that 1/3 of Canadian subscribers actually claim to be from the U.S. so they can get more content.
Age Matters
- Feeling out of the loop? Your age matters. 79% of Millennials (who we often refer to as Digital Natives) use Netflix as compared to 38% of Gen Xers (that’s me) and 26% of Baby Boomers. What gives, people? I’ll admit that it’s sometimes hard to teach an old dog new tricks but this is one trick you’ll thank me for.
Raising Content Standards
- If you still think that Netflix is about cheesy movies and reruns of TV shows, you might be right. But they’re also setting the standard with original television series. Shows like Orange is the New Black, House of Cards, Sense8, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt have helped garner 45 Emmy nominations, 10 Golden Globe nominations, and 2 Academy Award nominations.
- Expect more original content. As major studios are making licensing agreements more and more difficult, Netflix is breaking the mold by continuing to produce outstanding original content, including major motion pictures.
So if you haven’t tried Netflix (whether or not you’re thinking of getting rid of cable), now’s a good time to give it a trial run!
This post was written as part of my role on the Netflix Stream Team. Topics, selections, and all opinions are my own.
22 comments
I really want to cut the cord, but I don’t really know how to get started in figuring out what we’d need, what we would definitely lose, and its just enough to make me keep the cord… maybe 2016 i’ll get it figured out!
We cut the cable cord years ago because it cost so much! SO grateful for Netflix and Hulu. Thinking about adding Amazon Prime! The original content these services are putting out is phenomenal. Have you watched a Moody Christmas on Netflix?? SO good. We just finished season 2 of The Killing. Netflix rocks! Woot!
I thought we were the last family in the world to get Netflix! We’re huge fans, if only for Jessica Jones and all the Grey’s Anatomy you can consume.
I’ve been a Netflix subscriber since 2001!
I didn’t even know Netflix existed then, lol! When did it start?
1997! It was so much better to queue up a wishlist and get it in the mail than to go to Blockbuster. Obviously!
1997! It was so much better to queue up a wishlist and get it in the mail than to go to Blockbuster. Obviously!
I’ve been a Netflix subscriber since 2001!
I am both, lol. I currently mooch off my boyfriend’s account but would love to have my own account at some point.
I still do pay $$$ for TV and am considering “cutting the cord” at one point. I’d definitely need Hulu or something to keep up with my current shows, though.
I’m a “WANNABE” Netflix, we need a change.
I’m a “WANNABE” Netflix, we need a change.
I’m a wannabe
i have subscribed to Neflix for a few years now!
I am a current netflix subscriber. I am watching it right now!
I’m a current Netflix subscriber.
I’m a current Netflix subscriber.
I am a wanna be.
I’m a current subscriber
Wanna be! I have to watch the new Fuller House!
I am a wannabe.
I’m a current subscriber I’m seriously thinking of cutting the cord on my cable.
I’m a wannabe subscriber!