Streaming services started as a low-cost way to watch a tremendous catalog of films, but as the companies behind them have moved from a customer acquisition phase to focusing on profits, the prices have gone up, nearly tripling in some cases.
HBO, Disney, and more are offering discounts as large as 50% to returning and new subscribers, which can save you hundreds
NurPhoto / Getty
Streaming services started as a low-cost way to watch a tremendous catalog of films, but as the companies behind them have moved from a customer acquisition phase to focusing on profits, the prices have gone up, nearly tripling in some cases.
Black Friday might not have some of the jaw dropping deals it used to, but if you're looking to expand your entertainment options, there are still some good ones to be found. Several major streaming services are offering deep discounts this year.
There are, of course, a few catches. If you're already an existing customer, you can't take advantage of these (short of cancelling your current subscription and signing up again with a new email address and different credit card). If you're not already signed up, though, or have canceled your subscription in the past, you're just who the services are hoping to woo.
Here's a look at the deals being offered this year.
Save $95 on a 12-month subscription to this bundled streaming package, which cuts the cost from $12.99 per month to $4.99. You'll have to put up with ads, but you'll get access to two of the largest streaming catalog options as well as live sports content. The deal runs through 11:59pm PT on Monday, Dec. 1.
Warner Bros. Discovery has cut the price of its flagship streaming service by 70% for new and returning subscribers. You'll pay just $2.99 per month instead of $10.99 for the next year. Programming will have advertisements. You've got until the end of the day on Dec. 1 to sign up.
While many of the offers this Black Friday are for ad-supported plans, Paramount $PARA is offering a huge discount on its premium plan, cutting the price from $12.99 per month to $2.99 for the first two months. You can save more in the long term by signing up for the ad-supported Essential plan, which has been cut to $7.99 per month. The offer runs through Dec. 2.
Get six months of Apple $AAPL TV for just $5.99 per month, versus the usual $12.99. The price will go up before the new season of Ted Lasso airs, but you'll be able to catch past episodes, as well as Severance, The Morning Show and, later this month, Apple's F1 film. This deal expires on Dec. 1.
Join 500,000+ readers who start their day with Quartz.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.