There are rumours that Disney will be starting their own streaming services in 2019, and while we haven’t heard a confirmation from the entertainment giant’s mouth yet, we might just have cause to believe that it is a reality that might happen. After all, everybody was very excited over the Disney catalogue on Netflix just to realise that they only have till 2019 before Disney pulls all their shows.
If Disney is setting up their own streaming service, we’re totally on board. Till then, you’ll just have to make do with these subscription services that you can get in Singapore now.
Netflix
The ultimate grand-daddy of online streaming services. The selection here pales in comparison to the US’ catalogue, but we’re getting almost all of the Netflix Originals and then some, which is good enough for us. The Netflix catalogue is also geared towards the country you’re streaming from (based on your IP address, not where you are subscribing from), so you can be using your American friend’s account here and you’ll be accessing the same catalogue as every other Singaporean. If you like watching series, then Netflix is the one to go for. We can’t really say the same for their movie selection, which is never updated with the latest series.
Netflix’s base of original programming is quite extensive that covers all sorts of genres from documentaries to thrillers, reality tv and even kids cartoons. You might take a while but there are loads of hidden gems in there. Some of our favourites include Queer Eye, End Of The F*cking World, and Sense 8. There are also Korean, Japanese, Bollywood and Singaporean shows as well, although the selection is pretty limited.
Price: from $10.98 for the basic tier, free one month trial
Must watch: Stranger Things, Orange Is The New Black, Okja, End Of The F*cking World
FOX+
Other than being able to access all of FOX’s movies and tv dramas, you can also access documentaries from National Geographic and livestream sports from FOX sports. All FOX movies will be available on FOX+ at least a year before they release it to other subscription services, so you can be sure to get the latest movies!
Sports lovers will also love the Sports section, where you can also live stream matches and events that are showing live on the FOX Sports channels. The only downside to using FOX+ is that you need to sign up through a telco (Singtel/ Starhub) before you can watch it on your smart tv, computer, mobile and tablets. If you watch the FOX channels regularly, the monthly subscription might be a cheaper alternative as opposed to buying the various channels.
Price: $24.90 per month via Singtel and Starhub after which you can download the FOX+ app to your mobile or tablet, free one month trial
Must watch: The Walking Dead, Fresh Off The Boat
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon is more popular for their e-commerce services, but they also do have a video-on-demand service which actually has its own host of original programming like American Gods. Other than that, there aren’t really any noteworthy shows on Prime Video. Occasionally you’ll spot a popular title like Baywatch, but a bulk of their series and movies are oldies. Just like Netflix, you can also download shows to your tablet or mobile to watch on the go.
Price: $8.99 a month, free one week trial
Must Watch: American Gods
Viu
If you prefer more Asian content, then Viu is your saviour. Viu is popular amongst Korean drama and reality show fans, although they do have a selection of Hong Kong, Japanese and Thai shows too. The latest episodes usually get uploaded within a day after it has been televised, although only Premium viewers will be able to view certain shows for the first 72 hours. Most of the popular Korean dramas and variety shows can be found on Viu, although they do actually have some original programming from Hong Kong.
Price: free to watch, $5.98 per month for a Premium (with a 1 week free trial)
Must Watch: N/A
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Not willing to spend? Other than finding (illegal) torrents or being a parasite on your friend’s Netflix account, you’ll just have to make do with local shows. The online streaming service is free because nobody would ever pay to watch local shows. Other than original Mediacorp shows on Channel U, Channel 5 and Channel 8, there are also Toggle Originals if you need a dose of Singaporean-ness. Best to watch when you’re overseas and just want to hear some Singlish to remind you of why you left.
Price: FREE
Must Watch: N/A
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