The streaming giant Disney+ is reportedly introducing “always-on” streaming channels, aimed to “enhance viewer engagement and retention.” The Verge reported that, according to The Information, these channels will provide continuous access to Disney’s extensive catalog, featuring dedicated channels for major franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar, as well as channels showcasing Disney’s classic animations.
Viewers would still need a Disney+ subscription to watch the channels and they will likely contain ads, just like traditional television. This is all just speculation. There still aren’t any details about when the new channels could launch.
Last week, a report from Bloomberg revealed that viewers are spending more time watching free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) like Tubi, owned by Fox as compared to platforms like Peacock, Max, and Paramount Plus. Effectv reported that FAST has been growing in popularity because consumers can enjoy premium content as an alternative. “It gives them access to familiar favorites, live news, movies, sports, and niche content,” they said.
Interestingly, Amazon has always-on channels within Prime Video through its FAST service Freevee. What Disney+ is reportedly doing differently is that they intend to incorporate these always-on channels within its existing subscription tiers. This would set it apart from platforms that offer ad-supported content that is free of charge.
The New York Post reported that in 2022, Netflix explored a similar option that would have created a store within its app so that users could subscribe to other streaming services. A feature that is used on Amazon’s Prime Video.
Reactions to Disney+ and the potential of always-on channels
Since the reports dropped, some people have been vocal about the potential change. Someone created a Reddit thread for people to share their thoughts on potential always-on channels on Disney+. One person suggested they include a Simpsons channel.
Another person shared how convenient not having to pick can be. They said, “I really hope they bring this because, at the end of the day, sometimes I just watch something that’s playing on Pluto TV because it’s so easy to just tune in and not have to pick something.”
Someone expressed how the always-on channels can bring about a sense of nostalgia. “For me, I think it’s nostalgia, growing up in the 80s and 90s with cable, it’s comforting. Knowing that there are other people at that very moment watching the same thing I am makes it feel like a shared experience, almost like you’re connected to something else rather than watching on demand which feels more isolated,” they wrote.
7 Iconic Best Friends from Film and TV
International Day of Friendship (which is recognized on social media as #FriendshipDay) falls on July 30. While on the surface, this may seem like one of those “fake” holidays you often see, there’s actually some history behind it.
According to Days of the Year, International Day of Friendship got its start as a “Hallmark Holiday.” Yes, the holiday does date back to the greeting card giant in 1919. The purpose of the holiday? To send your best friends a greeting card telling them how much you appreciate them and their friendship.
While the holiday’s popularity faded by 1940, it was resurrected in 1998 by the United Nations, who named the iconic children’s book character Winnie the Pooh as the Ambassador of Friendship. Years later in April 2011, the United Nations officially declared that July 30 would be recognized as International Day of Friendship.
In its official declaration, the United Nation encouraged people all over the world to “observe this day in an appropriate manner, in accordance with the culture and other appropriate circumstances or customs of their local, national and regional communities, including through education and public awareness-raising activities.”
Some of Our Favorite Best Friends
As with any holiday, a little celebration is in order. One way we’re going to celebrate is by recognizing some of our favorite best friends from film and TV.
Among the best friend duos we immediately think of are Bill S. Preston Esq. and Ted “Theodore” Logan from the Bill & Ted trilogy. What an iconic pair! Let’s face it: If your friend’s dad threatened military school if you two flunked your history class, you’d travel through time to pull out all the stops to keep your friend at your school, too! It was also nice to see that their friendship went the distance decades after the world was introduced to them.
Another pair of besties we immediately think of is Cory Matthes and Shawn Hunter from Boy Meets World. Few friendships are as beloved as Cory and Shawn. Boy Meets World fans saw them grow up from middle school to college and all of the ups and downs that come with those years. Like Bill and Ted, there’s just something special about a friendship that dates back to your teen years. Those friends really saw the good, the bad and the ugly of you coming of age.
Here are more of our favorite best friends from film and TV in honor of International Day of Friendship. Enjoy!
Bill and Ted ('Bill and Ted' Franchise)
If your friend’s dad threatened military school if you two flunked your history class, you’d travel through time to pull out all the stops to keep your friend at your school, too!
Romy and Michele ('Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion')
Going to your ten-year high school reunion is kind of like time travel. For Romy and Michelle, it’s their way to stick it to the “A-Group” who bullied them for those formative four years.
Cory and Shawn ('Boy Meets World')
Few friendships are as beloved as Cory and Shawn. Boy Meets World fans saw them grow up from middle school to college and all of the ups and downs that come with those years.
Evan and Seth ('Superbad')
Evan and Seth are graduating from high school and are about to go their separate ways to college, but there’s nothing that brings two friends together than the hopes of potentially hooking up with their dream girls at the biggest party of their lives.
Daria and Jane ('Daria')
They don’t fit in and are too sardonic for Lawndale High or really any high school in existence. Thankfully, they have each other to lean on and viewers got to make fun of their fellow classmates with them.
Jay and Silent Bob (View Askewniverse)
Think of them like a super-rude, modern version of The Odd Couple. Their shenanigans throughout the entire “View Askewniverse” honestly deserve their own list.
Wayne and Garth ('Saturday Night Live'/'Wayne’s World I & II')
Bound together thanks to rock and roll and an amazing cable access show, Wayne and Garth were “goals” decades before that phrase became a thing.
Harry and Lloyd ('Dumb & Dumber' films)
They should be too dumb to function, but Harry and Lloyd’s absurd stupidity leads them to equally absurd adventures. At the end of the day, they truly do care about each other. Also, Harry is right; you can’t triple stamp a double stamp.
Harold and Kumar ('Harold and Kumar' Franchise)
Desperately trying to satisfy the munchies, escaping Gitmo and finding a new Christmas tree. Is there nothing these two stoners can’t do?!
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
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