Choosing the Right Streaming Platform
With so many streaming services competing for your subscription dollar, it can be genuinely difficult to know which one to prioritise. If your main goal is watching current and classic American television, the choice comes down to a handful of key players. Here's a direct comparison to help you decide.
Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Key TV Content | Free Tier? | Live TV Option? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | Next-day network TV | ABC, NBC, Fox, FX, original series | No (ad tier only) | Yes (Hulu + Live TV) |
| Peacock | NBC content + sports | NBC shows, Bravo, classics, WWE | Yes | Yes (Premium) |
| Paramount+ | CBS & Paramount content | CBS live, NCIS, Star Trek, MTV shows | No | Yes (CBS live) |
| Max | Prestige drama & HBO | HBO originals, Warner Bros. TV, DC | No | No |
| Disney+ | Family, Marvel, Star Wars | ABC content, National Geographic, FX | No | No |
Hulu: The Best All-Rounder for TV Fans
Hulu remains the strongest dedicated television streaming platform. Its key advantage is next-day access to current network episodes — if something airs on ABC, NBC, or Fox tonight, it's typically on Hulu the following morning. It also carries FX original programming, a strong slate of Hulu originals, and an enormous back catalogue. For anyone who wants to keep up with broadcast TV without a cable package, Hulu is the closest equivalent.
Peacock: NBC's Underrated Platform
Peacock is often overlooked, but its free tier gives it a genuine edge. You can access a substantial library — including classic NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Frasier — without spending a penny. The premium tier adds live NBC, Bravo reality programming, WWE content, and exclusive originals like Poker Face. For sports fans, Peacock also holds streaming rights to Premier League football and select NFL games.
Paramount+: CBS on Demand
If your TV diet is heavy on CBS procedurals — NCIS, FBI, Survivor, The Amazing Race — then Paramount+ is essential. It also carries all Star Trek series and a growing slate of originals. The Paramount+ with Showtime tier bundles in premium cable content for extra value.
Max: For Prestige Television
Max is the home of HBO, which means it's the platform for the most critically acclaimed US television. If shows like The Last of Us, The White Lotus, House of the Dragon, and Succession are on your watchlist, Max is non-negotiable. It's priced at a premium compared to rivals, but the quality of its flagship content is consistently the highest in the industry.
Do You Need Multiple Services?
Realistically, most US TV fans will need at least two platforms. The most popular combination is Hulu + Max, which covers network TV, FX, and HBO in one pairing. Adding Peacock (especially on the free tier) and rotating in Paramount+ when a specific show is airing rounds out a comprehensive TV streaming setup without excessive cost.
Final Recommendation
- For current network TV: Hulu
- For prestige drama: Max
- For free classic TV: Peacock (free tier)
- For CBS fans: Paramount+
- For the best all-round value: Hulu + Peacock Free