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Marvel stars like Chris Hemsworth and the late Chadwick Boseman reprise their roles in 'What If...?' — the animated show premieres August 11 on Disney Plus

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Marvel's "What If…?" is a new animated series that reimagines the events of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. "What If...?" premieres on Disney Plus on August 11 and the first season will run for nine episodes.

"What If...?" features dozens of actors returning to voice their MCU roles, including the late Chadwick Boseman, star of "Black Panther." However, "What If...?" proposes an alternate reality where the origins of familiar heroes are fundamentally different, like Boseman's T'Challa becoming a member of the Ravagers gang from "Guardians of the Galaxy." Other returning MCU stars include Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Samuel L. Jackson, Hayley Atwell, and more.

Disney Plus exclusive shows, like "Loki,""WandaVision," and "The Falcon and the Winter Solider," have all had lasting impacts on the MCU, but it's unclear if the ideas explored in "What If…?" will expand beyond the series. Marvel executive producer Kevin Feige has already confirmed that a second season of "What If…?" is in production.

How to watch Marvel's 'What If…?' on Disney Plus

"What If…?" will premiere on Disney Plus on August 11. New episodes will debut every Wednesday at 3 a.m. ET, midnight PT. The first season of "What If…?" will run for nine episodes in total.

You can visit DisneyPlus.com or download the Disney Plus app to sign up for the service. Disney Plus costs $8 a month or $80 per year. If you're also interested in subscribing to Hulu or ESPN+, you can sign up for a discounted bundle starting at $14 a month

The Disney Plus app is available on Apple devices, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, and most smart TVs. Disney Plus includes support for 4K resolution and HDR (high dynamic range) contrast on compatible displays, as well as Dolby Atmos audio on supported systems.

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What other movies and shows can I watch on Disney Plus?

Disney Plus is the streaming home of nearly every movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it also has a huge library of classic kids' programming, hit movies from Pixar, documentaries from National Geographic, and franchises like "Star Wars" and "The Simpsons."

"What If…?" is the fourth Marvel show to debut on Disney Plus and will be followed by "Hawkeye" on November 24. Disney is also planning a full lineup of "Star Wars" shows for Disney Plus, following on the success of "The Mandalorian" and "Star Wars: The Bad Batch."

For more details, check out our full Disney Plus review.

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The 15 most binge-watched streaming shows last month, from Netflix's 'Never Have I Ever' to HBO Max's 'Hacks'

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15. "Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon A Crime" (2021)

Binge rate: 40.9%

Original network: Netflix

Streaming on: Netflix

Number of seasons: 1 (4 episodes)

Average size audience ranking: 67



14. "The Office" (2005-2013)

Binge rate: 41.9%

Original network: NBC (NBCUniversal)

Streaming on: Peacock (NBCUniversal)

Number of seasons: 9 (201 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 122



13. "My Unorthodox Life" (2021)

Binge rate: 40.1%

Original network: Netflix

Streaming on: Netflix

Number of seasons: 1 (9 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 16



12. "NCIS" (2003-present)

Binge rate: 43.7%

Original network: CBS (ViacomCBS)

Streaming on: Paramount+ (ViacomCBS); also on Netflix

Number of seasons: 18 (414 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 112



11. "Too Hot to Handle" (2020-present)

Binge rate: 44.2%

Original network: Netflix

Streaming on: Netflix

Number of seasons: 2 (19 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 34



10. "Atypical" (2017-2021)

Binge rate: 44.8%

Original network: Netflix

Streaming on: Netflix

Number of seasons: 4 (38 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 30



9. "Hacks" (2021-present)

Binge rate: 45.3%

Original network: HBO Max (WarnerMedia)

Streaming on: HBO Max (WarnerMedia)

Number of seasons: 1 (10 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 11



8. "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" (2021-present)

Binge rate: 45.9%

Original network: Netflix

Streaming on: Netflix

Number of seasons: 1 (8 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 29



7. "Never Have I Ever" (2020-present)

Binge rate: 49.5%

Original network: Netflix

Streaming on: Netflix

Number of seasons: 2 (20 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 18



6. "The Kominsky Method" (2018-2021)

Binge rate: 54.3%

Original network: Netflix

Streaming on: Netflix

Number of seasons: 3 (22 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 22



5. "Bluey" (2018-2020)

Binge rate: 56.5%

Original network: ABC Kids (Disney)

Streaming on: Disney+ 

Number of seasons: 2 (103 episodes) 

Average size audience ranking: 36



4. "Friends" (1994-2004)

Binge rate: 58.2%

Original network: NBC (NBCUniversal)

Streaming on: HBO Max (WarnerMedia)

Number of seasons: 10 (236 episodes)

Average size audience ranking: 70



3. "Explained" (2018-present)

Binge rate: 58.8%

Original network: Netflix

Streaming on: Netflix

Number of seasons: 3 (33 episodes)

Average size audience ranking: 119



2. "Ted Lasso" (2020-present)

Binge rate: 61.3%

Original network: Apple TV+

Streaming on: Apple TV+

Number of seasons: 2 (13 episodes)

Average size audience ranking: 1



1. "Psych" (2006-2014)

Binge rate: 62.7%

Original network: USA Network (NBCUniversal)

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video; also on Peacock (NBCUniversal)

Number of seasons: 8 (120 episodes)

Average size audience ranking: 173



6 international TV and movie production companies that could be compelling M&A targets as streamers look for content across the world

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Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine is fueling chatter about other potential deals for star-powered and influential production houses, in the US and abroad.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Witherspoon agreed to sell the shop behind Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show" and Hulu's "Little Fires Everywhere," at a $900 million valuation, to a company backed by private equity firm Blackstone Group and led by former Disney executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs.

The reported valuation, which the companies have not confirmed, raises the profile of US production houses like LeBron James' SpringHill Entertainment. The Information reported in July that SpringHill was exploring a sale that could value it at $750 million.

But three industry sources who specialize in M&A told Insider that international production companies could offer buyers more bang for their buck, given the high valuations for US companies. 

"The US production houses are all going to be a similar story to Hello Sunshine; I think you overpay because that's the most expensive IP on planet earth," Sebastian Blum, partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants, told Insider. "The most attractive deals are actually something different."

Blum said there could be more affordable, and equally compelling targets, in markets like the Nordics or Turkey, where production costs are still low but shows like Norway's "Ragnarok" and Turkey's "Ertuğrul" have proven they can break through with global audiences.

US companies aren't the only buyers for these kinds of production houses either. Firms in Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi have been sizing up international production houses since Qatar's BeIN Media Group bought a majority stake in US studio Miramax in 2016, said Shahid Khan, a partner at management consultancy Arthur D. Little.

STX Entertainment merged last year with Indian movie producer and distributor Eros International, in another example of a US-international tie up.

"The boundaries of content are diminishing" Khan said. "There's a lot more cross pollination of content assets across the globe." 

The US used to be the main exporter of content around the world. Now, thanks to Netflix and others, shows originating in places like Turkey, South Korea, India, and Israel are resonating not only with local audiences, but with viewers in other countries.

M&A interest in production houses in India and other Asian markets has also risen as global streamers increasingly focus on international markets to propel their subscriber growth. The Asia-Pacific region, for example, drove two-thirds of Netflix's subscriber growth last quarter.

"Outside the US, the market is slowly going to become more and more exciting and engaging," said Shibasish Sarkar, the group CEO of Reliance Entertainment. "The next growth stage is coming and the global platforms have to create local content."

There aren't many precise parallels to Hello Sunshine outside the US. The sources said it's less common for entertainers outside of the US to start their own independent entertainment companies, with exceptions like Red Chillies Entertainment, which was founded by Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Still, there are international companies backed by filmmakers, directors, and producers who are known for the kind of high-quality content that global entertainment companies are looking for, and studio groups whose various production houses could become targets.

Here's a short list of the kinds of international companies that sources said could be compelling targets for global buyers, listed in alphabetical order:

  • All3Media, owned by Discovery Communications and Liberty Global, owns dozens of production companies throughout the UK, US, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. 
  • Applause Entertainment is an India-based company that creates content and IP, and sells the rights to companies like Disney's Hotstar.
  • Dharmatic Productions is a digital studio started by Indian filmmaker Karan Johar. It has a multi-year deal to create content for Netflix.
  • Gaumont is a major studio with a 126-year legacy in France. Its TV arm has also produced projects, including "Narcos" and "Lupin" for Netflix.
  • Nent Group, based in Stockholm, owns a collection of studios in the Nordics that could be targets for international buyers. However, it recently sold its unscripted studios to Fremantle and its UK arm to All3Media in an effort to focus on the scripted space, so it may not be willing to part with many more assets.
  • WildBrain, previously called DHX Media, is based in Canada and has a library of family friendly content that includes franchises like Degrassi, The Teletubbies, and Inspector Gadget.

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Iconic Batman villain Scarecrow joins cast of 'Titans' in season 3 — here's how to watch the premiere on HBO Max on August 12

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Season three of "Titans" premieres August 12 on HBO Max. The DC Comics superhero series is a live-action adaptation of the popular "Teen Titans" franchise and stars Brenton Thwaites ("Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,""Gods of Egypt") as Nightwing, the alter ego of Dick Grayson (who was formerly Batman's sidekick, Robin).

After battling Deathstroke in San Francisco during season two, the team of young superheroes, led by Nightwing, moves to Gotham City. Season three introduces new but familiar villains, like Scarecrow, in the foreboding metropolitan area commonly associated with the Batman franchise.

Seasons one and two of "Titans" first aired on the DC Universe streaming service. DC Universe transitioned into a subscription service for digital comics earlier this year, and their original programming, like "Titans," moved into the HBO Max catalog. 

Where to watch season 3 of 'Titans'

The season three premiere of "Titans" will be available to stream August 12 on HBO Max. Additional episodes of "Titans" are expected to arrive on HBO Max every Thursday.

If you're new to the series, the first two seasons of "Titans" are also available to watch right now for HBO Max subscribers. Also, the riveting pilot episode of this series is currently free to stream for everyone.

The least expensive HBO Max plan is ad-supported and costs $10 a month. This plan gives members access to the entire HBO Max catalog except for in-theater releases like "The Suicide Squad." The ad-free plan from HBO Max costs $15 a month and includes access to select in-theater movies.

If you are new to HBO Max and currently have a subscription to Hulu, you can claim a weeklong free trial of the HBO Max add-on service.

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HBO Max is compatible with most computers, smartphones, tablets, Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and certain smart TVs (including LG and Samsung models). To check whether your device is able to stream "Titans,"visit the HBO Max website.

What other DC series and movies can I watch on HBO Max?

On HBO Max, you can watch the animated "Teen Titans" series that ran from 2003 to 2006. The streaming service is home to shows originally created for the DC Universe streaming service, like "Doom Patrol,""Young Justice," and "Stargirl."

As the best streaming service for watching DC movies, a subscription to HBO Max lets you stream "Birds of Prey" (2020), "Joker" (2019), Zach Snyder's "Justice League" (2021), and more.

Even though it's still playing in theaters, members of HBO Max's ad-free plan can currently stream "The Suicide Squad." Directed by James Gunn, the movie is available to watch until September 5.

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'The Green Knight,' starring Dev Patel, is available to stream on August 18 — here's how to watch the one-night-only screening from A24

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Even though the movie is still in theaters, "The Green Knight" will be available to rent for $20 through the A24 Screening Room on August 18. The online debut of "The Green Knight" is only accessible for a single night and comes less than a month after the film's theatrical premiere on July 30.

"The Green Knight" stars Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, the nephew of King Arthur who goes on a perilous quest of self-discovery. Director David Lowery takes viewers on an eerie, poetic adventure in this loose adaptation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

"The Green Knight" received positive feedback from critics and is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregation website. The film currently has an "88% Fresh" rating.

Where to watch 'The Green Knight' online

"The Green Knight" will be available to watch at home on August 18 through the A24 Screening Room. You can rent "The Green Knight" for $20, but you only have from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET that night to start streaming the movie. Once the stream is started, you have four hours to finish watching it. 

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After your ticket is purchased, A24 allows you to stream "The Green Knight" on August 18 through your web browser, Roku app, or Apple TV app. For a full list of compatible platforms and devices, visit the A24 website.

Make sure you set aside time on this particular night to watch your movie rental, because A24 does not offer refunds for unused tickets. Only U.S. residents are eligible for this special screening.

What other A24 movies can I stream right now?

The best way to watch other movies from A24 is to get the Showtime add-on for a streaming service like Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. New members get a 7-day free trial, and the Showtime add-on renews for $11 a month. 

The Showtime add-on gives you streaming access to many A24 films, including:

  • "Eighth Grade" (2018)
  • "Hereditary" (2018)
  • "mid90s" (2018)
  • "Waves" (2019)
  • "The Witch" (2015)
  • "Ex Machina" (2014)
  • "Green Room" (2015)
  • "Moonlight" (2016)
  • "Room" (2015)
  • "American Honey" (2016)
  • "Under the Silver Lake" (2018)
  • "Spring Breakers" (2012)
  • "Swiss Army Man" (2016)
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If you have a Netflix subscription, for no extra cost you can watch the following A24 films and more:

  • "It Comes at Night" (2017)
  • "Lady Bird" (2017)
  • "Uncut Gems" (2019)
  • "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017)
  • "The Florida Project" (2017)
  • "Good Time" (2017)
  • "A Ghost Story" (2017)
  • "The Disaster Artist" (2017)

Amazon Prime Video also includes a few A24 films for members like:

  • "Midsommar" (2019)
  • "The Lighthouse" (2019)
  • "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" (2019)
  • "The Farewell" (2019)
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HBO Max starts at $10 a month for ad-supported streaming, but you need the ad-free plan to watch brand-new Warner Bros. movies at home

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HBO Max is a streaming service that blends HBO's library of original series with a huge catalog of blockbuster movies and TV shows provided by WarnerMedia. HBO Max launched with an ad-free plan in May 2020 for $15 a month, and an ad-supported plan debuted in June 2021 for $10 a month. Most people who have HBO through cable can claim their own free subscription.

The ad-free plan also streams brand-new releases from Warner Bros, like "The Suicide Squad," while they're still playing in theaters. Older titles and network shows, like "Friends" and "Rick and Morty," are available on both plans. All subscribers can watch new exclusives as well, like the comic book series "Titans" and the teen drama "Gossip Girl."

There are 67.5 million HBO subscribers worldwide as of WarnerMedia's last report. AT&T says it hopes to expand HBO Max to 60 countries by the end of 2021, with the goal of having between 120 and 150 million subscribers by 2025.

With its large collection of programs and a growing slate of original titles, HBO Max is one of our best reviewed streaming services.

Where can I sign up for HBO Max?

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You can sign up for HBO Max through HBOMax.com. In addition to the website, you can sign up for an HBO Max subscription directly through select partner services, including AT&T, DirecTV, AT&T U-Verse, Spectrum, Hulu, and YouTube TV.

If you currently pay for HBO with your cable package, you likely already have access to HBO Max as part of your subscription. You can view a full list of qualifying HBO Max providers here.

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How much does HBO Max cost?

HBO Max costs $15 a month for ad-free streaming or $10 a month for ad-supported streaming. Subscribers can save 16% by signing up for an annual subscription to either plan. An annual ad-free plan is $150 a year, and an annual ad-supported plan is $100 a year.

The ad-supported plan includes nearly everything you can watch with the more expensive plan, except for Warner Bros. movies that are still playing in theaters. The cheaper plan also lacks a download option and streaming is limited to HD quality. 

As mentioned above, most people who already subscribe to HBO are eligible to receive ad-free HBO Max at no extra cost to their current subscription fee.

Though HBO Max initially offered a free trial period through its site, that promotion is no longer available. If you sign up for HBO Max as an add-on through Hulu, however, new members can still receive a one-week trial. 

The differences between HBO Max, HBO Go, and HBO Now

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HBO Max is an on-demand streaming platform combining HBO's iconic original programming with an even larger library of movies and shows from WarnerMedia. The service is essentially a replacement for HBO's older streaming options: HBO Go and HBO Now. 

HBO Go was a streaming companion app for HBO cable subscribers, while HBO Now was a standalone streaming option with access to HBO without cable. On July 31, HBO discontinued the HBO Go app. On that same day, HBO rebranded HBO Now to just "HBO."

Most people who were using the HBO Go or HBO Now app can now simply use their same account information to sign in to HBO Max instead. You can see if your HBO subscription qualifies for HBO Max here

HBO (formerly HBO Now) will continue to include ad-free streaming access to the same library of content that HBO cable subscribers can watch. This includes HBO original programming and the channel's rotating selection of movies.

HBO Max, however, builds upon this content selection by incorporating more original titles and hundreds of additional TV shows and movies from WarnerMedia. The ad-free HBO Max plan also allows you to download and store your favorite shows on your devices to watch while you're offline. 

Ad-free HBO and HBO Max plans each cost $15 a month. Since HBO Max offers a larger streaming library than HBO, it's clearly the better choice.

Where can I watch HBO Max?

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HBO Max can be streamed via its official website and the HBO Max app. You can find the app on Apple, Android, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and LG and Samsung smart TVs.

Those who sign up for HBO Max directly though a partnered service, like Hulu, will be able to access regular HBO content through the partner service's app. To watch HBO Max exclusives, however, you need to use the separate HBO Max app.

Is HBO Max on Roku and Fire TV?

Though HBO Max was initially missing from Fire TV, Roku, LG smart TVs, and PlayStation devices when it launched in May 2020, the service is now available to download on all of those platforms.

What shows and movies are on HBO Max?

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HBO Max features all of HBO's original shows, from "The Wire" and "The Sopranos" to "Westworld and "Game of Thrones." The library also includes the cable channel's rotating lineup of movies. On top of all that, HBO Max offers additional titles from WarnerMedia's catalog, as well as new exclusives.

Most notably, HBO Max is the streaming destination for brand-new movies from Warner Bros. the same day they're released in theaters. New films remain on HBO Max for 31 days. After that, they play exclusively in theaters until their home video release.

HBO Max also features a handful of new original series, including the critically acclaimed show "The Flight Attendant," the progressive high school dramedy "Genera+ion," and a new "Looney Tunes" show featuring Bugs Bunny and company.

Beyond original programs, the HBO Max catalog offers a wide range of TV series from DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Rooster Teeth, and Looney Tunes. The HBO Max movie catalog incorporates critically acclaimed films from the Criterion Collection and Studio Ghibli, alongside hundreds of blockbuster WarnerMedia movies. The service currently hosts 1,300 films.

For additional streaming coverage, be sure to read our guides for the best streaming services and the best streaming sticks and devices.

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Nicole Kidman stars in 'Nine Perfect Strangers,' the new miniseries from the creators of 'Big Little Lies' — the first 3 episodes debut Wednesday on Hulu

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"Nine Perfect Strangers," a miniseries adaptation of the Liane Moriarty novel, premieres on August 18 on Hulu. The show stars Nicole Kidman as a wellness retreat host who pushes her nine handpicked guests to their limits.

The ensemble cast features actors like Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Regina Hall, and Luke Evans as retreat attendees seeking a cathartic release from their daily lives.

Nicole Kidman claims to have gone to extreme measures to portray her role as Masha Dmitrichenko and spent months inhabiting the character through method acting.

The miniseries received generally positive reviews from critics, and currently has a "78% Fresh" rating on the review-aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to watch 'Nine Perfect Strangers'

The first three episodes of "Nine Perfect Strangers" premiere on August 18 on Hulu. After the premiere, the Hulu miniseries will release one new episode a week.

Hulu offers two main plans for subscribers. The ad-supported Hulu Basic plan is $6 a month, and the ad-free Hulu Premium plan is $12 a month. Both plans give members streaming access to all of Hulu's movies, shows, and originals.

If you're new to Hulu, you can get your first month for free. College students can also claim a discount on Hulu's ad-supported plan, bringing the price down to just $2 a month.

You can gain access to even more on-demand entertainment with a subscription to the Disney bundle. This offer combines Hulu Basic, ESPN+, and Disney Plus for only $14 a month. Compared to individual plans, this bundle saves you $7 a month. 

The Hulu app is compatible with most web browsers, smartphones, smart TVs, and streaming sticks like Google Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV. Visit the Hulu website for a full list of compatible devices.

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What other original series can I watch on Hulu?

After watching "Nine Perfect Strangers," viewers who are looking for more original series will find plenty of quality shows on Hulu, including "Shrill,""Ramy," and "The Handmaid's Tale."

"The Handmaid's Tale" is an adaptation of Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel of the same name. Season four starring Elisabeth Moss is streaming now on Hulu.

Discover even more series that are worth giving a try with our roundup of the best original shows on Hulu.

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'Snake Eyes,' the new G.I. Joe movie, is now available to watch at home just 3 weeks after it debuted in theaters

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"Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" debuted in theaters on July 23, and it's now available to rent ($20) or purchase ($25) on streaming services like Vudu,Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV,Microsoft, and Google Play

"Crazy Rich Asians" star Henry Golding plays the ninja action hero known only as Snake Eyes, a character first popularized by Hasbro's G.I. Joe franchise of toys, comics, and children's cartoons. The film explores the history of the ninja clan that trained Snake Eyes and his archrival Storm Shadow.

"Snake Eyes" is considered a potential starting point for a new series of G.I. Joe films from Paramount Pictures. A sequel called "G.I. Joe: Ever Vigilant" has been announced but is still too early in production for casting and script details.

Where to watch 'Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins'

"Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" debuted in theaters on July 23, but you can now order it to watch at home through various streaming services. "Snake Eyes" is available to rent or buy on Vudu,Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV,Microsoft, Google Play, and more. The movie played exclusively in theaters for around three weeks prior to its streaming premiere. 

"Snake Eyes" currently costs $20 to rent or $25 to own, so we recommend paying a little more to buy the movie so you can watch it as often as you like. With that said, if you don't mind waiting a couple months, we expect the rental price to come down to around $6 once the movie hits home video.

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Viewers willing to wait a few weeks should also keep in mind that Paramount Plus is expected to add "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" to its streaming library in September. Paramount Plus costs $5 a month for the ad-supported version, or $10 a month for the commercial-free version.

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"Snake Eyes" is available in 4K with support for HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos on supported devices. The 4K UHD Blu-ray will be released on October 19, and Paramount is also releasing a three-movie collection with "Snake Eyes,""G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra," and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."

What other brand-new movies can I stream at home?

In addition to "Snake Eyes," several other recent theatrical premieres are already available to stream at home. Recent streaming releases include blockbusters like "F9: The Fast Saga,""A Quiet Place Part II,""Black Widow,""Cruella," and "Jungle Cruise."

For more streaming recommendations, check out our guides to the best streaming services and the best streaming devices

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How Netflix is changing the global entertainment industry (NFLX)

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Since Netflix first began its worldwide expansion in 2016, the streaming service has rewritten the playbook for global entertainment — from TV to film, and soon, to video games.

Global hit series and movies were once nearly all made in Hollywood and exported internationally. Now, thanks to Netflix's investments in international TV and film, programming from Spain, India, Brazil, and Korea is finding massive audiences around the world.

Netflix figured out that to thrive on an international stage it needed both mass-market programming like "Stranger Things," as well as local content like "Lupin,""Money Heist," and "Sacred Games" that could grab viewers in specific markets.

Read more about how Netflix's strategy for buying international TV shows is changing, according to producers who have worked with the streamer and its rivals

The strategy helped the streaming service grow its customer base to 209 million paid subscribers globally, as of June.

Its momentum is also reinvigorating production in places like Germany, Mexico, and India, as companies like Disney, WarnerMedia, Apple, Amazon follow Netflix's lead. 

Read more about how Netflix's global focus is changing international production markets

Netflix has reoriented its leadership around its new global model.

The streaming company, cofounded by tech entrepreneur Reed Hastings, promoted content chief Ted Sarandos to co-CEO in 2020, which cemented the importance of content within the organization. Meanwhile, Bela Bajaria, who had been in charge of international non-English TV, took the reins of the overall TV business, and product chief Greg Peters took on additional duties as COO, including streamlining how global teams work together. 

View our full interactive chart of Netflix's top leaders

The company has also formed an elite team of 23 interdisciplinary execs to help make its biggest decisions. Known internally as the "Lstaff "— the "L" stands for leadership — the group sits between the company's officers and its larger executive staff of vice presidents and above, who are called the "Estaff."

Read more about Netflix's elite 'Lstaff' of 23 execs that helps the company make its most important decisions

Netflix's is searching for its next frontier

Still, Netflix is facing more competition than ever from an influx of rivals that are learning to play its game.

Nearly every major media company, from Disney to WarnerMedia, now runs a streaming service. Their platforms are stockpiled with tentpole movies and TV shows that used to only be found in theaters or on linear TV, and their libraries now rival Netflix's.

The competition is pushing the streaming giant to continue to evolve.

Netflix recently expanded its efforts into podcasting and even started pedaling merchandise for series like "Lupin."

In July, the company confirmed plans to offer video games on its subscription service.

It hired Mike Verdu, the former head of Facebook Reality Labs, as its vice president of game development and is currently hiring for video-game-related jobs.

Read more about what Netflix's video-game roles reveal about its strategy

Netflix plans to approach gaming like it did movies and TV shows. It'll start off slowly, commissioning and licensing titles based on existing franchises like "Stranger Things" or "Bridgerton." Then, it will begin to experiment with other kinds of video-game storytelling, like it did with its original series.

"Maybe someday we'll see a game that spawns a film or a series," Peters told investors in July. "That would be an amazing place to get to and really see the rich interplay between these sort of different forms of entertainment."

Here's a list of our recent coverage of how Netflix is disrupting facets of the entertainment industry: 

The Netflix effect on global TV:

On filmmaking:

On video gaming: 

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The 5 best soundbars of 2021 for clear and crisp TV audio

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A soundbar is the perfect solution for anyone who wants a space-saving and budget-friendly way to upgrade their TV audio experience. Even the best TVs on the market tend to have lackluster sound. After all, TVs are focused on picture quality, so built-in speakers are usually more of an afterthought than a priority. 

A good soundbar can provide better audio with cleaner highs, richer mids, and deeper low frequencies. Soundbar models are available at all price points, including solid entry-level options with simple stereo playback and more expensive models with surround sound capabilities.

Some flagship soundbar systems include support for advanced home theater formats like Dolby Atmos, enabling sound effects that come from all directions — even above your head. Voice control and wireless music streaming are also supported on select models.

Whether you just want a simple upgrade from your TV's wimpy speakers or you want a full home theater experience, we've selected the best soundbar options for a variety of needs.

Here are the best soundbars of 2021

SEE ALSO: The best streaming sticks and boxes you can buy

The best soundbar overall

Yamaha's YAS-209 delivers great sound and Amazon Alexa for a reasonable price.

Pros: Easy setup, Alexa support, room-filling sound, diverse connection options, sleek appearance, smartphone app makes fine-tuning a breeze

Cons: No onboard display, doesn't support Dolby Vision passthrough

The YAS-209 soundbar offers the perfect blend of audio quality, features, ease of use, design, and price. This is the type of space-saving audio option that most people think of when shopping for a soundbar, and it makes for a great upgrade to most built-in TV speakers.

Despite being a modest two-piece kit, the YAS-209's most impressive feat is its ability to fill a room with great audio. Though still a 2.1-channel design, the hardware pairs with audio-processing smarts like DTS Virtual:X for a simulated surround sound effect. It's not as convincing as having actual rear speakers, but Yamaha's processing does a solid job of creating an immersive experience.

The YAS-209's specs include HDMI ARC, a technology that allows compatible TVs to control volume adjustments of connected devices, as well as an extra HDMI-in port that supports 4K HDR passthrough (but not Dolby Vision). A Toslink optical audio port is also featured for TVs without HDMI, and you can also wirelessly stream music from a mobile device via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The YAS-209 even includes integrated support for Amazon Alexa thanks to built-in microphones, enabling digital assistant features and hands-free control for functions like volume.



The best budget soundbar

With a simple design and solid audio performance, Vizio's V-Series soundbar is a great pick for budget buyers.

Pros: Affordable, easy to set up, ample sound for basic needs, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC port

Cons: Doesn't support Wi-Fi, bass not as powerful as soundbar models with a separate subwoofer

Vizio got its start as a budget brand, so it's no surprise the company still excels at affordable soundbars. This includes its entry-level V-Series V21d-J8, which serves as the successor to our previous pick in this category, the SB362An-F6

Like its predecessor, the V21d-J8 is a convenient 2.1-channel bar with built-in woofers, meaning you'll get two main channels for pure stereo sound and a little extra bass without the need for a separate subwoofer unit.

Standing out from the typical boxy design we see on most soundbars, this Vizio model has angled sides that slope down to create a hexagonal profile. Buttons for various controls rest on the side of the bar, including volume, source, Bluetooth audio, and the all-important power button.

Vizio employs audio technology from DTS and Dolby to enhance playback, including DTS Virtual:X. This feature can create a virtual soundfield from the device's 2.1-channels, resulting in simulated surround and height effects. Processing like this is never as convincing as a genuine multi-speaker system, but it can provide an enhanced soundstage, especially for the price.

As a welcomed upgrade over the previous model, the V-Series now includes an HDMI ARC port for easy connection to modern smart TVs. You also get an optical audio port if your TV doesn't have an HDMI connection, and you can hook other sources up directly with a 3.5mm auxiliary port.

For wireless playback, the soundbar also supports Bluetooth, making it easy to stream music from your smartphone. An included remote handles all your needs for adjusting volume, accessing basic equalizer options, and toggling various modes.



The best smart soundbar

With the Sonos Beam, your living room becomes the center of a blissful smart home.

Pros: Offers solid sound, your choice between Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, blends seamlessly into the Sonos family, AirPlay 2 support, compact build

Cons: Lacks Bluetooth audio streaming, no DTS support

The Sonos Beam is a bit different from other options on this list. While positioned as a home theater device, it can't quite match the audio performance of bigger soundbars. It still sounds solid, but it's really the Beam's smart features and multi-room audio capabilities that make it so appealing.

The Beam can work with other Sonos products to facilitate a fully wireless multi-room audio setup. It syncs with other Sonos devices using a Bluetooth LE connection before letting Wi-Fi take over the data transmission duties. This means you can't stream tunes via Bluetooth, but you can access many of your favorite services through the Sonos app to play music over a Wi-Fi connection.

The Sonos Beam's other claim to fame is built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. With five far-field microphones in play, you can choose which assistant you'd like to use to issue hands-free voice commands, manage music playback, control your smart home, and more. There's also native AirPlay 2 support for Apple users, and the Beam even includes an Ethernet port for those times when Wi-Fi just isn't cooperating.

Despite its lack of deep audio processing technologies (it supports standard PCM stereo and basic Dolby Digital sources), the Sonos Beam etches out a nice spot in its niche for those who want a simple all-in-one soundbar solution with wireless music playback, HDMI, and voice assistant capabilities. 



The best soundbar with Dolby Atmos

Vizio's Elevate soundbar offers a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos experience with performance that rivals many full-fledged home theater systems.

Pros: Full 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos support, DTS:X capabilities, unique rotating speakers, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Cons: No voice assistant built-in, separate satellites and larger subwoofer take up more space than typical soundbar systems

When it comes to Atmos-capable soundbar systems, few options are as immersive as Vizio's Elevate soundbar. It's pricier than standard soundbar packages, but it's still one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a full 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos experience.

Dolby Atmos, if you aren't aware, is an audio format that allows soundbars to produce height effects, adding an extra layer of immersion to movies. For instance, when rain falls from the sky or a helicopter flies overhead, you can actually hear the sound coming from above.

The Elevate offers left, center, and right channels in the soundbar itself, along with two upward firing channels that bounce sound off your ceiling to create overhead effects. Two separate rear speakers with their own upward firing drivers are also included, along with an 8-inch wireless subwoofer.

The front height speakers also feature a unique rotating mechanism that allows them to automatically tilt up or forward depending on what you're listening to. When they're up you can hear overhead effects. When they're down, they help to create a wider front soundstage. 

Unlike older Vizio soundbars, the Elevate even includes support for DTS:X. Like Atmos, DTS:X provides height effects on certain Blu-ray discs. DTS:X titles are less common than Dolby Atmos, but it's still a nice option to have.

The Elevate's relatively large size and separate rear speakers make it less space-saving than most soundbar options, but the system provides audio performance that's nearly on par with many genuine home theater packages.



The best media player soundbar

The Roku Streambar is a compact soundbar and streaming video player in one convenient device.

Pros: Affordable, solid stereo playback, compact design, 4K HDR video streaming, includes a voice remote

Cons: Audio performance isn't as good as bigger soundbars, doesn't include a separate subwoofer, no Dolby Vision support

If you happen to be in the market for a soundbar and a new streaming media player, then the Roku Streambar could be the convenient all-in-one device you're looking for. Not only is the Streambar smaller than any other soundbar on our list, but it also includes integrated support for streaming all your favorite video apps.

When it comes to audio performance, the 2.0-channel soundbar features four 1.9-inch full range drivers for basic stereo playback. There are no fancy virtualization options for simulated surround sound, and there's no included subwoofer for extra bass — but the Streambar sounds surprisingly engaging for a device its size.

To be clear, you won't get the range or separation you'd get on a bigger soundbar model, but the Streambar still offers a nice upgrade over most built-in TV speakers. Its compact design also makes it an ideal fit for apartments, dorms, and bedrooms.

As a media player, the Streambar provides access to Roku's extensive library of channels, including popular services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, Hulu, and more. You also get support for up to 4K playback with high dynamic range using the standard HDR10 format.  

Roku's handy voice remote is included as well, enabling you to easily search for content. Though digital assistant functionality isn't built-in, the bar is compatible with separate Alexa and Google Assistant devices.

There are other soundbars on the market with built-in video playback, but the Streambar's compact size, affordable price tag, and reliable Roku interface make it our favorite of the bunch.



What you should look for in a soundbar

When choosing a soundbar, there are several key factors you should pay close attention to.

Speaker channels

In particular, it's important to note how many audio playback channels a soundbar supports. Channels essentially refer to audio separation, letting you know how many directions sound can from with your device.

Channel specifications are listed as a string of up to three numbers separated by decimal points. The first number represents how many standard ear-level channels are included (left, right, center, surrounds). The second number indicates if the device includes a dedicated low-frequency channel or separate subwoofer for extra bass. The final number indicates how many height channels are included for Dolby Atmos support.

A few common channel configurations found on soundbars include:

  • 2.0-channel: This kind of soundbar includes two channels for basic left and right stereo audio separation.
  • 2.1-channel: Like the above but includes a built-in low-frequency channel or a separate subwoofer unit for dedicated bass. 
  • 3.1-channel: In addition to left, right, and low-frequency channels, a 3.1-channel soundbar also features a center channel for dialogue when watching movies.
  • 5.1-channel: Soundbars with more than three channels step things up through the addition of surround sound. These extra channels can be simulated via special acoustic and virtualization techniques, or they can be physically added through separate satellite speakers meant to be placed behind or to the side of your listening position.
  • 5.1.2-channel and above: Soundbars that have a third channel designation include support for Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X audio. This means they feature special virtualization or upfiring speaker drivers designed to simulate the effect of sound coming from above. The final number in the sequence specifies how many overhead channels are included.  

Buyers who just want a simple upgrade from their TV's integrated audio will likely be satisfied with a compact 2.0 or 2.1 soundbar system. If you're looking for a more complete home theater experience, however, you'll want to opt for a 3.1 system or above.

Wired connections

Beyond channel support, connectivity is another key factor you should look at when buying a soundbar. Most include standard wired audio ports for connecting to a TV or other media device. The most common connections are Toslink optical and HDMI ARC.

Many soundbars also feature video passthrough capabilities via one or more additional HDMI ports. This allows you to connect a separate media device, like a Blu-ray player, to the soundbar via its HDMI in. The HDMI out connection from your soundbar to your TV then allows the media device's video to appear on your display.

Wireless connectivity

In addition to wired ports, most soundbars also now support wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These features enable easy music streaming from a mobile device or music service like Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

Some wireless soundbar models also support multi-room audio playback, enabling them to pair with other audio products throughout your home. Popular multi-room connectivity formats include Yamaha MusicCast, Apple AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, Sonos, and more. In order to pair your soundbar with another multi-room audio product, both devices will need to include support for the same multi-room format.  

Smart features

Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant functionality are becoming more common as well, giving select soundbars integrated hands-free voice control and digital assistant support. This is an especially nice feature to have for buyers who don't already own a smart speaker.

A few soundbar models even include integrated video streaming capabilities. Though a dedicated streaming stick or box will still offer the best performance, a media player soundbar can be a convenient purchase for people who don't have a smart TV.



The best deals on soundbars from this guide

Soundbars go on sale every week, but some discounts are better than others. Though we tend to see the best prices during events like Black FridayCyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day, many retailers offer worthwhile deals throughout the year.

Below, we've rounded up the best deals currently available on some of our top soundbar recommendations, so you'll be sure you're getting a great value.

YAS-209 Soundbar (small, Preferred: Amazon)Elevate 5.1.4 Soundbar (small, Preferred: Amazon)Streambar 2020 (small, Preferred: Amazon)

Read more about how the Insider Reviews team evaluates deals and why you should trust us.



Check out our other speaker buying guides

The best home theater systems


The best speakers


The best smart speakers



Hugh Jackman stars in 'Reminiscence,' a new sci-fi movie from the co-creator of 'Westworld' — you can stream it right now with HBO Max's ad-free plan

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Reminiscence scene Hugh Jackman

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On August 20, "Reminiscence" received a simultaneous release in theaters and on HBO Max. Only subscribers to HBO Max's ad-free plan are able to stream the movie at home.

The sci-fi adventure stars Hugh Jackman as a private investigator who can access and relive memories. When a client (Rebecca Ferguson) disappears under peculiar circumstances, he's determined to uncover the truth and find her. 

The dystopian movie is written and directed by "Westworld" co-creator Lisa Joy. "Reminiscence" is Joy's first feature film. "Westworld" will return for a fourth season on HBO in 2022. You can stream the first three seasons right now on HBO Max.

Where to watch 'Reminiscence'

"Reminiscence" is available right now to watch in theaters and with HBO Max. The movie will remain on HBO Max through September 19. To stream "Reminiscence" and other theatrical premieres with HBO Max, you need a subscription to the ad-free plan ($15/month).

The streaming service also offers a cheaper ad-supported plan for $10 a month, but this option does not include access to brand-new theatrical releases like "Reminiscence" and "The Suicide Squad."

If you subscribe to Hulu, you can claim a free one-week trial of the HBO Max add-on. Only new HBO Max members are eligible for this promotion.

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HBO Max works with computer browsers, smartphones, Xbox consoles, Playstation consoles, tablets, and most smart TVs, including LG and Samsung. The HBO Max website provides a full list of compatible devices.

Select devices can stream "Reminiscence" in 4K Ultra HD resolution with high dynamic range (HDR). Check the HBO Max website to see if your smart TV and media player is compatible with high-quality streaming

What other theatrical releases can I watch on HBO Max?

Although "The Suicide Squad" is still in theaters, you can stream the movie right now on HBO Max with the ad-free plan. The unconventional superhero movie from director James Gunn is available to stream until September 5.

The next three theatrical premieres coming to HBO Max are:

  • "Malignant" (September 10)
  • "Cry Macho" (September 17)
  • "The Many Saints of Newark" (October 1)

A movie adaptation of the epic science fiction novel "Dune" will be available to stream on October 22.

You can learn more about HBO Max in our full HBO Max guide and our HBO Max review. For more streaming recommendations, check out our guide to the best streaming services and the best streaming devices.

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Samsung's Neo QLED is the best flagship TV for bright rooms, but it can't match the infinite contrast of an OLED

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Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV

Summary List PlacementTable of Contents: Masthead StickyQN90A Neo QLED 4K TV (65-inch) (small)

Last year's Samsung QLED TVs delivered some of the best brightness and color performance on the market. For 2021, the company takes its lineup one step further by adding "Neo QLED" models, like the flagship QN90A, to the mix.

More than just a marketing ploy, the extra "Neo" branding actually marks a key upgrade, introducing an improved backlighting system that uses Mini LEDs versus standard LEDs.

Smaller LEDs allow the QN90A to have more precise control over contrast. The result is a beautiful TV that gets close to the black level quality of an OLED while still providing the punchy brightness that Samsung's TVs are known for. 

Samsung 65-inch QN90A 4K TV specifications 

Samsung 65-inch QN90A 4K TV

Specifications
Panel type:65-inch Vertical Alignment (VA) LCD 
Resolution:4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160)
Refresh rate:120Hz native refresh rate
Local dimming:Full-array with Mini LEDs
HDR support:HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG
Color:Wide color support with quantum dots
Dimensions:56.9 x 35.2 x 11.2 inches with stand attached
Weight:69.2 pounds with stand attached
HDMI ports:Four HDMI inputs (one eARC, one HDMI 2.1)
Smart TV system:Tizen
Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Ethernet
Audio:4.2.2 integrated speakers
Remote:Samsung SolarCell remote with Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant

Design and setup

Samasung QN90A QLED TV viewed from the side

The QN90A features a premium design to match its flagship status, complete with a hefty pedestal stand and a remarkably thin panel. The stand is fairly simple to attach though it does come in two pieces that need to be assembled first.

Like last year's Q90T, the QN90A houses all of its ports and components within the panel itself rather than a separate connection box. Samsung used connection boxes for some of its high-end TVs in the past, but I actually prefer having everything built into the display. 

The TV boasts four HDMI ports to hook up external devices, but only one supports HDMI 2.1 for advanced gaming features. It's nice to get HDMI 2.1, but since a lot of other TV manufacturers are including multiple 2.1 ports, it's disappointing to only get one on the QN90A.  

Samsung QN90A SolarCell remote front and back view

The included voice remote is compact and minimalist, but it works well. It also features a unique solar panel for charging so it doesn't require batteries. Though sunlight will do the trick, Samsung says the SolarCell tech is "effective enough to run on electric lights, such as standard lightbulbs." This means you can simply turn the remote over to charge via indoor lights in your living room.

USB-C charging is also supported if you need to power the remote that way. This is a cool, forward-thinking design perk, and I hope other TV manufacturers adopt similar remotes. 

After booting the TV up, you'll be guided through standard setup screens and terms of service agreements, but the process is simple. For the most accurate out-of-box picture, I recommend using the "Filmmaker Mode" or "Movie" presets with all extra processing disabled. I prefer keeping local dimming set to standard for standard dynamic range (SDR) content or high for high dynamic range (HDR) content.

Picture performance

Samsung QN90A 4K TV in a living room.

The QN90A delivers punchy HDR highlights and deep black levels, resulting in the kind of high-end picture quality you'd expect from a flagship 4K TV. The display's advanced Mini LED backlight enables Samsung to pack in more dimming zones than previous QLED models, and this produces spectacular contrast.

Dimming and brightness

Last year's Q90T had 120 zones, but the QN90A steps things up dramatically to a whopping 792 zones. The resulting contrast can't quite match the pixel-level precision of an OLED panel, but it gets closer than ever while offering a brighter picture.

High-end OLED TVs max out at around 800 nits of brightness. Using an X-Rite i1Display Pro Plus Colorimeter and test patterns on the Spears and Munsil UHD Benchmark disc, I measured a peak of around 1,700 nits on the QN90A. That's well over the 1,000 nit standard that a lot of HDR content is mastered for, so you'll be able to get the full intended effect.

Black levels are nice and inky, allowing black bars in letterbox movies to completely disappear in a dark room. In fact, this display might have the most impressive local dimming I've seen so far, making backlight adjustments nearly invisible when watching most content.

That said, some slight blooming does crop up around bright objects from time to time. A test pattern with a starfield clearly demonstrates this issue, causing halos and vignetting around individual stars, but this problem is rarely visible when watching actual movies and shows.

Some brightness fluctuations are also apparent when a program suddenly cuts to a shot with a very dark or very bright background. I also notice a slight overexposed look on faces in some HDR content with highlights in skintones taking on a faintly flat appearance. 

These are mostly nitpicks, however, as the QN90A's image performance is stunning overall. 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays and streaming titles simply pop from the screen. From "The Matrix" to "The Fellowship of the Ring," the TV handles my usual assortment of 4K demo titles with ease, revealing no major weaknesses.

Gaming

Samsung QN90A QLED TV GameBar on screen.

With HDMI 2.1 on board, the QN90A is built with next-gen gaming in mind. I hooked up my PS5 and got full 4K HDR 120Hz support. Variable refresh rate (VRR) is also supported, though I don't have a gaming device with this feature to test it out. 

Games like "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart" and "Final Fantasy VII: Remake" look gorgeous with sharp detail, sumptuous colors, and smooth motion. You can toggle game mode to automatically kick in when a console is detected and this setting helps to reduce input lag (the delay between pressing a button on the controller and the action happening on-screen).

The QN90A also features a handy Game Bar overlay which you can toggle by holding the Play button on the remote when in game mode. This activates a pop-up menu that lets you view gaming info related to aspect ratio, HDR, input lag, VRR, and refresh rate. 

Viewing angles and reflections

Viewing angles are very impressive for an LCD-based TV. Blooming does become more noticeable when sitting off to the side, but colors don't distort as much as they do on other QLED TVs from Vizio, TCL, and Hisense. 

Direct reflections are generally handled well, too, but some lights can create a rainbow effect on the screen from certain angles that can be distracting. I didn't have any issues with reflections when setting the TV up in my living room, but the way street lights shine through the blinds in my home office at night proved to be a bit more noticeable. This is nothing that blackout curtains can't fix, but still something to keep in mind. 

Smart TV features 

Samsung QN90A in living room with smart TV menu on screen.

The QN90A uses Samsung's Smart Hub platform powered by the Tizen operating system. I find this OS to be one of the more reliable smart TV platforms on the market, with speedy navigation and a simple, clean interface.  

I especially like Samsung's use of a pop-up menu to access apps and menus rather than a traditional home page like most smart TVs. This design lets you jump to other apps without having to exit and go back to a home screen first.

You'll find most major streaming apps built in, including Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, Vudu, Sling, YouTube, HBO Max, and Peacock. HDR10 support is available on all the major 4K services, while Prime Video and Paramount Plus step things up to HDR10+. Sadly, Samsung still doesn't support Dolby Vision.

Voice control works well with the included remote, which lets you choose between Samsung's Bixby, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. A hands-free option is available to use a wake word rather than holding the mic button to initiate commands, but I prefer using the button to avoid accidental use. 

As solid as Samsung's smart TV experience is, however, I ultimately prefer to use my dedicated Roku Ultra for streaming. To be clear, this ends up being the case with pretty much any smart TV I review, since standalone players almost always offer smoother navigation. 

Should you buy it?

At $2,100, the Samsung 65-inch QN90A is an ideal buy for anyone who wants a true flagship 4K TV that favors brightness. The display's advanced Mini LED panel boasts high-end HDR picture quality with fantastic contrast and viewing angles for an LCD TV.

Similarly priced OLED displays still edge out the QN90A when it comes to overall home theater performance in a dark room, but Samsung's set is a better fit for people who mostly watch TV in brighter environments.

What are your alternatives?

The QN90A's main competitors include similar 65-inch Mini LED TVs from TCL and LG.

The TCL 6-Series ($1,300) is cheaper than the QN90A but it can't get as bright and its viewing angles aren't as wide. The Roku version also lacks HDMI 2.1 ports, but the new Google TV model does include HDMI 2.1. 

LG's new 90-Series "QNED" ($2,000) also looks like a promising Mini LED competitor, but we haven't tested it yet. That said, I did get a chance to preview the 8K QNED model and, while it delivers an impressive picture, I did notice a faint checkerboard effect on the screen in some content. I think this was caused by the Mini LEDs but it's not something I ever noticed on Samsung's QN90A. 

Vizio's P-Series ($1,200) and Hisense's U8G ($1,250) are also solid alternatives for buyers who want a less expensive QLED, but these sets don't use Mini LEDs so contrast and dimming aren't as impressive.  

Neo QLED vs. OLED TVs

Buyers shopping for a flagship TV should also consider OLED models as an alternative to Samsung's Neo QLED. 65-inch OLED TVs from LG, Sony, and Vizio cost about the same as the QN90A and they all offer some key benefits. 

An OLED TV is capable of more precise black levels, higher contrast, and wider viewing angles. With that said, the differences can be subtle depending on what you're watching, and Neo QLEDs can get much brighter than OLED TVs. This makes the QN90A a better fit for rooms that let in more outside light. 

You also don't have to worry about permanent burn-in with a Neo QLED. Burn-in can occur in extreme cases with OLEDs if you leave a static image on the screen for too long. This results in a ghost image getting stuck on the display. This shouldn't really be a concern for most OLED buyers with regular viewing habits, but it's something that QN90A owners don't have to think twice about.

The bottom line

Samsung QN90A TV hanging on a wall

Samsung's 65-inch QN90A delivers flagship picture quality and a high-end smart TV experience for around $2,100. The "Neo QLED" branding is more than just a marketing ploy, as this year's model offers noticeable improvements thanks to its Mini LED backlight. The leap in performance isn't huge, but it's still a nice upgrade.

Buyers less concerned with top-of-the-line picture quality can find cheaper alternatives from TCL, Vizio, and Hisense, but the QN90A is a better-looking QLED TV if you can afford it.

Pros: Mini LED backlight with impressive contrast, brighter than an OLED, wide viewing angles for an LCD, solar-powered voice remote, HDMI 2.1 port

Cons: Contrast can't quite match precision of an OLED, no Dolby Vision support, slight overexposed look in some content, rainbow effect with some reflections

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Disney Plus offers gift subscriptions for new subscribers — here's how to buy one for the Disney fan in your life

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Disney's on-demand streaming service, Disney Plus, offers ad-free access to a growing library of movies and shows from all of the studio's major brands and franchises. If that special Disney fan in your life hasn't subscribed yet, you can help them tune in with a Disney Plus gift subscription.

A Disney Plus gift subscription costs $80 and is sent as an email code on a date of your choosing. This makes it easy to schedule delivery for holidays, birthdays, and any special occasion.

You can find detailed instructions on how to order a gift subscription below.

Here's how to gift a Disney Plus annual subscription:

  1. Visit this page to purchase the gift
  2. You'll enter your information, your recipient's name and email, and what date you'd like the code to be delivered. 
  3. The $80 fee will be charged to your account as soon as you make the purchase. 
  4. Your recipient will visit DisneyPlus.com/redeememail, select the offer, and manually enter the code printed on the email. 
  5. Once redeemed, the recipient will be credited a one-year subscription to Disney Plus. 
  6. If the recipient doesn't see the gift confirmation email in their inbox, Disney recommends they check their spam folder.
  7. If the email still can't be located, you can contact Disney Plus customer service to have the code resent.

Restrictions of the Disney Plus gift subscription:

  1. The gift subscription can only be redeemed by new Disney Plus subscribers. 
  2. The redemption code is one-time use only and non-transferable. 

Once they've activated the subscription, your recipient will get:

  • Unlimited, ad-free access to thousands of movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox. 
  • Unlimited downloads they can watch anywhere, anytime.
  • The ability to stream on up to four devices simultaneously and add up to seven profiles.
  • A GroupWatch feature that allows them to sync and watch streams with friends and family virtually.

Can Disney Plus gift subscriptions be used for the bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu?

Disney Plus gift vouchers are only available for an annual subscription to Disney Plus, but recipients can still upgrade to the streaming bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for a discounted price. Here's how to upgrade and save:

  1. Redeem your Disney Plus gift subscription voucher and create a Disney Plus account.
  2. Visit the Disney Plus Billing Details page and choose the option to switch to the Disney bundle.
  3. You'll be upgraded to the $14 a month bundle plan with Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN+.
  4. A monthly credit equal to the value of your gift subscription will be applied to the monthly bill for your bundle.
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College students can save big on streaming services — check out deals from Amazon Prime, Hulu, Paramount Plus, and more

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woman watching movie on laptop headphones

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While living in a shared dorm room my freshman year of college, I started regularly watching late-night movies on my laptop with a good pair of headphones. Living on a tight budget, I could only afford to choose one streaming service and would sometimes switch between different options month to month.

Student discounts weren't as common then, but times have changed over the last few years, and students on a budget now have the option to take advantage of many deals to help ease the burden of paying for multiple subscriptions. If you plan out your spending and snag the right discounts, you can now enjoy several streaming services without breaking the bank.

To help you decide what to sign up for, we rounded up the best streaming service deals that are currently available for college students in the US. To redeem most of these discounts you'll need to verify your student enrollment by using the .edu email address assigned by your university. Other requirements vary by service, so be sure to check each platform's website for full details.

The best discounts on streaming services for college students in 2021:

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon offers a discounted plan for college students called Amazon Prime Student. The program includes a six-month free trial for new members and each month after the trial costs $6.49. An individual membership to Amazon Prime costs $13 a month, so by claiming the student membership, you get 50% off the standard price.

The student plan includes access to Prime Video where you can watch exclusive movies like "The Tomorrow War" and critically acclaimed series like "Fleabag."

In addition to Prime Video, student members receive fast and free shipping on millions of eligible items, deep discounts on services like Amazon Music Unlimited ($1/month instead of $8/month), and more exclusive deals that are further explained in our breakdown of Amazon Prime Student.

Prime Student members can also pay a discounted $1/month rate (for up to 12 months) to add select Prime Video channels, like Showtime, Epix, and Shudder.

The discounted Amazon Prime rate for students is valid until graduation, for a maximum length of four years.

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Hulu

Hulu offers their basic ad-supported plan to college students for $2/month until they graduate. The Hulu Basic Plan normally costs $6 a month, so the student discount saves you about 65%. 

Hulu Basic offers access to Hulu's full catalog of movies and original series. Hulu also features a big selection of network shows, including popular series like "Atlanta,""The Bachelor," and "Bob's Burgers."

You can find more information about pricing for all of Hulu's regular plans here.

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Paramount Plus

Similar to Hulu, Paramount Plus offers their ad-supported plan to college students at a discounted rate. You can claim a 25% discount on the Essential Plan, which brings the price down to around $3.74 a month. Unlike most streaming service deals, current college students can lock in this discount for four years, even if they graduate.

With Paramount Plus, you can watch shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race," and "Love Island," along with movies like "The Ring,""Minority Report," and the "Indiana Jones" series. The service features content from Paramount, CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, and The Smithsonian Channel. 

The platform also includes original series like "Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years" and the reboot of "iCarly," as well as blockbuster new releases like "A Quiet Place: Part II." Take a look at our full guide to original shows and movies on Paramount Plus for more information about current and upcoming titles.

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Discovery Plus

For students enrolled in college, Discovery Plus offers $2 off their ad-supported plan, bringing the price down to just $3 a month

While the service doesn't have many scripted offerings, viewers who enjoy cooking shows and reality TV will find numerous options, including "Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations,""Man v. Food,""Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,""Sister Wives," and "90 Day Fiancé."

Discovery Plus also includes many original programs developed exclusively for subscribers. Check out our full guide to streaming Discovery Plus here.

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Apple TV Plus and Apple Music

Though Apple TV Plus doesn't offer a specific student plan, Apple Music does and, for a limited time, this discounted plan includes Apple TV Plus for free.

The Apple Music Student Plan costs $5 a month. That's $5 off the regular Apple Music price and the same cost of Apple TV Plus on its own. College students are eligible for this discount for up to four years as long as they remain enrolled in school.

With Apple TV Plus you can stream original series like "Ted Lasso,""Dickinson," and "The Morning Show."Apple Music allows you to stream over 75 million songs from your favorite artists without any interruptions from ads. You can also download music to supported devices for offline listening.

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Spotify Premium with Hulu and Showtime

Spotify is another company offering an exclusive deal for college students that combines music with streaming services. You can get Spotify Premium Student for $5 a month after a one-month free trial and, in addition to music, subscribers receive Showtime and ad-supported Hulu for free.

The student plan is $5 cheaper than the individual Spotify Premium plan which costs $10 a month. To retain access to Spotify Premium, ad-supported Hulu, and Showtime at this discounted rate, students must verify they are still enrolled in college every 12 months. The Spotify Premium Student bundle is valid for a maximum of four years.

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YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium offers $5 off their individual plan to students, along with a one-month free trial for new customers.

This streaming service doesn't offer many original movies or shows, but for a discounted rate of $7 a month you can watch YouTube without ads, keep videos running in the background, and use the YouTube Music Premium app.

Annual verifications are required to keep the student discount.

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Streaming services without student deals

Though student discounts have become common, there are a few streaming services that don't currently offer any student deals. The following services don't have any active student discount offers: 

In addition, even though there are multiple offers you can claim for live TV services like Sling TV, none of the deals we found are exclusive to college students.



Check out these additional streaming deals

For more streaming recommendations, take a look at our guide to the best streaming services. And, if you're looking for a compact smart TV or media player ideal for watching any of these apps in a dorm or apartment, check out these home entertainment gift ideas for college students.

For all your in-class and remote learning needs, read our roundup of back-to-school essentials and essential gear for college.

Check out more streaming deals coverage from Insider Reviews:



From Netflix to Revry, these are the best streaming services for watching LGBTQ movies and shows in 2021

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Watching TV on the couch together.

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If you want to watch movies and TV shows created for LGBTQ audiences, you now have more streaming services than ever to choose from. Some mainstream platforms, like Netflix, feature queer entertainment as part of their larger catalog, and other platforms, like Revry, primarily focus on LGBTQ programs.

To help make finding inclusive titles easier, we rounded up the best streaming services for LGBTQ movies and shows while highlighting the major programs you can watch on each. The titles we selected all focus on LGBTQ experiences and relationships, or feature queer characters or LGBTQ reality TV performers in prominent roles.

The best streaming services for LGBTQ movies and TV shows:

Netflix

Netflix features a large selection of LGBTQ titles, including several original shows and movies.

Featuring a vast catalog of movies and TV shows to satisfy all tastes, Netflix is easily one of the best streaming services for LGBTQ entertainment.

Netflix's array of LGBTQ-related options includes everything from lighthearted sitcoms like "Schitt's Creek" to Oscar-winning movies like the "The Danish Girl." 

The service has a particularly great selection of original titles with many exclusive films and series that feature queer themes and characters, including "Sense 8" and "Orange Is the New Black." Horror fans can also tune into the new "Fear Street" trilogy. The movies include plenty of gore and revolve around a lesbian romance. 

Netflix also gives you access to movies featuring transgender stories like "The Death and Life of Martha P. Johnson,""Disclosure," and "Super Deluxe."

You can easily find LGBTQ content on Netflix by searching for "LGBTQ" in the Netflix app. Below, we rounded up some of the best LGBTQ movies and TV shows you can stream on Netflix right now:

LGBTQ movies on Netflix

LGBTQ shows on Netflix

  • "The Death and Life of Martha P. Johnson"
  • "Monsoon"
  • "Circus of Books"
  • "I Care a Lot"
  • "Disclosure"
  • "Alex Strangelove"
  • "Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado"
  • "What Keeps You Alive"
  • "I Am Divine"
  • "A Single Man"
  • "The Danish Girl"
  • "Pose"
  • "Sense 8"
  • "Elite"
  • "American Horror Story"
  • "Special"
  • "Queer Eye"
  • "Haunting of Bly Manor"
  • "Feels Good"
  • "Orange Is the New Black"
  • "Dating Around"
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HBO Max

HBO Max is home to a versatile library of queer titles, ranging from documentaries to prestige television.

Despite HBO Max's catalog not being as extensive as what Netflix offers, the overall quality of HBO Max's content still makes it one of the top streaming services for LGBTQ entertainment.

With a huge array of films and plenty of exclusives, HBO Max gives you access to dynamic series that are not available elsewhere, like "The White Lotus,""Legendary," and "Hacks." The service features documentaries as well, including titles like "The Times of Harvey Milk" and "Transhood." 

HBO is also known for prestige releases, and its LGBTQ library is full of award winners like "Angels in America," the 2003 adaptation of Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize–winning play.

You can pull up a selection of queer titles on HBO Max by searching for "LGBTQ" in the app. Here are some of the best LGBTQ movies and TV shows you can stream right now on HBO Max:

LGBTQ movies on HBO Max

LGBTQ shows on HBO Max

  • "The Times of Harvey Milk"
  • "Transhood"
  • "The Birdcage"
  • "Bessie"
  • "Happy Together"
  • "Wig"
  • "The Case Against 8"
  • "The Normal Heart"
  • "Gia"
  • "Kajillionaire"
  • "Veneno"
  • "True Blood"
  • "The White Lotus"
  • "Angels in America"
  • "Hacks"
  • "It's a Sin"
  • "Legendary"
  • "Betty"
  • "We're Here"
  • "Gossip Girl"
  • "Looking"
  • "Euphoria"
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Hulu

Hulu's LGBTQ lineup features a ton of new and classic network shows, as well as a handful of originals.

Hulu is another mainstream service with a catalog full of TV shows and movies targeted towards LGBTQ viewers.

Though its collection of original titles isn't as large as Netflix's, Hulu is the only place to watch series like "Love, Victor" and movies like "Happiest Season." The service also features plenty of classic network and cable shows focused on LGBTQ themes and characters, including trailblazing series like "Will & Grace" and "The L Word."

From epic tales of stardom in "Rocketman" and "Bohemian Rhapsody," to the intimate relationships in "Ammonite" and "Beach Rats," LGBTQ viewers will find an abundance of movies to stream on Hulu. The Hulu catalog also has "Pride," a miniseries about the Civil Rights movement, and six seasons of "Rupaul's Drag Race."

Hulu subscribers can find recommendations for queer entertainment by searching for "LGBTQ" in the app. To help narrow down your options, we compiled some of the best LGBTQ movies and series you can watch on Hulu right now:

LGBTQ movies on Hulu

LGBTQ shows on Hulu

  • "Booksmart"
  • "Breaking Fast"
  • "Supernova"
  • "The Obituary of Tunde Johnson"
  • "Rocketman"
  • "Beach Rats"
  • "Ammonite"
  • "Happiest Season"
  • "Cowboys"
  • "Portrait of a Lady on Fire"
  • "I Love You Phillip Morris"
  • "Difficult People"
  • "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
  • "Will & Grace"
  • "Love, Victor"
  • "The L Word"
  • "Please Like Me"
  • "Killing Eve"
  • "RuPaul's Drag Race" (seasons 2-7)
  • "Pride"
  • "Queen Sugar"
  • "Steven Universe"
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Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus has a smaller catalog of queer titles, but it's an ideal fit for fans of LGBTQ reality TV.

Paramount Plus is the best streaming service for LGBTQ audiences who crave reality television. You can watch seasons 1-12 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and every season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars." Three seasons of "Untucked," a behind-the-scenes look at the drag competition, are available to stream as well.

In the '90s, MTV's "The Real World" was a cultural phenomenon and popularized many structural tropes for reality TV that remain to this day. Twenty seasons of the show are available to stream on Paramount Plus. The catalog includes season three with AIDS activist Pedro Zamora and season 15 with Karamo Brown, who is now a member of the Fab Five on Netflix's "Queer Eye."

The service is also home to a few movies and series that feature LGBTQ themes, but the selection of narrative titles isn't as robust as Netflix, HBO Max, or Hulu.

Unlike a lot of other platforms, searching for "LGBTQ" on the Paramount Plus app does not pull up the service's selection of queer entertainment. To help you find LGBTQ titles on Paramount Plus, we listed a few of the best programs you can stream right now:

LGBTQ movies on Paramount Plus

LGBTQ shows on Paramount Plus

  • "Gay Chorus Deep South"
  • "Thelma & Louise"
  • "Rocketman"
  • "The Real World"
  • "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars"
  • "Survivor"
  • "Big Brother"
  • "Star Trek: Lower Decks"
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Revry

Revry is a streaming service specifically designed for LGBTQ content.

Revry is a unique streaming service with a catalog of movies, TV shows, and originals specifically curated for the LGBTQ community. Certain content is free to stream with ads and more entertainment options are unlocked with a Premium subscription that costs $7 a month. The service offers live and on-demand viewing options.

Perhaps most notably, the first three seasons of "Queer as Folk" are available to stream on Revry Premium. You may not recognize many titles for other shows available in the Revry catalog, but LGBTQ viewers seeking entertainment options outside of the mainstream may enjoy titles like "Miseducated,""My Trans Life," and "Lip Service."

To give you a glimpse of what this LGBTQ-focused streaming service has to offer, we rounded up some of the best movies and TV shows you can watch on Revry:

LGBTQ movies on Revry

LGBTQ shows on Revry

  • "Why Can't I Be Me? Around You"
  • "Our Love Story"
  • "Jack & Yaya"
  • "A Dog Barking at the Moon"
  • "Something Round"
  • "Queer as Folk"
  • "Lip Service"
  • "Them"
  • "Gown and Out in Beverly Hills"
  • "Miseducated"
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WOW Presents Plus

WOW Presents Plus is a subscription streaming service dedicated to drag entertainment.

WOW Presents Plus is a streaming service for LGBTQ titles from the production company originally behind "RuPaul's Drag Race." This is a particularly great option for viewers who want supplemental drag entertainment. 

Although Paramount Plus is the better streaming service for US seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," international seasons of the franchise are available to stream on WOW Present Plus. Licensed spinoffs are hosted around the globe in Canada, Australia, Spain, Holland, United Kingdom, and Thailand.

The WOW Presents Plus catalog also features interesting LGBTQ documentaries like "The Eyes of Tammy Faye."

To help give you an idea of what you can stream with WOW Presents Plus, we gathered a few of the best LGBTQ movies and TV shows subscribers can watch right now:

LGBTQ movies on WOW Presents Plus

LGBTQ shows on WOW Presents Plus

  • "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"
  • "When the Beat Drops"
  • "Freedia Got a Gun"
  • "RuPaul's Drag Race UK"
  • "Canada's Drag Race"
  • "Drag Race España"
  • "RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under"
  • "Drag Race Holland"
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The Tokyo Paralympics run through September 5 — wheelchair basketball, cycling, and swimming events stream live this week

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Paralympic torch lighting.

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The opening ceremony for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics was held on August 24 and the competition will continue through September 5. Live coverage is being broadcast primarily on NBCSN, while select events also stream on Peacock Premium.

According to the International Paralympic Committee, the first Paralympic Games were held in 1960 in Rome. The competition has grown throughout the decades and now includes athletes competing in over 500 medal events.

Cycling, swimming, goalball, wheelchair basketball, and sitting volleyball are some of the primary events at the Tokyo Paralympics. In addition, athletes compete in many different track and field events.

How to watch the Tokyo Paralympics

To watch the Paralympics you need access to NBCSN. Most key events, like goalball and swimming, will be broadcast live on this channel. A few events, replays, and taped showings will also broadcast on the Olympic Channel and NBC. 

If you have access to NBCSN through a pay-TV provider like Xfinity or Dish, you can use your existing account info to stream every Paralympics event through the NBC Sports app or NBCOlympics.com.

Viewers without cable can watch the Paralympics through NBCSN and the Olympic Channel through multiple live TV streaming services. The most affordable way to stream those networks is with Sling TV. The Blue plan includes NBCSN and costs $35 a month. If you're a new member, you can get your first month for just $10. To unlock the Olympic Channel, you need the Sports Extra package for an additional $11 a month.

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YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV also give you access to the necessary channels for watching the Paralympics in many areas. That said, plans for these services start at $65 a month, so we recommend Sling as a cheaper option to stream the games.

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Outside of broadcast TV, Peacock Premium members can stream a few Paralympic events live, including the wheelchair rugby final and the women's sitting volleyball final. Even though certain sporting events are free to stream on Peacock, you need a subscription to ad-supported Peacock Premium ($5/month) or ad-free Peacock Premium Plus ($10/month) to watch the Paralympics. 

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Tokyo Paralympics schedule for key broadcasts

Gold medalist McKenzie Coan and silver medalist Cortney Jordan at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.

August 24

EventTimeWhere to watch

Opening Ceremony (replay)

7 p.m.–10 p.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, cycling (track), swimming

10 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

August 25

EventTimeWhere to watch

Wheelchair rugby, cycling (track), swimming

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, cycling (track), goalball

8 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

August 26

EventTimeWhere to watch

Swimming, wheelchair basketball, cycling (track), wheelchair rugby

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Track and field, wheelchair rugby, cycling (track), goalball, wheelchair tennis

9 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

August 27

EventTimeWhere to watch

Swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, judo

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Triathlon, track and field

5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. ET

Olympic Channel, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

August 28

EventTimeWhere to watch

Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby

12 a.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Swimming, track and field, goalball, wheelchair basketball

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Triathlon, table tennis, rowing

5:30 p.m.–1 a.m. ET

Olympic Channel, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

August 29

EventTimeWhere to watch

Wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, swimming, track and field, rowing

1 a.m.–8:30 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Wheelchair rugby (replay), table tennis, wheelchair tennis

9 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

August 30

EventTimeWhere to watch

Swimming, sitting volleyball, track and field, wheelchair basketball

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Wheelchair basketball, road cycling, sitting volleyball

9 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

August 31

EventTimeWhere to watch

Swimming, cycling (road), track and field, wheelchair basketball

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball, cycling (road)

9 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

September 1

EventTimeWhere to watch

Swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Track and field, cycling (road), table tennis, wheelchair tennis

9 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

September 2

EventTimeWhere to watch

Swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball, cycling (road)

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Track and field, canoe/kayak, cycling (road), wheelchair tennis

9 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

September 3

EventTimeWhere to watch

Swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball, goalball

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Track and field, wheelchair tennis, canoe/kayak, sitting volleyball

10 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

September 4

EventTimeWhere to watch

Track and field, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball

3 a.m.–9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Marathon

5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. ET

Olympic Channel, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball

9 p.m.–3 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

September 5

EventTimeWhere to watch

Closing Ceremony

7 a.m.– 9 a.m. ET

NBCSN, NBC Sports app, NBCOlympics.com

Tokyo Paralympics schedule for Peacock Premium events

Hunter Woodhall stands next to his USA teammates at the IPC World ParaAthletics Championships in 2017.

August 29

EventTimeWhere to watch

Wheelchair rugby final

5 a.m.–7 a.m. ET

Peacock Premium

September 4

EventTimeWhere to watch

Women's wheelchair basketball gold

7 a.m.–8:45 a.m. ET

Peacock Premium

Marathon

5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. ET

Peacock Premium

Women's sitting volleyball final

9 p.m.–11 p.m. ET

Peacock Premium

Men's wheelchair basketball gold

11:15 p.m.–1 a.m. ET

Peacock Premium

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Netflix org chart: We identified the 71 most powerful people at the streamer and who they report to (NFLX)

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Netflix is restructuring its executive team for the future of the entertainment business.

The DVD-rental company turned streaming-video giant has shuffled its top ranks over the past year, as competition intensifies and international audiences drive subscriber growth.

Content chief Ted Sarandos, the mastermind behind Netflix's original content strategy, is now co-CEO alongside founder Reed Hastings. Product chief Greg Peters took on additional duties as chief operating officer. Bela Bajaria stepped up to run the TV side of the business and restructured that group around a more traditional studio model. And branding expert Bozoma Saint John joined the company from Endeavor to head up marketing.

In August, the company hired former PepsiCo exec Sergio Ezama as its chief talent officer, a role that will be based out of multiple offices in a reflection of Netflix's increasingly global workforce.

Other longtime executives have departed. 

They include Jessica Neal, the previous talent chief; former content VP Cindy Holland, who helped the streamer dominate TV; and Brian Wright, a content exec who oversaw hits like "Stranger Things" and "13 Reasons Why."

Insider identified the 71 of the most powerful executives now at Netflix, following the recent executive changes. Netflix has many leaders — not all of whom are included here — but the chart below gives an inside look at who to watch in 2021.

The executive shuffle came as Netflix's global audience reached 209 million paid subscribers in March, driven mainly by international viewers. 

While Netflix still has a thriving US audience, its most buzzed about hits are increasingly coming from outside of Hollywood, like "Lupin" and "Money Heist." And they're finding fan bases in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

All the while, Netflix is facing more competition from an influx of US-based rivals that are gradually expanding overseas, including Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, and Apple TV+. The streamer's past decade of unrivaled subscriber growth and an equally impressive stock climb has forced legacy media to take streaming seriously or risk irrelevance and tech titans to vie for a piece of the streaming-TV pie.

Now, Netflix execs are focused on growing their entertainment empire in a more competitive environment. 

The company recently expanded its efforts in podcasting and gaming, and even started peddling "Lupin" and other merch, to build out its franchises — and perhaps jumpstart future revenue streams.

Netflix's core leadership includes roughly 20 executives, known internally as the "Lstaff," which is made up of select department heads with various perspectives, backgrounds, and remits within the company. They include C-suite executives finance chief Spencer Neumann, as well as business leads like Bajaria, the head of global TV; movie boss Scott Stuber; and inclusion strategy VP Vernā Myers.

Beyond the Lstaff, other execs responsible for key initiatives within the company include Peter Friedlander, who Bajaria promoted to head of US and Canada scripted series after a months-long search; Marian Lee Dicus, who Saint John hired from Spotify to lead Netflix's marketing in the US and Canada; Josh Simon, a former Nike exec who's running Netflix's consumer-products division; and Mike Verdu, who's leading its venture into video games.

This post was last updated on August 25, 2021.

 

Do you have tips about working at Netflix? Email this reporter at arodriguez@insider.com or ashrodriguez@protonmail.com. Email for Signal number.

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NOW WATCH: Navy SEALs share how being a good leadership is all about balance

Hulu Basic is one of the most affordable streaming services on the market — here's what you get for $6 a month

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Streaming services continue to surge in popularity, offering viewers plenty of subscription options to choose from with tons of on-demand movies and shows. In fact, a survey of American households suggests the average home now has four streaming subscriptions.

Many people are looking for the best value to help build their repertoire of digital services, and Hulu Basic is one of the cheapest options you can sign up for. For just $6 a month ($60 a year), the ad-supported plan gets you access to a huge library of shows, movies, and Hulu Originals you won't find anywhere else.

What is Hulu Basic?

Hulu Basic is the company's simplest and most affordable streaming option. For $6 a month you get access to Hulu's entire on-demand catalog, but you will have to sit through some ads while you stream. New subscribers can receive a free 30-day trial when they sign up. 

Hulu's catalog hosts a wide variety of content, including a mix of original shows, current network series, and classic titles. Highlights include entire seasons of sitcoms like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "American Dad," dramas like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Law & Order: SVU," and Hulu Originals like "The Handmaid's Tale."

You can also use Hulu to keep up with select network shows as they air — or the day after they air — like "Saturday Night Live,""The Bachelor,"all FX series, and many more. This is a huge advantage over Netflix where you have to wait up to a year or more for an entire season to show up.

Hulu regularly adds new and classic movies to its catalog as well, including popular films like "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,""Space Jam" (1996), and "Bohemian Rhapsody." Several Hulu Original movies are also available to subscribers, including "Palm Springs."

What's the difference between Hulu Basic and Hulu Premium?

Hulu Basic costs just $6 a month, while Hulu Premium is $12 a month. Both offer access to Hulu's entire on-demand catalog, but Basic has ads while Premium is ad-free.

Students can get Hulu Basic for $2 a month with a verified college enrollment — a savings of $48 a year compared to the regular price.

In exchange for a cheaper monthly rate, Hulu Basic serves you unskippable ads before and during your stream. Hulu typically airs five minutes of ads for 30-minute programs and 10 minutes of ads for hour-long programs. It's a small price to pay for halving the cost of your subscription, and it's still less overall ad time than you'd find on cable.

You can also sign up for Hulu Basic as part of a bundle with Disney Plus and ESPN+. This bundle costs $14 a month, which is about $7 cheaper than the price of paying for all three services separately. You also have the option to upgrade your bundle to Hulu Premium for a total monthly cost of $20.

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How can I stream Hulu?

Most smart TVs have Hulu already built in, so all you'll have to do is launch the app and sign in to start watching. You can explore our guide for the best cheap smart TVs if you want a new display on a budget.

Aside from streaming on your laptop, phone, or tablet, you can also use a streaming stick or box. These devices connect to your TV, offering access to apps like Hulu. We recommend the Roku Ultra as our top streaming option, but there are tons of other devices across price ranges.

Visit the Hulu website for a full list of supported devices.

Does Hulu support 4K and HDR?

Select entertainment options on Hulu are available to stream in up to 4K Ultra HD resolution and high dynamic range (HDR).

The selection isn't as large as competing services like Netflix, but several Hulu original titles, like "Nine Perfect Strangers" and "The Handmaid's Tale," are now available to watch in 4K with HDR on compatible devices. A "4K" and "HDR" badge will appear on the title page for supported programs. 

Hulu recommends a 16 Mbps connection for 4K streaming. Hulu HDR titles are presented in HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision formats depending on the capabilities of your playback device. 

You can see a full list of devices that support Hulu streaming in 4K HDR on Hulu's website.

SEE ALSO: The best streaming sticks and boxes you can buy

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We updated our Netflix org chart after key exec shuffles including its talent, TV, and marketing leadership (NFLX)

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Netflix execs Bajaria and Ted Sarandos pose together on the red carpet.

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Netflix has radically transformed its leadership over the past year, as international growth took center stage at the company and a growing roster of rivals rose to challenge it.

The streaming company named its content chief as co-CEO, appointed its first chief operating officer, hired a new marketing boss, and overhauled its TV division to function more like a traditional studio, among other changes made in the last year.

In the past three months alone, COO and product chief Greg Peters hired former PepsiCo exec Sergio Ezama as the streamer's new talent chief; CMO Bozoma Saint John poached a former Spotify exec for a key role; global TV boss Bela Bajaria elevated longtime content VP Peter Friedlander to a crucial position overseeing US scripted series; and chief content officer (and co-CEO) Ted Sarandos shook up its creative leadership in the Asia-Pacific region.

As the power dynamics shift at Netflix, we've updated our organizational chart of the top executives at the streaming company and who they report to. The interactive project was last updated on August 25, 2021.

We've mapped out the roles of rising stars like Minyoung Kim, the content VP in charge of Netflix's creative endeavors in most of Asia, as well as key recent hires such as game development VP Mike Verdu. 

We've also removed from the chart other key execs who have exited the company, like Ty Warren, the former VP of physical production; previous chief talent officer Jessica Neal; and former content VP Cindy Holland.

Read more about Netflix's recent executive changes and explore the interactive org chart

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You can save up to $20 a year on Peacock Premium by subscribing to an annual membership instead of a monthly plan

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Summary List PlacementTable of Contents: Masthead StickyPremium (Annual Plan) (small)Premium Plus (Annual Plan) (small)

Peacock Premium is a subscription streaming service with access to a growing library of NBC shows, Universal movies, and original series. The platform offers monthly payment plans starting at $5, but you can get a discount if you opt for one of the service's annual plans instead.

The standard monthly cost for the ad-supported Peacock Premium plan is $5/month, and the ad-free Peacock Premium Plus plan is $10/month. If you pay for 12 months with a monthly subscription that comes out to $60 for Peacock Premium or $120 for Peacock Premium Plus.

But, if you sign up for an annual plan, you can pay around 17% less. The annual rate for Peacock Premium is $50, and the annual rate for Peacock Premium Plus is $100. That's a yearly savings of up to $20 compared to the monthly plan. 

Peacock Premium members get ad-supported access to the entire Peacock catalog with thousands of hours of popular series, movies, exclusive content, and sports. Meanwhile, Peacock Premium Plus offers on-demand streaming without ads. That said, though Peacock Premium Plus is primarily commercial-free, a small selection of titles and live events may still include ads.

For more information about Peacock, check out Insider's full breakdown of what Peacock offers.

How to save up to $20 with an annual subscription to Peacock Premium

  1. Visit the Peacock website, enter your email address, and click "Get Started."
  2. Scroll down and click "See Annual Plans" on the bottom right of the webpage.
  3. Click "Get Premium" or "Get Premium Plus," depending on which plan you want.
  4. Fill out the requested information and click "Create Account."
  5. Next, fill out your payment information.
  6. Your shopping cart will reflect the discounted rate for the Peacock Premium annual plan. 

Your subscription to Peacock will auto-renew after one year, so make sure to cancel your subscription if you no longer want the streaming service. 

Premium (Annual Plan) (small)Premium Plus (Annual Plan) (small)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free trial for Peacock Premium?

Even though Peacock Premium no longer offers new members a free trial, you can stream a limited library of content without signing up for a Premium Plan. The free, ad-supported Peacock catalog features more than 7,500 hours worth of movies and TV shows, including select seasons of hit series like "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation."

What are the best movies and TV shows on Peacock Premium?

Peacock Premium includes access to over 15,000 hours of movies, TV shows, and originals. The rotating library of films includes hit franchises like "Harry Potter" and "John Wick." For more information about the streaming service, check out Insider's full review of Peacock Premium.

Popular movies currently available on Peacock Premium include:

  • "The Boss Baby: Family Business"
  • "The Proposal"
  • "Bad Boys"
  • "A Nightmare on Elm Street"
  • "Shark Tale"
  • "Bruce Almighty"
  • "The Goonies"
  • "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"
  • "Fast & Furious"
  • "Moneyball"

Popular TV shows currently available on Peacock Premium include:

  • "The Office"
  • "Dr. Death"
  • "Parks and Recreation"
  • "Pawn Stars"
  • "Modern Family"
  • "Yellowstone"
  • "Weeds"
  • "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
  • "America's Got Talent"
  • "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

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