freeform.com
For millions of people, the decision to cut the cord is a no-brainer. But for others, the apprehension about leaving the past behind is a legitimate concern.
There are many conveniences to traditional cable that you can't get from streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Watching a show live when it airs is something that I miss. You can't do that on Netflix or Hulu unless you get Hulu's live TV plan, but that's a whole different story.
This has led to a constant battle between the two, with cable companies holding an advantage because they can charge a lot more for their services.
Traditional cable is expensive, and there are many competing streaming services. This has led to a battle between the two where cable companies hold an advantage because they can charge more for their services.
Nowadays, with all of the streaming sites and their own original content that cannot be viewed on any other streaming site, between Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, NBC's peacock (at around $10 a pop), Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video (each at around $10 a pop), if you want to be able to watch everything, you are going to end up paying at least $70 a month, probably more. So the affordability argument for using premium streaming services over traditional cable doesn't quite work the same anymore.
Given that, some might argue that OTT (Over The Top) cable makes more sense in 2021 than one might initially assume. At the end of the day, though, I think it is all just a matter of personal preference. Some people see OTT cable as a necessity- especially those of us who like our sports. Others are just as happy to binge whatever Netflix and Hulu happen to have available at the time. Iâm not here to tell you that one way of watching TV and movies is better than another. I am here, however, to tell you whether Freeform deserves its spot on the list of the best movie streaming sites on the web.
Freeform is a cable TV network that is popular with teenagers and young adults. As a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, it broadcasts content meant to target this demographic group called "The Becomers." The majority of what Freeform airs are off-network syndicated reruns, original series, made-for-TV movies, and feature films.
Freeform, which is a relatively young streaming site, has been in the business for quite some time. The network used to be known as The Family Channel before it changed its name to CBN Satellite Service and then Freeform. Few streaming services have such a rich history as Freeform does, so let's take a look at it.
History
For several years, Freeform aired only Christian programming. In 1981, however, they underwent their first major makeover and began to air a variety of programs. Today, Freeform is one of the most popular networks on cable and satellite with a wide range of programming that appeals to all kinds of viewers.
On September 1st, 1981, CBN Cable Network began airing secular programming. This skewing towards secular entertainment was still evident in many programs, which often contained religious themes. The network retained a few Christian programs, such as those starring televangelists. Aside from that the CBN Cable Network became known for playing traditional family programming like You Bet Your Life (starring Groucho Marx), The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, and I Married Joan. Some people attribute this lineup as the main inspiration for Nickelodeon's Nick at Night block of nostalgia.
On January 1, 1988, CBN officially incorporated the word "family" in their network name, becoming the CBN Family Channel. Along with this, the network had become too profitable to continue filing as a nonprofit. That year, CBN officially became a for-profit corporation, International Family Entertainment.
Then, the Family Channel became known as Fox Family when International Family Entertainment put it up for sale and News Corporation put an offer up for it. The goal of International Family Entertainment was to transform the channel into a network that could compete with cable channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, which would take advantage of the rich cartoon library of Fox Kids Worldwide. This is when the network started to take off.
Then, in 2001, Disney bought The Family Channel from Fox for $2.9 in cash. This was one small acquisition in a larger consolidation happening in the cable TV industry at the time, giving Disney a huge share of the world's cable networks and entertainment assets. Today, ABC Family still carries the ABC brand, which Disney chose over their family channel acquisition.
In 2014, ABC Family announced that it would be rebranded to Freeform, moving away from strictly family programming to attract a new audience. Although Freeform is still known as ABC Family today, who knows what it will be known as in a few years from now!
Design
Freeform offers a sleek and user-friendly design which any person familiar with the big-name streaming services will have no problem navigating and using. At the top of the page, you will find a site menu bar making for easy and simple navigation to every corner of the site. Below that, you will find a giant banner of featured titles. And below that, simply browse by category and genre. It does not get any simpler than this!
Content and Features
Plus, save your favorite shows and movies so you can watch them later without having to worry about time or internet connection. With Freeform, you're always able to stay ahead of the curve.
Freeform has a wide variety of programming options including classic movies, new original series, and old TV movies. You can also watch live TV with Freeform, choosing whatever shows you want to watch as they air. Or, if you have time, you can stream all of your favorite Freeform shows on-demand. Enjoy classics like Jumanji or The Hunger Games (the entire series), or new programming like Kal Penn Approves this Message, Love in the Time of Corona, and Grown-ish. Plus, make sure to save your favorite shows and movies for when you have more time or an internet connection available! With Freeform, you have everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.
If you have a traditional cable subscription, you can take advantage of all the streaming sites, including Freeform.
Mobile and Desktop Experience
The Freeform streaming app is excellent and has a high user rating on the Apple App Store. Users seem to love the mobile experience and Smooth, user-friendly mobile design.
Pricing and Plans
Unfortunately, streaming movies and TV shows on Freeform requires a cable provider. There is no way to sign up as a Freeform subscriber in order to just be able to stream the channel's content. However, if you already have a cable provider, adding the channel will make it easier to access your favorite shows and movies.
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