TV Streaming Simplified: Why It Might Be a Better Option for Seniors

Before you consider switching to a streaming platform, there are some things you’ll need:

• Streaming device (Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, etc.) and compatible TV or a Smart TV 
  
• Strong WiFi or ethernet connection
  
• Email address to create an account for subscription and billing

Ahead, find a rundown on the most popular streaming platforms. And remember, most of these don't require a contract, so you can cancel anytime (just be sure to read the fine print first). Happy streaming.

Netflix

Netflix started streaming in 2007 and has been a leader ever since. In addition to featuring popular movies and full seasons of your favorite TV shows, Netflix has several award-winning original shows and movies. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also foreign language and international titles. The differences between the three price tiers are whether you can view content in HD and how many screens can stream at once. If you’re viewing from an older TV or will be the only one using your Netflix account, the basic package might be the best option. 

Cost: $9.99-$19.99 per month

What to Watch: “Grace and Frankie,” "Stranger Things," “The Great British Baking Show,” “Good Girls,” “NCIS,” “The Crown”

Hulu

If you feel like you’ll miss your classic TV viewing experience — commercials and all — Hulu might be for you (though you can upgrade to a commercial-free option if you’d like). With recent episodes of TV shows from major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX along with cable network programming, Hulu will keep you up-to-date. This platform also offers original series, as well as add-ons for HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX and STARZ.

Cost: $6.99 - $11.99 per month, $60.99 per month for Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV

What to Watch: “This Is Us,” “The Masked Singer,” “Modern Family,” “The Goldbergs,” “The Voice,” “Golden Girls”

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime makes online shopping a breeze, but it also comes with Prime Video, Amazon’s streaming service. Much like Netflix and Hulu, Prime Video is a mix of classic shows and movies as well as Amazon’s original content. It’s a convenient way to get into streaming if you’re familiar with Amazon’s platform. You can also rent movies and shows that aren’t included with your Prime Video subscription, a feature Netflix and Hulu don’t have.

Cost: $14.99 per month for Amazon Prime, $6.99 per month with Medicaid or EBT

What to Watch: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Homecoming,” “Fleabag," "The Man in the High Castle," “Sneaky Pete,”  “Bosch"

Disney+

Fans of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and National Geographic finally have a place to stream all their content. With films that go back to the start of the Disney animation era (“Bambi,” “Snow White”), classic musicals (“The Sound of Music,” “Mary Poppins”) and the latest cartoons and superhero flicks, Disney+ is perfect for multigenerational households, or just to have in your back pocket for extended grandkid visits. Plus, it boasts an ad-free experience that allows for streaming across four devices at once. 

Cost: $7.99 per month, $19.99 per month with Hulu and ESPN+ bundle

What to Watch: “The Mandalorian,” “Black-ish," "Brain Games," "Inside Out,” “Once Upon a Time," "Wanda Vision," “America's National Parks," "Encanto," "West Side Story," "Hamilton"

AppleTV+

Apple TV+ only streams original content, so if you’re ready to tune into something new, this might be the place to start. Content ranges from acclaimed documentaries to dramas with star-studded casts. You can subscribe to the platform with or without an Apple TV as long as you have a supported device.

Cost: $4.99 per month; a free three-month trial is often included with purchase of a new Apple device

What to Watch: “Ted Lasso," "Severence," “Little America,” "Prehistoric Planet," “The Morning Show,” “Home”

HBO Max

Most people are familiar with HBO as an add-on to existing cable packages, but now you can cut the cord and get HBO on its own with HBO Max. You’ll have access to full seasons of award-winning shows, movies and documentaries and you can cancel anytime. HBO Now doesn’t air programming live, but episodes become available to stream the same time they air on TV. 

Cost: Starts at $9.99 per month

What to Watch: “Game of Thrones,” “Barry,”  “Big Little Lies," "The Flight Attendant," "Brene Brown: Atlas of the Heart," "Hacks"

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is the perfect option if you think you’ll miss live TV when you give up cable. It offers all major local and cable networks based on your ZIP Code and has unlimited DVR capabilities so you can record as much as you want. You won’t need a cable box — just a compatible device. 

Cost:  $64.99 per month

What to Watch: Anything you’d watch on regular TV! Plus, all YouTube Originals and exclusive content.

Want more senior-friendly tech advice? Take a look at our Tech for Seniors blog posts and give us a call at 844-337-6059 to learn more about Brookdale Senior Living.