We’re halfway through 2024, which means ’tis once again the season for Decider to crown the winning and losing streaming services of the year…so far!

Streamers are still trying to bounce back after the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes shook up their schedules, but with exciting slates of fresh original shows and films, beloved series returning from hiatus, and older titles being acquired to build out libraries, there’s a lot to love this year content-wise. That said, with password crackdowns, price increases, the addition of pesky ads, and fan-favorite series getting canceled, it’s clear that content isn’t the sole factor to consider when deciding which streamer stood out from the competition or fell flat.

With streaming bundles essentially reinventing cable, it’s hard to say how much longer standalone subscriptions will be a popular option. But for now, we’re here to look back on the first half of 2024 and evaluate the highs and lows of each service. As the streaming wars wage on and platforms continue to change and merge, we asked Decider’s writers which streaming services are winning — and losing — 2024 so far.

As a reminder, streaming preferences and taste in TV and film are extremely subjective, so our selections might drastically differ from yours. In case you want to check our winners out for yourselves, we’ve provided helpful show and movie suggestions from our favorite platforms along with verdicts on each platform below.

Without further ado, behold Team Decider’s favorite (and least favorite) streaming services of the year so far.

• Alex Vena, News Reporter

  Which service won this year so far? Hulu, Max

  Both Hulu and Max have been my go-to streaming services this year thus far, primarily to revisit comfort shows like Gossip Girl and Friends (Max) or How I Met Your Mother (Hulu). However, while binging my favorite sitcoms, I’ve also found new content I enjoy, like Freeform’s Chrissy & Dave Dine Out and Andrew McCarthy’s new documentary Brats, which are both streaming on Hulu. I am also eagerly awaiting news on The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 3, which will end up on Max.

  What To Watch On Hulu: Chrissy & Dave Dine Out, Brats, How I Met Your Mother

  What To Watch On Max: The Sex Lives of College Girls, Gossip Girl, Friends

  Which service lost this year so far? Peacock

  While I completely understand the appeal behind Peacock, I still have yet to feel inclined to purchase a subscription. Who knows, maybe I’ll think differently by the end of 2024!

• Angela Tricarico, Commerce Reporter

  Which service won this year so far? Netflix

  I know, you’re as surprised as I am. At this point last year, I had picked Netflix as my loser for the year so far — but they really seem to have turned it around! In fact, I find myself turning Netflix on the most lately (and not just because I watched the older Wet Hot American Summer prequel and sequel series earlier this year). Any year that we’re blessed with new Bridgerton is a good year for Netflix, in my opinion, and the new rom-com Hit Man has been a summer smash for them and one that I’ll happily rewatch. The service also proved it’s still the gold standard for comedy with a week of new pre-taped stand-up and live comedy specials, including the delightfully experimental John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA. Plus, the service just announced it’s getting select AMC shows, including the best show on TV that no one is watching, Interview with the Vampire.

  Shoutout to Hulu, though: It’s been a particularly strong year for network TV (specifically on ABC) and the service quickly became my go-to for streaming The Bachelor, 9-1-1, and Abbott Elementary. 

  What To Watch On Netflix: Hit Man, Bridgerton Season 3, John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA, Heartbreak High Season 2, Selling the OC Season 3

  Which service lost this year so far?  Apple TV+

  Ted Lasso remains one of my all-time favorite shows, and that alone is enough to keep me subscribed (for anytime rewatches, you know?), but nothing on the service has particularly piqued my interest during the first six months of the year. So far, the 2024 slate has been kind of weak compared to years past. Naturally, the strikes are to blame for some of this, particularly the lack of the returning shows that I tune into (like Severance, Mythic Quest, and Bad Sisters), but the new shows haven’t really caught or kept my attention beyond an episode or two (though it must be said that Masters of the Air was great — a clear exception to the rule). Apple TV+, tell me when Severance and Bad Sisters are coming back, and then we’ll talk. 

• Anna Menta, Senior Film Reporter

  Which service won the year so far?: Peacock

  As a film reporter, Peacock is the little-known MVP of streamers for recently-released blockbusters, thanks to the fact that most of the Universal Pictures movies (the parent company of Peacock and NBC) end up streaming on Peacock within months of their theatrical releases. This includes indie hidden gems from the Universal-owned Focus Features, too — like Ethan Coen’s Drive Away Dolls and Diablo Cody’s Lisa Frankenstein. Plus, this year, Peacock started streaming football games live. That’s not really something I care about, but it is a plus for many subscribers!

  What To Watch On Peacock: Drive Away Dolls, Lisa Frankenstein, The Holdovers, Monkey Man

  Which service lost the year so far?: Paramount+

  Sorry to the new Mean Girls movie, but when is the last time you even heard anyone say the words “Paramount Plus?” I think it might be time to pull the plug on that one.

• Greta Bjornson, Trending News Editor

  Which service won the year so far?: Hulu

  Hulu, yet again, is my streaming MVP this year. The service, which boasts an impressive library of film and TV, also gets a major boost from its FX collection, featuring the smash hit The Bear, but also undervalued gems like What We Do in the Shadows and Reservations Dogs. Don’t even get me started on the latest season of Fargo or the long-running It’s Always Sunny, two other FX staples that also call Hulu their home. Outside of its enviable FX selection, though, Hulu still shines, offering up originals like The Great, the gone-too-soon Reboot, and the engrossing Shōgun. The streamer is also king of the comfort watch, with more Bob’s Burgers, Desperate Housewives and Abbott Elementary than we know what to do with. 

  What To Watch On Hulu: The Bear, What We Do in the Shadows, Reservation Dogs, Fargo, It’s Always Sunny, The Great, Reboot, Shōgun, Bob’s Burgers, Desperate Housewives, and Abbott Elementary

  Which service lost the year so far?: Netflix

  As for what’s dipped in quality this year, I’ve found myself tuning into Netflix content less and less. While I love a new Love Is Blind episode drop, I often find that I’m only streaming Netflix when I’m idly watching Seinfeld in my apartment or catching up on a new release like Hit Man. Netflix content doesn’t hold my attention as much as what I see on Hulu, but I’ve got high hopes for the streamer this year — especially since I hear Love Is Blind: UK is coming this August.  

• Josh Sorokach, Senior Entertainment Reporter

  Which service won the year so far?: Netflix

  Choosing Netflix sorta feels like betting against the shooter in craps, but the heart wants what the heart wants, ya know what I mean? Due to the Hollywood strikes, 2024 lacked an abundance of new quality content. Netflix is not only the home of my favorite new show of 2024 (Baby Reindeer), but it also delivered one of the most entertaining, audacious comedy specials in recent memory (Jacqueline Novak: Get On Your Knees) while still providing a well-rounded assortment of frothy movies and must-see live events.

  What To Watch On Netflix: Baby Reindeer, John Mulaney Presents Everybody’s In L.A., Jacqueline Novak: Get On Your Knees, I Think You Should Leave, Suits, Cobra Kai, The Roast of Tom Brady

  Which service lost the year so far?: MGM+

  I sampled the MGM+ earlier this year, and, unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. It had a handful of interesting titles, but the streamer didn’t have enough to turn my free trial into a subscription. 

• Meghan O’Keefe, Senior Critic

  Which service won the year so far?: Tubi

  Believe it or not, Tubi! Look, as the big streamers keep raising prices, canceling fan favorite shows, and bundling up, it’s refreshing to know there’s a streamer like Tubi. The free streaming service has a deep library of new and old film favorites, classic (and canceled) TV shows, and multiple live stream “channels” to tune in to when you’re not sure what you want to watch. It’s also the only place you can find shows ripped off Max, like The Nevers or Raised By Wolves — that is, when they’re queued up to air live on the service. And did I mention it’s free? As in, actually free. When inflation hits your bank account and you have to make a tough choice between your subscription-based streamers, you’ll still have Tubi!

  What To Watch On Tubi: Tubi has bold originals like the recent Nicola Coughlan stunner Big Mood, cult classics like Columbo, and cinephile faves like 12 Angry Men, Heathers, Predator, Tenet, and, yes, Space Jam.

  Which service lost the year so far?: Paramount+

  To be completely honest, Paramount+ seems to be in the roughest shape of late. Taylor Sheridan shows aside, it doesn’t make much of a dent in the overall conversation despite its pedigree. It doesn’t have a single buzzy show that I can name off the top of my head, which is what streamers need to keep subscribers from pulling the plug. 

• Nicole Gallucci, Senior Entertainment Reporter

  Which service won the year so far?: Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+

  If you’ve been here before, you know I struggle to choose a single winner because I love TV that much. With half the year remaining, there’s still time for my winning 2024 trio to be dethroned, but as of June, Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+ have had the most positive impact on me as a viewer. Last year, everyone knocked Netflix for their password sharing crackdown, but recent reports revealed the risky move paid off and drew millions of new subscribers to the platform. Following Suits’ streaming success, Netflix is also making serious efforts to assemble a robust library of long-running off-air series like The Resident, How I Met Your Mother, and more shows that have the potential to inspire big binge comfort watches. Content-wise, Netflix also delivered a number of standout shows and original movies. But Hulu is still my go-to place for network TV greats like The Bachelor franchise, Abbott Elementary, 9-1-1, and beyond. Plus, exclusive, high-quality FX originals like Shōgun and The Bear give Hulu a serious streaming edge. That said, when I look back on the first half of the year, most of the shows I watched were Apple TV+ originals. Yes, the streamer raised its prices to $9.99 per month, meaning it’s no longer the lowest-priced premium ad-free option available. But with a focus on original films and series, it’s a no-nonsense platform that chooses quality over quantity. Plus it offers original films like Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon, and more to come. At Apple’s recent WWDC, the company announced its upcoming slate includes highly-anticipated faves, plus it has exciting new features on the horizon that will improve its user experience. 

  What To Watch On Netflix: One Day, Baby Reindeer, Bridgerton Season 3, Hit Man, The Resident

  What To Watch On Hulu: The Bear, The Bachelor franchise, 9-1-1, Shōgun, Clipped, Under The Bridge, BRATS

  What To Watch On Apple TV+: Dark Matter, Trying, Presumed Innocent, Loot, The Big Door Prize, Sugar, Palm Royale (Plus soon-to-return series Severance, Silo, Shrinking, and Slow Horses)

  Which service lost the year so far?: Disney+

  I have no profound explanation to offer here. I simply have yet to watch anything on Disney+ this year, and thus, I have no choice but to dub it my losing streaming service. But hey, there’s still time to make a comeback!

• Samantha Nungesser, News Reporter

  Which service won the year so far?: Peacock

  I will forever hold Peacock near and dear to my heart. The streamer has provided top-tier content for Bravoholics like myself to indulge in. Not only do my favorite Bravo shows go up the day after they air, but Peacock also features uncensored and extended versions of each reality show’s reunion as well as the gossip-filled After Shows. Plus, the platform has excelled in bringing original content like Love Island USA (which brilliantly tapped Ariana Madix to host the new season) and everyone’s favorite new celebrity competition show The Traitors. Peacock is also home to some of my favorite throwbacks like The Vampire Diaries, That ‘70s Show and The Office.

  What To Watch On Peacock: Summer House and Vanderpump Rules After Show, The Traitors, Love Island USA

  Which service lost the year so far?: Paramount+

  Sorry, Paramount+. But you’re just not cutting it for me. While the streamer houses some iconic throwbacks like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Cheers, there simply isn’t enough on there to entice me to renew my subscription.

• The Verdicts

  Decider’s staff has spoken, and with three votes against it, Paramount+ was crowned our biggest loser of 2024 so far. (A pivot from December 2023, when five staffers voted against Disney+.) Decider’s big winners this time around? Netflix and Hulu each received three winning votes (with Hulu also snagging an honorable mention) and Peacock got two winning votes. In an unexpected twist, Tubi also received a winning vote, while Apple TV+ tied with one win and one loss. Aside from Paramount+, other losing platforms in the first half of 2024 were Disney+ and MGM+, each with one vote against them.

  If you’re looking to splurge on a new streaming subscription in the second half of 2024 — or you’re simply looking to drop a platform or two — here are some crucial factors to consider, courtesy of Team Decider.

  Apple TV+: Split

  Historically, Apple TV+ is a winner on Team Decider lists, but with one winning vote and one losing vote against it this year, the vote was split. As noted, the streamer did raise its price to $9.99 per month, meaning it’s no longer the lowest-priced premium ad-free option available. Though I enjoyed several new Apple TV+ original series and films that premiered since January, my colleague was underwhelmed by the 2024 post-strike slate so far, given how high the streamer has set the bar in past years. Still, with exciting new features on the horizon and a highly-anticipated lineup of fall shows, the future of Apple TV+ looks bright. See you back here in December for the final consensus.

  Disney+: Loser

  Last year Disney+ received five losing votes, all of which largely stressed the same frustrating points. While the platform remains a go-to choice for nostalgic titles, Star Wars and Marvel fans, and family-friendly content, Disney was knocked for disappearing content and taking tax write downs for removing projects. The service also canceled several original shows, and Disney CEO Bob Iger said writers and actors on strike were “not being realistic” in their expectations. This year, the team had fewer complaints about Disney+, but we also barely used it, and thus, it received a single losing vote. I guess that’s a step in the right direction?

  Hulu: Winner

  With three winning votes and one honorable mention, Hulu is technically Decider’s big winner for the first half of 2024. In just a week’s time, we anticipate Hulu will have the show of the summer for a third year straight thanks to The Bear, and those who celebrated Hulu above all shouted out its brilliant collab with FX. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: While the future and longevity of Hulu is uncertain (remember, we just crowned Disney a loser), the platform currently boasts a quality blend of new releases, engaging originals, a solid library, and access to 20th Century movies, Live TV, ESPN+, and next-day network TV streaming shows like FOX and ABC hits.

  Max: Winner

  Last year, HBO and Max received 127 Emmy nominations, but also said goodbye to several of its greatest series: Succession, Barry, and The Other Two. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav got knocked for opting to remove a significant amount of content from the platform for a tax cut in 2023, the platform’s name change was confusing, and the Discovery merge created a mess of content. So will 2024 be a better year? Fan-favorites like Hacks and HOTD are back and the platform is still home to a solid library of legacy content, so with one winning vote and no losing votes, Max’s year may be looking up.

  MGM+: Loser

  Last year, MGM+ didn’t make Decider’s end of year list at all, but since then, one of our writers tried it and didn’t feel the need to commit with a subscription, which means it received one losing vote. But hey, with no ads, a $6.99 monthly fee, and a massive library of series and films, MGM+ may fit your needs better!

  Netflix: Winner

  Last year, Netflix received 103 Emmy nominations but was overwhelmingly selected as Decider’s biggest loser in June due to the platform’s crackdown on password sharing, price increases, apparent embrace of quantity over quality, and swift canceling of fan-favorite shows. In the second half of 2023, Netflix turned things around a bit by becoming a hub for Oscar front-runners, and in the first half of 2024, the streamer reminded subscribers it’s a go-to platform for live events and comedy specials, is home to quality originals, is building its library for nostalgic binges, and is getting select AMC series in the future. With three winning votes to one losing vote, Netflix may be winning Decider over in 2024.

  Paramount+: Loser

  As noted earlier, with three losing votes and no winning votes, Paramount+ was Decider’s least favorite streaming service of the year so far. Decider’s Meghan O’Keefe said the streamer “doesn’t make much of a dent in the overall conversation despite its pedigree,” but let the record show I do love me some Criminal Minds: Evolution, which recently returned for Season 2.

  Peacock: Winner

  Our 2023 assessment remains true: For reality TV enthusiasts, NBC diehards, sports fans, and live event lovers, Peacock is a must-have streaming service. The library is extensive, with popular sitcoms like The Office and classics like Columbo, it’s a hub for all things Bravo, and there’s also live sports and Universal Pictures movies.

  Prime Video: Forgotten

  In 2023, two of Prime Video’s platform-defining series — The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan — wrapped, and with other fan-favorites like The Summer I Turned Pretty postponed until 2025, Prime Video hasn’t been top of mind for Decider’s writers. That said, though it wasn’t mentioned as a winner or loser in our midyear assessment, it was home to the widely talked about original rom-com The Idea of You (big win!), plus its popular series The Boys just returned for Season 4. With more exciting content on the horizon, Prime Video could certainly be back on our radar by the end of the year. If subscribers can take the ads, that is.

  Tubi: Winner

  In another surprising twist, Tubi made our list this year as a winner! Revisit Meghan O’Keefe’s Tubi defense above, but there’s really no arguing against free streaming, is there?