imdb.com/tv
For those of us who do not want to or cannot pay for premium quality streaming services, I have some good news: there are many more options out there for us to choose from than you may initially think. When you hear the phrase "free movie streaming site," what do you picture? Maybe some sketchy website that looks like it is infested with malware and is certainly riddled with invasive advertisements? Am I close? Well, today, I hope to broaden your list of free streaming options, thanks to a relatively newer free streaming service from 2 trusted and recognizable brands.
The first trusted brand name behind today?s free movie and TV streaming site is IMDb. Throughout the years, IMDb has become one of the premier authorities when it comes to movie and TV ratings. In fact, many people often use an IMDb rating to determine if a movie or tv show is even worth watching in the first place. Have you ever said something like, ?nah, let?s not watch that one ? its got a 4.5 on IMDb, can you believe it??
It has been widely reported that IMDb is interested in becoming a part of Netflix. When your company is as successful as IMDb has been over the last two decades, why stop at simply offering movie reviews and trailers? Why not begin making your own content and licensing some of the movies that you already have in your nearly comprehensive database of movies and TV shows? IMDb TV feels almost like an inevitability, if you ask me, one that would be a great addition to the streaming service. I am happy to say, has resulted in one of the best free streaming sites on the web.
The other key player behind IMDb TV is Amazon. Amazon is no stranger to the media game, with its massive and critically acclaimed Prime Video service catering both to premium streaming fans and Amazon users who prefer to rent and purchase titles individually. Amazon, too, has become renowned for its original content creation - a skill that is feeding into IMDb TV, expanding Amazon's grip over the film and TV industry.
IMDb TV is a relatively young streaming service, so it has plenty of room to grow, but it's already an excellent free TV and movie streaming site. I think it will become a much bigger player in the streaming space over the next few years.
History
IMDb TV is a streaming channel that IMDb created in January of 2019. It was available for free on IMDb's website and for Amazon Prime members as well (at no additional cost). IMDb TV became available on Amazon Fire devices immediately upon its launch.
On June 17th, 2019, IMDb announced that it will be rebranding its Freedive service as IMDb TV. Along with this change, the streaming service also announced that it will triple its library of content. These licensing deals include agreements with Warner Brothers, MGM Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. As a result, viewers will have access to hundreds of new classic and popular movie choices.
In February of 2020, Amazon made an announcement that signaled their readiness to invest further in IMDb TV?s original content. The IMDb TV content team was officially integrated into Amazon Studios, with the goal of developing new content alongside new leadership. Critics of IMDb TV?s lack of original content should begin to see this concern lifted soon.
Design
I think that IMDb TV's website could use some improvement. It's not terrible by any means, but it doesn't come across like a streaming service that is backed by the richest man in the history of the world (Jeff Bezos).
I initially found the layout of IMDb TV to be very simple. It emulates the classic Netflix and Hulu design, sections that are separated by genre or category, each with its own side-scrolling browsing mechanism. Where I take issue with IMDb TV is in its lack of immersion. I don't feel as if I am browsing movies and TV shows on a legitimate streaming site. It feels more like the streaming site is something of a popup on the IMDb site. This could be due to its highly centralized layout. The site does not take advantage of the full page, instead of consolidating everything into a centered box - a decision that I certainly do not understand.
Furthermore, I would have liked to see more streamlined integration between IMDb and IMDb TV. Sure, you can see the IMDb ratings of each title and some basic credit info. However, why not utilize Amazon's own patented X-Ray feature, taking advantage of this rich database that can be viewed while you watch a free movie or TV show? This seems to me like a missed opportunity.
If you want to view the full IMDb page, you will need to redirect yourself to their regular website. I don't feel that IMDb TV takes full advantage of the site's strengths, which makes it feel like it is a separate entity rather than an extension of IMDb. I would like to see more integration and streamlining in the future as IMDb TV grows and evolves.
Content and Features
IMDb TV offers a variety of original and syndicated programming that can be found nowhere else. The site has made some progress in terms of its original content but much of its focus remains on providing popular licensed movies and television shows.
In recent years, IMDb TV?s rebooted content has been well received by fans and critics. This year was especially big for the service as it debuted its first original series, Leverage, in 2008. In addition to that show, IMDb TV also acquired the rights to Sony?s popular YA espionage series, Alex Rider, which premiered in 2020. In addition to original programming, IMDb TV has also acquired the rights to various reboots and remakes including Corner Gas Animated (a Canadian cartoon), Judge Judy (a popular court show), and The Office (a UK sitcom). While there is no official word on a successor to Judge Judy yet, it is safe to say that IMDb TV is continuing to remake and reboot some of the most beloved television shows ever created.
As far as popular third-party shows and movies go, it looks like Chicago Fire fans will be happy to know that IMDb TV has begun streaming the show. Additionally, all 5 seasons of Friday Night Lights are available to stream for free. In February of 2020, IMDb TV also announced that it would be gaining the rights to 20+ Disney movies (through its Direct to Consumer and International divisions).
Some of the bigger titles that you can stream for free on IMDb TV include several Star Trek movies and the entirety of the wildly popular AMC series Mad Men. There are, of course, hundreds of other free movies and TV shows streaming here as well. If you're interested in checking out these great resources, I recommend heading over to IMDbtv.com and checking out the full list for yourself!
Mobile and Desktop Experience
Although IMDb TV does not have its own mobile app, you can still access all of its content through the Prime Video apps. This means that, no matter what device you're using, you'll be able to watch all of the latest episodes and movies. However, it is disappointing that there isn't an IMDb TV app of its own - or even a separate IMDb TV component to the original IMDb app.
Suggestions that I have for IMDb TV
I believe that IMDb TV should leave its parent company, IMDb, and become more independent. IMDb TV should also consider ways it can integrate with the IMDb database in order to provide an unparalleled viewing experience. I am confident that a streaming site run by IMDb will provide this stellar experience to its users.
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