Well, it finally happened. This week saw the appearance of the HBO Max app on Roku. Elsewhere, we learned the Apple TV app will be coming to Chromecast with Google TV in early 2021 and Peacock shared some info on its plans for next year as well. In other words, it’s been another busy week!
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.
HBO Max Finally Arrives on Roku
Some seven months after the streaming service launched, HBO Max finally addressed one of the biggest holes in its overall platform support. Yes, this week Roku owners could finally download the HBO Max app — just in time for next week’s premiere of Wonder Woman 1984 and ahead of what looks to be an ambitious 2021 for the streaming service.
Read more about HBO Max coming to Roku here.
HBO Max, CBS News Now Available on PlayStation 5
HBO Max also popped up on the PlayStation 5 this week, along with the CBS News app. We’ve seen streaming app support steadily improve on the new PlayStation 5 as well as Microsoft’s Xbox Series S and Series X game consoles. And we’ll continue to keep an eye on these high-powered machines into the future.
Check out the new streaming apps coming to PlayStation 5 here.
Apple TV+ Heading to Chromecast Early Next Year
This week, we also learned that the Apple TV app is set to appear on the new Chromecast with Google TV at some point in early 2021. The move means Chromecast users will soon have access to Apple’s streaming service, Apple TV+. And the app is scheduled to come to other Android TV devices in 2021 as well.
Find out about Apple TV coming to Chromecast here.
Pluto TV Adds More Channels to Its Free Lineup
Free streaming service Pluto TV added to its available selection this week, including a channel dedicated to holiday-themed episodes of classic TV shows like Family Ties and The Love Boat. Elsewhere, you can also find new options for classical performances, the One Piece anime series, and more.
See what’s new on Pluto TV here and here.
Here’s What’s Coming to Peacock in 2021
Peacock detailed some of its plans for the new year, including the debut of The Office in January. Beyond that, though, the streaming service also highlighted new original shows and reboots of classics.
Check out Peacock’s 2021 lineup here.
The Office is Coming to Peacock with Seasons 3-9 Behind a Paywall
One of the big-name additions coming to Peacock is undoubtedly The Office, which is leaving Netflix at the end of the month. This week, Peacock shared more of its plans for the show, including how many seasons will be made available on the service’s free tier.
See what Peacock has planned for The Office here.
Check Out Disney’s Long List of Upcoming Projects
Last week, Disney unloaded a barrage of news and plans for the future and we’ve compiled a list of the various projects the company announced. If you’re looking for a handy recap of all the shows and movies Disney mentioned, we’ve got you covered.
Read up on Disney’s upcoming content here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Spectrum App Removed From Roku While Contract Talks Continue
The Spectrum app is currently unavailable for download on Roku’s platform. The move comes as the two sides continue to work on a new contract to replace one that expired earlier this week. In the mean time, current Spectrum users who already had the app downloaded should not be affected. In any case, we’re continuing to monitor the situation and we’ll update as we learn more.
Find out more about Spectrum and Roku here.
AMC Theaters Says It Needs $750 Million ‘To Remain Viable’
We’ve known for a while that the movie theater industry has been hugely impacted by COVID-19. And this week, AMC Theaters said it may need around $750 million to “remain viable” in 2021. The company is looking at selling off stock to free up cash and is hoping for improving theater attendance as the new year progresses.
Learn more about AMC Theater’s 2021 outlook here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Vidgo Is Offering an End-of-the-Year Deal on Live TV Streaming
The live TV streaming service Vidgo is currently offering up an end-of-the-year deal that includes two months of access for $10 per month. When you factor in the service’s regular $55/month price, that adds up to $90 in savings.