Netflix/Prime/Hulu/BritBox Binge Watching: Coronavirus Edition

[tony]

I finally got a 7-day trial to HBO Max so I can watch Yellowjackets. I'm reading a creepy book and now watching a creepy show. Good times!

This is just an off-comment, but I kept scouring the internet for a while trying to find HBOMax trials or discounts when I realized if you are an AT&T cell phone plan subscriber (I don't know the specifics or if everyone gets it, I've been on a family plan active since the late 90's) you actually get it for free-- I don't know how long they've had the incentive but I just realized a few weeks ago.

ETA, here:

Max Sign-in FAQ

Enjoy acclaimed series and movies from HBO, plus the best in true crime, reality, food, and home.

www.att.com

 

[LeafOnTheWind]

Along the same lines with @tony

I just realized that Netflix started offering games from Google Play that have all the extra perks paid for with your Netflix subscription. There are no in-game purchases using actual cash which is great for kids. I always watched on the Roku but had to use the tablet when I was visiting family. That's how I found the game row. Just look for Netflix, Inc in the Play store and make sure it knows you are a Netflix subscriber.

 

[Cachoo]

Watched ep. 2 of The Last of Us. In this ep. the zombie part isn't toned down much , plus the part in the museum is way to long, isn't giving much storytelling wise either.
Still enjoyed the rest and used fast forward on parts I didn't like. Guess will try to watch ep. 3 too
The start of the episode in Jakarta is great.

I have some questions about the zombies themselves....the ones who are complete cauliflower heads are straight up zombified. But if you have the fungus? and are transitioning are "you" still in there even though the fungus has taken over? Without giving anything away, the gentleness of one zombie at the end of the second episode left me confused and then horrified thinking he was still self aware.

 

[vgerdes]

Just finished watching "Shotgun Wedding" on Amazon Prime, and... I didn't hate it. I actually laughed quite a bit. Jennifer Lopez is at her best as a rom-com queen, IMO. And there were some interesting casting choices. I hadn't seen Sonia Braga in ages, but she was a hoot as J-Lo's mom. And the ending was inspired. I'm going to be hearing "Walk Like an Egyptian" in my head for days, I expect. I was entertained.

 

[vgerdes]

This is just an off-comment, but I kept scouring the internet for a while trying to find HBOMax trials or discounts when I realized if you are an AT&T cell phone plan subscriber (I don't know the specifics or if everyone gets it, I've been on a family plan active since the late 90's) you actually get it for free-- I don't know how long they've had the incentive but I just realized a few weeks ago.

ETA, here:

Max Sign-in FAQ

Enjoy acclaimed series and movies from HBO, plus the best in true crime, reality, food, and home.

www.att.com

I think it's been at least six months (I get HBO Max for free as part of my AT&T plan also). I also get free Paramount+ as a Walmart+ subscriber, incidentally.

 

[Jimena]

I finally watched Dune. I'm a fan of the book, and even the 1984 film.

I loved this version. I can't wait for part 2. It was visually stunning, the soundtrack was great, and the performances were really poignant, specially Paul and Lady Jessica. Rebecca Ferguson was fierce.

The only thing that I wasn't keen on was Zendaya's performance. She just seemed too modern and Zendaya-like. I hope that improves in part 2, with a bigger role. It was minimal this time.

 

[clairecloutier]

We're almost at the end of Vikings Valhalla season 2. The show is much better, overall, than I expected from a genre series without signficant names attached to it. The acting is pretty decent; the character development and plotting are good, if fairly predictable; and the theme, which is the confrontation between early Christianity and traditional paganism, is interesting. Also, the locations and production design are pretty great (especially the storyline set in medieval Rus).

However, that said, the show indulges way too much in brutality theater IMO. Similar to Game of Thrones, but actually worse. Just too much blood, gore, and torture. Although much of it is sadly probably historically accurate, it's more than I want to see. The penultimate episode of season 2 crossed into full-on violence porn (is there a better term for that??), with graphic depictions of a man literally being drawn and quartered and another man being tortured with iron spikes through his chest. It's all quite disturbing & I don't get why people want to watch this kind of thing.

 

[Tesla]

violence porn (is there a better term for that??)

torture porn

 

[Jimena]

I can't watch Vikings. I tried. But it was just way too violent for me.

 

[sk8pics]

This is just an off-comment, but I kept scouring the internet for a while trying to find HBOMax trials or discounts when I realized if you are an AT&T cell phone plan subscriber (I don't know the specifics or if everyone gets it, I've been on a family plan active since the late 90's) you actually get it for free-- I don't know how long they've had the incentive but I just realized a few weeks ago.

At least since last spring, but you have to have a certain level of unlimited plan, maybe the highest. I did all the math and thought it was worth it for me when I was getting a new phone, so I got the plan and the phone.

Of course they might have changed it by now, too….

 

[Sarrie]

I don't mind violence (for which I fully blame my mom for letting me watch movies like Conan as a child) but Vikings makes me squeamish at times. Especially the blood eagle thing. I'm still working my way through the original show and that was one thing I couldn't watch.

 

[MacMadame]

This is just an off-comment, but I kept scouring the internet for a while trying to find HBOMax trials or discounts when I realized if you are an AT&T cell phone plan subscriber (I don't know the specifics or if everyone gets it, I've been on a family plan active since the late 90's) you actually get it for free-- I don't know how long they've had the incentive but I just realized a few weeks ago.

ETA, here:

Max Sign-in FAQ

Enjoy acclaimed series and movies from HBO, plus the best in true crime, reality, food, and home.

www.att.com

Another source is Verizon. My Verizon plan gives me HBOMax, Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu for free. If I bought those separately (even with the Disney bundle for three of them), it would cost more than my cell phone plan costs! (I also get Apple Music for free too.)

Peacock is part of our cable package via Comcast/XFINITY. Even when we dropped cable in favor of streaming, we still get it for free probably but that might be because Basic Cable is included in our rent or maybe because we use them for our internet.

So all we pay for is Paramount+ (and AppleTV+ when we subscribe to it). I don't know how all these services can make any money with all of these free deals but as long as they exist, I'm going to take advantage of them!

 

[AJ Skatefan]

I got Apple TV and Netflix as part of my T-Mobile phone plan.

 

[love skating]

I'm really enjoying Poker Face on Peacock. I've watched three episodes so far. Very clever and funny show - despite there being murders which seem to follow her wherever she goes! lol

In other Peacock news, I heard that Traitors got picked up for a second season and they are planning a first season reunion to air at the end of February.

 

[vgerdes]

I don't mind violence (for which I fully blame my mom for letting me watch movies like Conan as a child) but Vikings makes me squeamish at times. Especially the blood eagle thing. I'm still working my way through the original show and that was one thing I couldn't watch.

Yeah, the blood eagle was a bit much for me too, and I'm really not the squeamish type. But in general, I loved the original Vikings, and Vikings Valhalla is quite good also. My favorite character, by far, on either series was Ivar the Boneless, as played by Alex Hogh Anderson. I hope to see him in more shows someday, because he is incredibly talented. And jaw-droppingly beautiful.

 

[Skate Talker]

Just an FYI - apparently Netflix is going to start cracking down on password sharing in Canada next, so that only those at the same physical location will be able to use the same subscription.

 

[marbri]

Just an FYI - apparently Netflix is going to start cracking down on password sharing in Canada next, so that only those at the same physical location will be able to use the same subscription.

Do you have a link for that?
I was talking with my daughters yesterday and she said that was scrapped because of complaints.
It's so confusing what Netflix is up to. When I signed up years ago I chose the most expensive subscription so that all four of us could watch it and have our own account. Both girls are currently in Canada whereas my husband and I aren't so it's a potential issue for us
My daughter also mentioned that part of the plan was that you were limited to 7 days of service outside your home IP address which is just nuts to me. People travel.

 

[vgerdes]

Do you have a link for that?
I was talking with my daughters yesterday and she said that was scrapped because of complaints.
It's so confusing what Netflix is up to. When I signed up years ago I chose the most expensive subscription so that all four of us could watch it and have our own account. Both girls are currently in Canada whereas my husband and I aren't so it's a potential issue for us
My daughter also mentioned that part of the plan was that you were limited to 7 days of service outside your home IP address which is just nuts to me. People travel.

Yeah, I certainly hope they scrap that policy because it's ridiculous. People often take vacations longer than seven days.

 

[rfisher]

This is just an off-comment, but I kept scouring the internet for a while trying to find HBOMax trials or discounts when I realized if you are an AT&T cell phone plan subscriber (I don't know the specifics or if everyone gets it, I've been on a family plan active since the late 90's) you actually get it for free-- I don't know how long they've had the incentive but I just realized a few weeks ago.

ETA, here:

Max Sign-in FAQ

Enjoy acclaimed series and movies from HBO, plus the best in true crime, reality, food, and home.

www.att.com

I have it as part of my internet service and didn't realize it until I got an email telling me I have it. I have an older LG TV and it doesn't support the app, allthough I have 2 computers that do. I've decided that I'm now justified in buying a new TV with the app.

 

[Skate Talker]

Do you have a link for that?

I was listening to CBC radio and they ran the story a number of times including once with reactions from people "on the street" after asking them how many streaming services they subscribe to. It was on my local Manitoba morning "Inform Radio" show so I'm sure if you are sufficiently interested you can easily find a link somewhere on CBC news.

 

[Matryeshka]

I started watching Poker Face, the third episode

I didn't know I needed a terrier/jackal MAGA mutt in my life, but I did, I did! I like the format too, it's just simple, fun storytelling and well, yes, there are murders, but they aren't overly gritty/violent. I like its simple format, and you pretty much know whodunit; the fun is the bumbling way Natasha Lyonne's character proves it. I'm so over dramatic plot twists, glitzy apartments, rich people with secrets/overly complicated characters, and irony.

I tried The Watchful Eye because it has Emily Gilmore, I mean Kelly Bishop, but I didn't make it more than 30 minutes. I just wanted Amy Acker, who plays the stereotype neurotic rich wife whose doctor husband is a perv, to turn into Fred from Angel and nuke them all back to the hell dimension they all richly belong in. I'm done with unlikeable main characters.

 

[Tesla]

I tried The Watchful Eye because it has Emily Gilmore, I mean Kelly Bishop, but I didn't make it more than 30 minutes. I just wanted Amy Acker, who plays the stereotype neurotic rich wife whose doctor husband is a perv, to turn into Fred from Angel and nuke them all back to the hell dimension they all richly belong in. I'm done with unlikeable main characters.

I haven’t seen The Watchful Eye and have no idea what it’s about, but I think Amy Acker turning into Illyria would also do the trick.

 

[marbri]

Do you have a link for that?
I was talking with my daughters yesterday and she said that was scrapped because of complaints.
It's so confusing what Netflix is up to. When I signed up years ago I chose the most expensive subscription so that all four of us could watch it and have our own account. Both girls are currently in Canada whereas my husband and I aren't so it's a potential issue for us
My daughter also mentioned that part of the plan was that you were limited to 7 days of service outside your home IP address which is just nuts to me. People travel.

Just an update for anyone interested.

So after this conversation here my daughter messages me last night that she got a message as she tried to go on her netflix account. Headline was that this account is for people who live in the same household, that is she is the primary account holder this is what she has to do to set it up that way.

On Netflix pricing for Canada I am currently paying $20.99 for a premium subscription to have it on four devices at the same time. They will kindly allow me to invite two extras to share it with. Each extra person is $7.99. So the subscription I chose and paid for on four devices, with tax, cost me about $25 will now (if I continue to keep the girls on it) cost about $43 (tax added in)

I think the girls are about to lose their netflix account and Netflix will be losing $7 dollars per month from me if there is no longer any point for me to pay for four devices.
I am not getting those messages here though and it seems like that isn't being done here at the moment. Wonder if I can somehow switch the account from Canada to here.

eta... my main point is the warning from @Skate Talker is right and seems like they are moving on this in Canada at least.

 

[sk9tingfan]

Currently on Netflix: The Great British Baking Show: The Professionals. Some excellent results and some spectacular fails.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

I tried a couple of new shows to binge on HBO Max and think I’ve landed on one that will stick - The Leftovers. Very intriguing so far!

 

[Yehudi]

I‘m really enjoying poker face. It is indeed formulaic, and a bit unrealistic, but the acting and dialogue is just so good. My favorite episode was the metal one: Chloe Sevigny as a washed up metal singer, John Darnielle’s hilarious, godawful songs about his character’s divorce, and baby drummer’s love of Benson (and it’s role in the plot).

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I‘m really enjoying poker face. It is indeed formulaic, and a bit unrealistic, but the acting and dialogue is just so good. My favorite episode was the metal one: Chloe Sevigny as a washed up metal singer, John Darnielle’s hilarious, godawful songs about his character’s divorce, and baby drummer’s love of Benson (and it’s role in the plot).

i’ve watched the first episode and will probably continue. i love Natasha. Right now I’m trying to catch up on the last of us.

 

[made_in_canada]

Just an update for anyone interested.

So after this conversation here my daughter messages me last night that she got a message as she tried to go on her netflix account. Headline was that this account is for people who live in the same household, that is she is the primary account holder this is what she has to do to set it up that way.

On Netflix pricing for Canada I am currently paying $20.99 for a premium subscription to have it on four devices at the same time. They will kindly allow me to invite two extras to share it with. Each extra person is $7.99. So the subscription I chose and paid for on four devices, with tax, cost me about $25 will now (if I continue to keep the girls on it) cost about $43 (tax added in)

I think the girls are about to lose their netflix account and Netflix will be losing $7 dollars per month from me if there is no longer any point for me to pay for four devices.
I am not getting those messages here though and it seems like that isn't being done here at the moment. Wonder if I can somehow switch the account from Canada to here.

eta... my main point is the warning from @Skate Talker is right and seems like they are moving on this in Canada at least.

Yeah, we’re going to end up spending less money with Netflix because if we can’t share the account, there’s no need for a premium account. We were already paying more to have multiple profiles. That’s the only reason we were paying more. The people we share with don’t use it a lot so they’ll just ditch it. It’s not like there isn’t many other streaming options now

 

[El Rey]

Why are they being so mean to Canadians?? I don’t share my account with anyone, but I definitely use it outside my home. I have a private office located in one of those co-working spaces. I have a couch and tv in there so will have Netflix on a lot. If they do that in US I’ll cancel out of principle. I’ve had Netflix for almost 20 years, but streaming services were cool when it allowed me to cut the cable bill. With all the new ones that exist it’s getting just as expensive!

 

[MacMadame]

We share all our streaming accounts with our kids but we won't if we have to pay extra for it. Sucks to be them.

We only pay $14/ o for Netflix. It used to be their cheapest option but I see they have a bunch of new plans now and the only one with acceptable video quality is $20 a month! Sorry, but no.