Hulu
Hulu is the finest streaming service for keeping up with the latest TV shows if you don't want to spend money on a cable subscription or an HD antenna. This service allows you to see most major network shows (excluding CBS episodes) and a few cable shows the day after they air. Subscribers can also watch a show's current season — or, in many cases, all of the show's seasons. While it's still reasonable, the fact that it's getting its first price increase in years (from $1 to $7 per month on Oct. 8) isn't exactly good news.
In addition, the service offers a variety of original programming (including joint projects with the BBC, such as The Wrong Mans and season 4 of The Thick of It), as well as a surprising number of classic anime series. Vacation Friends, an adult comedy starring John Cena and Lil Rel Howery, is a recent Hulu smash. Even if you pay for a membership, you'll have to endure ads, but they'll be significantly less than if you watched the same episodes on cable. Hulu's live TV streaming option is another strong feature of the service, and it will allow you to watch CBS as well.
Pros
- Great selection of current TV
- Inexpensive
- Quality original programming
Cons
- Frequent commercials
- Inconsistent selections from older TV seasons
Free trials: 1 month
Starting price: $7 per month starting Oct. 8
Simultaneous streams: 2
Live TV: Requires $65 per month Live TV package
Exclusive originals: Yes
Compatible devices: Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Echo Show, Fire Tablets, Fire TV, iPhones and iPads, LG TV (select models), Nintendo Switch, Mac and PC, PlayStation 3 (no live programming), PlayStation 4, Roku, Samsung TV (select models), VIZIO SmartCast TVs, Xbox, Xfinity Flex & X1
Website: https://www.hulu.com
