The latest new reality television show: a mysterious true crime or a swooning new romance. The perfect night is incomplete without streaming your favorite shows and movies. Without a second thought, everybody turns to Netflix—the undefeated champion of the streaming realm. For years, Netflix has dominated the streaming scene with its fresh new originals and diverse library. But in the high-stakes world of streaming, where every click counts and every subscriber is gold, a new contender enters the scene: Amazon Prime Video.
Amazon Prime is slowly establishing an empire of its own, catching viewers’ attention and turning heads. In the past two years, it’s clear that Prime Video is not just playing the game—it’s changing it.
When Amazon Prime Video launched in 2006, it was initially seen as a perk for Amazon Prime members who subscribed for the shipping service. Fast forward to present day, Prime Video is a standalone service giving Netflix a serious run for their money.
Netflix sticks to what works. They use their years of experience and data to stream international movies and top ten television shows catered to their viewers. It is safe to say they know a thing or two on what audiences want. Prime Video, on the other hand, is not playing it safe. They’re betting on bold, boundary pushing shows by new singles like “Lady Jane” which is an interesting take on the classic period television shows. Doing what Netflix does best, better.
Netflix is known for its international presence with television and movies ranging from all languages, but Prime is closing the gap with its global awareness. It dropped hot singles such as the Spanish romance movie, “Culpa Mia,” which became Prime’s most popular film worldwide of 2023. Many new directors have taken inspiration from this hit movie, creating the London remake movie “My Fault” and a second movie, “Culpa Tuya.” Prime’s international shows like “Tales of the Nile” and “Echoes of the Orient” showcase local cultures and stories, enhancing its reputation as a global streaming powerhouse.
But aside from competing with Netflix, Prime offers new features. One of Prime Video’s biggest game-changers? Sports. Prime has major deals with NFL, Premier League soccer and the latest tennis Grand Slam. This gives Prime Video a unique selling point that sets it apart from Netflix. Imagine this: You’re streaming the latest episode of “Big Little Lies,” and then seamlessly switch to a live NFL game, all within the same app.
More familiar titles such as “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “Maxton Hall Prep” and “My Lady Jane” are all Prime originals television shows, taking the world by storm as they rank up Top 3 series in global acquisition. With all these put together, the world of Netflix is slowly being forgotten.
But Netflix isn’t going away without a fight. Everybody loves reality television shows. Netflix knows this especially. That’s why they released new seasons of “Too Hot To Handle” and “Perfect Match,” attracting some of their old viewers back.
Netflix has been a trailblazer in the streaming world, but as we roll through 2024, the days of one-service dominance are over. The future of streaming looks brighter, more diverse and more exciting than ever.
Grab your popcorn, settle in and get ready for a streaming experience where Prime Video is not just joining the party—they’re leading it.
From the October 2024 Issue of tjTODAY