This week, Warner Bros. Discovery announced it would shut down the month-old CNN+ streaming service. Elsewhere, Netflix reported a disappointing first quarter of the year, and hinted at ad-supported plans for the future. In other streaming news, HBO Max had a solid first quarter and rumors suggest Apple is nearing a deal for NFL Sunday Ticket.
Here’s what happened in the world of cord cutting and streaming.
Breaking News
Here are some of the top streaming stories from the past week.
This is the End for CNN+
Just a month after its launch, CNN+ is shutting down. The paid streaming service reportedly struggled out of the gate with low subscriber numbers and uneven platform support. Not long after its debut in late March, industry analysts kept a watchful eye on the premium news streaming service to see how it would fare.
Check out the latest on CNN+’s rise and rapid fall here.
Netflix Lost 200,000 Subscribers in Q1 2022
Netflix reported a tougher-than-normal first quarter of the year this week. Overall, the streaming giant lost 200,000 subscribers during Q1 and pinned some of the blame on password-sharing and an expected dip following the pandemic-fueled gains of 2020 and 2021.
Learn more about Netflix’s rough first quarter here.
Netflix Likely to Launch an Ad-Supported Plan in the ‘Next Year or Two’
Following a down first quarter of the year, Netflix said it’s considering a cheaper, ad-supported plan to help entice more cord cutters to sign up. Details are still TBD, but the plan could arrive in the next few years.
Find out more about Netflix’s ad-supported plans here.
The Roku Channel Will Debut a New Original Series, ‘Children Ruin Everything,’ Next Month
Roku’s continuing its push for original content, including a new half-hour comedy called Children Ruin Everything. The new show’s second season has already been greenlit.
Check out more info about Roku’s latest original show here.
Heroes & Icons, DECADES & Start TV Are Now Streaming on Frndly TV
Family-friendly live TV streaming service Frndly TV added a trio of new channels to its lineup this week. The new options bring the service’s lineup to 36 channels.
Learn more about Frndly TV’s newest channels here.
HBO Max and HBO Reach 76.8 Million Global Subscribers
HBO and HBO Max reported solid growth in the first quarter of the year, bringing their worldwide total to 76.8 million subscribers. And with the Warner Bros. Discovery merger complete, the near future could be very interesting for HBO Max.
Find out about HBO’s latest stats here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Report: NFL Sunday Ticket & Apple Deal Is ‘Actually Done’
New rumors suggest a deal between Apple and the NFL is in the works, with the tech giant potentially securing the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket. We’re still waiting for official confirmation, but Puck News suggests the deal is in place.
Learn more about the potential deal between Apple and the NFL here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Best Streaming Deals This Weekend — Save on AMC+, Roku, Fire TV, Echo Buds, and More
This weekend’s deals include discounts on AMC+ and Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K. Elsewhere, you can save some dough on audio gear, as well as a 65-inch Omni Series Fire TV.