You’ve asked for a written version of the monthly streaming TV news updates that I post on YouTube, so here it is. Today, I’m sharing the big streaming changes for May 2024.
Watch the video below or scroll down for a summary of the key takeaways:
1. Peacock Price Hike
- Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus are increasing by $2 a month or $20 a year
- Effective July 18 for new customers; billing date on or after August 17 for existing customers
- Context: Peacock has added a lot of expensive live sports programming to its lineup
- With the increase in sports rights, can Peacock continue to heavily discount its plans around Black Friday?
In a recent video (5 Ways Streaming TV Is Changing for the Worse), I mentioned how I’m concerned that on-demand services like Peacock will raise prices as they add more sports to gain subscribers.
Like most services, Peacock doesn’t have a way for people to opt-out of sports and pay a lower price.
FEATURED DEAL: Get a year of Peacock Premium for $19.99 with this link and code STREAMTHEDEAL; ends 6/30 (Peacock is raising prices in July); use the same promo code to save $40 on the ad-free Peacock Premium Plus annual plan
2. Paramount’s CEO Steps Down
Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish stepped down and has been replaced by three executives, CNBC reports. This comes as Paramount merger talks continue and may be falling apart.
3. Fubo Customers Lose More Channels
- Fubo lost Warner Bros. Discovery networks like HGTV, TLC, Food Network and Discovery on April 30
- The live TV streamer said it tried to renew those channels and obtain license rights for TBS, TNT and truTV, which Fubo hasn’t carried for several years
- Context: Fubo is suing over an upcoming sports streaming service from Disney, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery (Venu Sports)
- Are you a Fubo customer who wants the missing Discovery channels? Find the content on Max or subscribe to another live TV service
RESOURCE: The Best Live TV Streaming Services to Replace Cable in 2024
4. Hulu Live Free Trial Returns
Hulu + Live TV is offering a 3-day free trial. The service has not regularly made a free trial available since it added the Disney Bundle to its service in late 2021.
Hulu Live is a good alternative to YouTube TV. Here’s a comparison video I produced.
5. YouTube TV’s Library Gets an Update
My YouTube TV guide for beginners has been updated with the latest library (DVR) changes. The category tabs are now at the top of the screen, with “New for you” shown by default.
When you click on some tabs, you’ll have even more sorting options for your recordings.
YouTube TV has made a few other update recently, including improved picture quality and the rollout of multiview to Android devices.
There’s also a deal for those interested in NFL Sunday Ticket. Save up to $215 through May 16, 2024.
6. Comcast Launches NOW Internet and Mobile Plans
It looks like Comcast’s new prepaid internet and phone plans are available for purchase. I first told you about these plans a few weeks ago.
I’m most excited about the internet plans:
- 100 Mbps for $30 a month
- 200 Mbps for $45 a month
- Unlimited data
- Wi-Fi equipment included
After my recent video, a few people asked if this is 5G home internet. No! It’s a wired, cable internet connection from Comcast.
Think of this as a prepaid version of Xfinity without all the extra fees.
In addition to the NOW internet and phone plans, the NOW TV streaming service is still available for $20 a month. I reviewed this service last year.
NOW TV is similar to Philo, but I think Philo is a better service for only $5 a month extra.
7. The Launch of Broadband Labels
Shopping for a new internet plan just got easier. The FCC is now requiring broadband facts labels that clearly show the pricing, speed and any additional fees.
I also have a new internet plan comparison tool here on MichaelSaves.com that shows this information.
With this tool, you can enter your address and see the best available internet options where you live. If you need help selecting a plan, see my guide or email me for a personal recommendation.
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