syfy.com
There are a few genres in the television and film world that captivate our imaginations. These genres often have cult followings of fans who swear by them over any other type of entertainment. Sure, we all love a good drama or comedy from time to time, but seldom will you find hundreds of thousands of people who are so obsessed with these more general genres that they dress up or cosplay their favorite characters from, say, Parks and Rec or Arrested Development.
Though these shows may not have the same appeal to a niche audience that science fiction, horror, and fantasy shows do, they are nevertheless massive cultural phenomena. They are loved by many for their unique stories and complicated characters.
It is my guess that the reason science fiction and horror have been so popular lately is because they have been merging the impossible with the real. For example, science fiction speaks to certain elements of the human experience, like the fantastical and unexplainable parts, that other genres do not quite reach. Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica make this connection between reality and fantasy more material through their technology, which produces an unparalleled level of fervor in fans. Dramas and comedies don't quite produce this same level of passion in their fans.
Regardless of the genre, whether it be sci-fi, horror, or fantasy, these genres are exceptional and can be enjoyed for a long time. So what do fans need in order to stay up to date on these worlds? A reliable source!
The Syfy channel turned online news resource and streaming site is a relief for sci-fi and horror buffs, as it covers the stories that matter most to them. Today, we will be taking a look at what they have to offer.
History
Believe it or not, the network that is now known as Syfy was actually dreamt up in Boca Raton, Florida by Communications Attorney Mitchell Rubenstein and his wife, Laurie Silvers. They had hoped to have it up and running by December of 1990, but lacked the resources necessary at the time.
However, by March of 1992, the idea had been picked up by USA Networks as a potential fit for their Classics-Oriented Programming focus. At the time, USA Networks saw Syfy as a perfect fit for horror and sci-fi classics due to the two major film studios being able to provide them with rights to such classics, such as Dracula, Frankenstein, Night Gallery, and Star Trek.
The creator of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry and famed sci-fi author, Isaac Asimov were already board advisors for the network?s original program. This was the bit of kismet that Syfy needed to finally get off the ground. Finally, in 1992, Syfy aired its first program: Star Wars.
According to some sources, Syfy exchanged corporate hands between 1992 and 2020, finally finding what seems to be a more permanent home in 2010 under Comcast's purchase of NBC Universal. Today, Syfy is both a cable network, HD DirecTV channel, and online authority of all things science fiction and horror. It has also garnered acclaim from the James Randi Educational Foundation for "questionable reality programming involving paranormal activity."
Design
I am not sure which side I should take in the debate over Syfy's website design, as it looks both amateurish and kitschy to me. However, given that their content typically falls into this category, I can understand why they would want to go with a look that is associated with them.
Some of the films and shows that Syfy caters to are intentionally bad and over the top - it is one of the staples shared by both the genres of sci-fi and horror. So, you could argue that it is appropriate for Syfy.com to mirror its content in that way, even if it isn't necessarily my thing from a site design perspective.
While personal taste issues aside, the site functions as it should, it is pretty well organized and not too hard to navigate. When you land on Syfy's home page, you will be greeted with a slew of featured articles - some of which concern themselves with sci-fi classics, others which revolve around exclusive news and content about upcoming or recently released movies and shows. Each article has a convenient grouping of tags next to it, which makes it even easier to work your way through the site based on specific interests.
Content
This is where Syfy began to surprise me. I was happy to see that this site does not only concern itself with science fiction and horror news and shows, but it has so much more to offer beyond that as well. In addition to science fiction, visitors can read up on current breakthroughs in real science, too.
This site attractions me because it advances the idea of possibility by providing interesting reads specifically for science fiction lovers, as well as making connections to popular culture that lends an engaging level of familiarity. Plus, it's reassuring to see these scientific studies often linked to popular films and TV shows, which tells me that the information has been properly researched.
Aside from that, Syfy also offers a range of content such as reviews, criticisms, op-eds, and news surrounding any and everything that falls under the sci-fi and horror film and TV umbrella; links to podcasts; video content; and, of course, the ability to stream Syfy original and syndicated content as well as a live stream of the network's current programming (provided you have a cable service provider).
Desktop and Mobile Experience
If the desktop web browser version of a site isn't your thing, perhaps the Syfy app would be more your speed. It has a more subdued and professional feel to it, and it is just as easy (if not easier) to navigate on your smartphone or tablet. You can access everything on the app that you can on the site, but in my opinion, in a much more streamlined and cleanly designed way.
Pricing and Plans
However, if you are subscribing to a service that does not include Syfy, then you will need to pay an additional fee in order to gain access.
There really is no one right answer when it comes to pricing and accessing Syfy's content--this largely depends on your cable service provider. If you are already subscribed to a cable service that includes Syfy, then full access is free. However, if you are subscribing to a service that does not include the network, then you will need to pay an additional fee in order to gain access.
Although you can still read all of the content on Syfy without needing to pay for a cable provider, in order to view full-length content on the site, you will need to login with a cable provider account.
Suggestions that I have for Syfy
I would like to see Syfy take some steps to improve its website design. The larger suggestion I have for the network is to offer streaming services that do not rely on cable.
Every year, the number of people renewing their subscriptions with cable companies is decreasing in favor of streaming services that are popping up all over the web. I think Syfy should offer a streaming service that you can sign up for directly through Syfy.com, cutting the cord and the middleman of the whole enterprise.
Conclusion
Regardless of your interests, Syfy is bound to have something for you. If you're a fan of science fiction and horror, this website is the perfect resource for keeping up with all the latest happenings in both genres. Plus, since it's available through most cable providers, you can enjoy tons of classic sci-fi and horror content at any time of day or night! So why not give it a try? You won't be disappointed!
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