Streaming Apps: What Are The Pros And Cons (And Your Pet Peeves) For Each?

TV streaming apps: we really, really love 'em, but we sometimes also kinda hate 'em, right?

Fun fact: In the latest annual tally, a grand total of 559 English-language scripted shows aired/streamed in 2021, marking a new #PeakTV high. That means there is more content than ever to sift through, navigate and (reliably) stream on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, what have you.

And especially during these (ongoing...) pandemic times, your streaming apps have been subject to their heaviest use ever, from everyone in your household.

Along the way, you (or Junior) perhaps developed a new appreciation for some of the options, features and flourishes available on one streamer or another. Just as likely, you have started to zero in on some glitches and shortcomings, including the occasional UI (user interface) "pet peeve" that drives you more than a bit batty.

The Comments section below is a safe place to single out the best and the worst that each streaming app has to offer, be it on mobile, laptop and/or TV. The TVLine staff has shared below a few "back-of-napkin" conversation starters — pros and cons — for each of the eight majors, based on our individual experiences. Give our list a skim, then please chime in with your own valued opinions on the good, the bad and the "UI"-gly.

Varied, enticing thumbnails * Many options to customize subtitles * Customizable profile icons * And if we may be selfish for a moment, press screeners can be accessed through the regular app!

If playback paused for just a bit, rolling ads take over the screen * Can no longer alphabetize your Watch List * "New Releases" aren't always new, and truly new releases can be strangely hard to find on premiere day * That price!

The "X-Ray" feature, which IDs any actor on screen at that instant, is no less than a Godsend for those, "Wait, is that...?" moments (though one TVLine staffer admits to finding it annoying)

Closing credits roll too quickly into next episode * The film library is near-impossible to browse; if you don't know what you're looking for, good luck! * For some reason, the streamer promotes Friday release dates, though more often than not the episodes drop Thursday

Live TV upgrade available, with DVR storage * No "Skip Intro" option (which is a "plus" to at least one TVLine staffer)

Row labels can be weird, and the algorithms wonky (How I Met Your Father is already an Essential Comedy? Because you watched The Rookie, you'd like Last Man Standing?) * There is no Recently Added section * You cannot alphabetize your My Stuff watchlist * Sometimes there is a delay in adding the most recent episode of a series

Instant-on Live TV * They finally added a Watch List! * Customizable profile icons

Since switch from CBS All Access, the latest CBS episode releases are no longer featured in their own row * The Trending algorithm seems suspect (Perry Mason is more popular than S.W.A.T.?) * Not all seasons of legacy CBS shows are available, despite what on-air promos may tell you * Show page trailer audio keeps playing even as the episode you select starts playing

Built into the Apple TV app * Months-long free trials often available with purchase of Apple product * Up to six family members can use the same account, with own passwords

Subtitles need to be turned on for each episode, even within a series binge * Library of acquired content isn't deep at all, compared to peers

Easy to zero in on content via homepage hubs * New releases/episodes are clearly promoted from homepage * Subtitle settings carry over across devices, depending on what you last chose * Customizable profile icons

Hard to access Show Details page on the TV app * Watch List cannot be alphabetized

Large, vibrant thumbnail tiles * Interestingly curated rows/themes (e.g. "Led by Women," "Oddballs & Misfits") * New releases/episodes are prominently displayed on homepage

Playback can be laggy * Overly sensitive rewind/fast-forward on TV app * Hard to access Show Details page from TV app

Free, ad-supported plan available * Complete Winter Olympics coverage in 2022 (on paid tier) * Customizable profile icons

On TV app, the selected tile gets the faiiiiiintest of a halo, making it easy to lose your place * It can sometimes take several days (at least) to add the most recent episodes of NBC series