Hey there! I’m Jared Newman, and this is Cord Cutter Weekly, my newsletter on how to save money on TV and make the most of streaming. Sign up here if someone shared this newsletter with you.
Netflix’s plot to become cable hits a wall
Jared Newman | 
Things aren’t going so smoothly for Netflix right now.
While the streamer is making more money and has more subscribers than ever, average daily viewing hours are in decline according to Nielsen data, and its hit shows are struggling to retain audiences beyond the first season, Bloomberg reports. (Netflix disputes this.) Engagement levels have become a frequent discussion topic among Netflix executives according to the Wall Street Journal, and investors are starting to worry.
All this could end up changing what Netflix offers to customers. Unnamed sources tell the Journal that Netflix is now exploring a lineup of cable-style streaming channels, and that it may copy Amazon’s strategy of selling add-on subscriptions to other services like Peacock. Netflix is also planning to stream a selection of short-form videos in a nod to YouTube and TikTok.
These changes could advance Netflix’s goal of being the only streaming service you really need, but they may also lead it further astray from what you originally signed up for.
Weekly rewind
DirecTV’s new bundle: DirecTV is now letting customers bundle its MyEntertainment and MyNews genre plans for $75 per month total, versus $88 per month when purchased separately. The bundle includes local broadcast channels, cable news networks, and a slew of general entertainment channels, but no sports networks such as ESPN.
It’s a response, I think, to YouTube TV, whose News + Entertainment package costs $63 per month. While DirecTV’s package is pricier, it also includes the ad-supported versions of HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and AMC+.
A free Disney+ tier? Disney is reportedly thinking about making some Disney+ programming available without a subscription, Business Insider’s James Faris reports. It’s unclear how much content Disney would offer or when it might happen, if at all.
Like Netflix, Disney is facing some pressure to respond to YouTube, whose share of TV viewing hours has shot up over the past few years. Paid streamers need a low-friction way to bring people in, but doing that without cannibalizing their subscription plans could get tricky.
(Netflix also says it’s considering a free tier for some markets, but isn’t launching one anytime soon.)
QuasiTV: Last week, I wrote about Bunny Ears TV, a free Apple TV app that turns videos on your Plex server into round-the-clock streaming channels. In response, Michael R. suggested QuasiTV as an alternative for Android TV/Google TV devices. I haven’t tried it yet, but it could be worth a look if you’re running your own media server.
More catch-up
- Netflix is bringing back free trials as a test in select markets (but not the U.S.).
- Vizio’s latest Mini-LED works great as a dumb TV (if you decline all the connected features during setup).
- A dozen attorneys general sue to stop Paramount from acquiring Warner. TV writers are suing too.
- YouTube TV adds the Weather Channel to its News plan. (More on YouTube TV’s hidden cheaper plans here.)
- The Milwaukee Bucks get it: All regular-season games wlil be free with antenna this season.
- Walmart’s Onn 4K Plus streaming box is back in stock, but for $50. Here’s my review from when it only cost $30.
Save more money
This part of the newsletter has some affiliate links, which earn me a commission if you wind up buying or subscribing to something.
The aforementioned DirecTV MyNews and MyEntertainment bundle is currently $60 per month for the first two months, down from the usual $75 per month. It’s for new customers only and includes a five-day trial.
Otherwise, not much new on the deal front, but some reminders:
- Paramount+: Still $1 per month for two months of Premium with code SAVE992MPREM, or half-off a year with code SAVEANNUAL50. New and returning subscribers only.
- Peacock: Consider trying to cancel to see if you get a retention discount. (I just heard from a reader who got $3 per month for six months this way.)
- Roku’s 4K streamer is still $25 at Walmart.
As always, I keep a full list of active streaming deals here.
This week in Advisorator: I wrote about your library’s overlooked tech features, the secret to good fireworks photos, and a way to hide junk brands from Amazon. Plus, I’m answering readers’ questions in the members-only Tech Buds forum. Read it here →
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Until next time,
Jared