Netflix’s new docuseries revisits the infamous 1996 murder mystery. It includes interviews with JonBenét’s father and unpacks the embarrassingly bad investigation, media circus, and, of course, the ransom note.
Why now is the time to revisit your cord cutting options
Sling.com, © Oasisamuel | Dreamstime.com, DirecTV.com
I did the math. I’m paying $83 more a month now to watch TV than I did when I was paying for cable. Is it worth it? I do like the convenience of not being tied to a grid, and many of the original shows are terrific. Speaking of, I just finished watching “Masters of the Air.” You def need to watch that on Apple TV+.
A lot of people are asking the same question. No wonder the streaming services are all competing to add live programming. YouTube TV picked up the NFL, Amazon pays $1 billion a year for Thursday Night Football, and Netflix is spending more money than you can fit in a wrestling ring for WWE.
Things have changed a heck of a lot since we all ditched cable years ago. I dug through the latest Consumer Reports to figure out which streaming services are worth your money today — and what they’re still missing. Maybe you’ll find a new go-to.
For the Disney adults: Hulu + Live TV
Hulu’s live TV bundle is slightly pricier (especially if you want to go ad-free) but includes a ton of original content and a backlog of shows and movies that YouTube TV doesn’t have. It’ll run you $77 to $90 (ads or not).
What you get:
- 75 channels: Including major broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC).
- Cable highlights: A&E, BET, CN, CNN, Disney, Fox News, FX, HGTV, TBS, and TNT.
- Sports: CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports, and some regional sports networks.
- Cloud DVR: It has unlimited storage for up to nine months.
- Content library: Hulu original series and streaming library of movies and shows.
- Bonus: ESPN+ and Disney+ are included — sweet if you have kids at home or visiting.
What’s missing:
- Some sports: MLB Network, NBA TV and NFL Network.
- Some news: BBC America, PBS and some NBC programs.
- Feel-good favorites: Like AMC and Hallmark.
- Other streaming add-ons: No option to add Max.
If you just want the basics: Sling TV
Sling TV is the cheapest by far. The basic plan costs about half of Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. Cost? $40 for each basic plan below, or $55 for both. But Sling nickels and dimes for additional channels and DVR storage. Not a fan of the sneaky pricing.
What you get:
🤑 New year, new (higher) prices: YouTube TV subscriptions are getting a $10 price hike to $82.99 per month starting in January. It’s the second increase in less than a year. At launch in 2017, YouTube TV was just $34.99 monthly. Oof, that’s a 137% jump. They say the decision wasn’t made “lightly” (with dollar signs in their eyes). It’s time to decide if you really need it.
$492,561.56
What you would have if you’d invested $1,000 in Netflix 20 years ago. That’s based on the stock’s current price of $925.03. The streaming giant outperformed the market by 28.06% with an annual return of 36.49% over two decades. Does anyone have a time machine?
'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story' official trailer
😲 The No. 1 show on Netflix right now is “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” It dives into the true story of two brothers convicted of murdering their parents in 1996. They said a lifetime of abuse drove them to it; prosecutors argued it was all about inheriting the family fortune.
What’s next for “Yellowstone”: I’m bummed about the series finale of the mega-hit “Yellowstone” this Sunday, but it’s not the end of the Duttons’ story. Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler will be back for a new spinoff. Every girl needs a Rip in her jeans, just sayin’.
1 billion hours
Of YouTube watched every single day. That beats out all other streaming services. It’s the only streaming platform to top 10% of the viewing market share in 2024. In second place? Netflix, with 7.7%.
🥊 Night-night, th-leep tight: YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and heavyweight legend Mike Tyson’s boxing match is happening this week after months of delays. The odds are favoring Tyson, at plus-190. Paul’s a lot younger, but he’s never fought in the heavyweight division. Who knows? His big brother is kicking butt (literally) in the WWE.
'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew' official trailer
🎬 The Wookie’s cookie is a little Chewie: “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” drops on Disney+ on Dec. 3. Set during the same era as “The Mandalorian” and “Ahsoka,” the series follows a group of kids who discover a spaceship and embark on an adventure. It stars Jude Law as a Jedi and looks like a 1980s Steven Spielberg movie. Check out the trailer.
Ready to play (again)?
Netflix dropped an early Christmas gift — the trailer for “Squid Game” season 2. The first season was the most-watched series of all time on the platform. I liked it, despite all the blood. New season drops Dec. 26. How festive.
A whole new world: Starting in September, Disney+ is cracking down on password sharing outside your household. Rumor has it you can add paid sharing, but no word on the cost yet. Oh, and the price for Disney+ will increase in October; the ad-supported tier will go from $8 per month to $10 monthly, and the ad-free version will rise from $14 to $16 a month. Yup, Mickey needs the money.
40.3% of all TV use
In June went towards streaming. I’m surprised it’s not higher. Streaming platforms beat cable for the largest share of our TV screen time. The biggest contributor? Nope, not Netflix. It was YouTube, with almost 10% of our TV time.
What to know before starting a podcast
Starting a podcast or know someone who is? Check out Rob’s tips here.
Blast from the past
The classic puzzle game Minesweeper is now on Netflix. This colorful, reimagined version features an ocean-like setting where you find underwater mines in locations around the world. No in-game ads, no in-app purchases and no extra cost to play.
Brand-spankin' new: Kim's national radio show as a podcast
You can catch it in your favorite podcast app for free — or pay a few bucks to listen commercial free. Score!
Time to pay up: Netflix is phasing out its cheapest ad-free plan. If you’re on it, you’ll get a notification saying your last day to watch is July 13 unless you upgrade. Options: $6.99 ad-supported, $15.49 ad-free or $22.99 ad-free 4K premium.
DIY Projector
Sometimes, it’s just too hot to go outside and play. Why not try this DIY smartphone projector? You can enjoy time with the kids while staying cool.
No more password sharing on Disney+
If you mooch off someone’s streaming service, time is up. Disney+ is the next streaming service banning password sharing.
We are the No. 3 podcast!
OK, OK … No. 3 in Rwanda. But hey, that’s something, right?!
Reset your Roku password before it's too late
Roku was hacked over the weekend. To keep yourself protected, I suggest changing your password ASAP!