Disney+ Reportedly Wants To Bring Always-On Channels

The streaming giant Disney+ is reportedly introducing "always-on" streaming channels, aimed to "enhance viewer engagement and retention." The Verge reported that, according to The Information, these channels will provide continuous access to Disney's extensive catalog, featuring dedicated channels for major franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar, as well as channels showcasing Disney's classic animations.

Viewers would still need a Disney+ subscription to watch the channels and they will likely contain ads, just like traditional television. This is all just speculation. There still aren't any details about when the new channels could launch.

Last week, a report from Bloomberg revealed that viewers are spending more time watching free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) like Tubi, owned by Fox as compared to platforms like Peacock, Max, and Paramount Plus. Effectv reported that FAST has been growing in popularity because consumers can enjoy premium content as an alternative. "It gives them access to familiar favorites, live news, movies, sports, and niche content," they said.

Interestingly, Amazon has always-on channels within Prime Video through its FAST service Freevee. What Disney+ is reportedly doing differently is that they intend to incorporate these always-on channels within its existing subscription tiers. This would set it apart from platforms that offer ad-supported content that is free of charge.

The New York Post reported that in 2022, Netflix explored a similar option that would have created a store within its app so that users could subscribe to other streaming services. A feature that is used on Amazon's Prime Video.

Since the reports dropped, some people have been vocal about the potential change. Someone created a Reddit thread for people to share their thoughts on potential always-on channels on Disney+. One person suggested they include a Simpsons channel.

Another person shared how convenient not having to pick can be. They said, "I really hope they bring this because, at the end of the day, sometimes I just watch something that's playing on Pluto TV because it’s so easy to just tune in and not have to pick something."

Someone expressed how the always-on channels can bring about a sense of nostalgia. "For me, I think it's nostalgia, growing up in the 80s and 90s with cable, it's comforting. Knowing that there are other people at that very moment watching the same thing I am makes it feel like a shared experience, almost like you're connected to something else rather than watching on demand which feels more isolated," they wrote.

Happy National Best Friends Day! While on the surface, this may seem like one of those "fake" holidays you often see, there's actually some history behind it.

According to Calendarr.com, U.S. Congress declared June 8 as National Best Friends Day back in 1935. Why June 8, though? That date was chosen due to it falling between spring and summer, so the weather would likely be nice enough to enjoy an outdoor activity with your BFF.

However, the holiday really took off thanks to social media. Various platforms provide a fun, easy way to share photos of your best friend along with hashtags like #NationalBestFriendsDay.

As with any holiday, a little celebrating is in order. Here are just some of our favorite best friends from film and TV. Enjoy!

If your friend’s dad threatened military school if you two flunked your history class, you’d travel through time to pull out all the stops to keep your friend at your school, too!  

Going to your ten-year high school reunion is kind of like time travel. For Romy and Michelle, it’s their way to stick it to the “A-Group” who bullied them for those formative four years.

Few friendships are as beloved as Cory and Shawn. Boy Meets World fans saw them grow up from middle school to college and all of the ups and downs that come with those years.

Evan and Seth are graduating from high school and are about to go their separate ways to college, but there’s nothing that brings two friends together than the hopes of potentially hooking up with their dream girls at the biggest party of their lives.

They don’t fit in and are too sardonic for Lawndale High or really any high school in existence. Thankfully, they have each other to lean on and viewers got to make fun of their fellow classmates with them.

Think of them like a super-rude, modern version of The Odd Couple. Their shenanigans throughout the entire “View Askewniverse” honestly deserve their own list.

Bound together thanks to rock and roll and an amazing cable access show, Wayne and Garth were “goals” decades before that phrase became a thing.

They should be too dumb to function, but Harry and Lloyd’s absurd stupidity leads them to equally absurd adventures. At the end of the day, they truly do care about each other. Also, Harry is right; you can't triple stamp a double stamp.

Desperately trying to satisfy the munchies, escaping Gitmo and finding a new Christmas tree. Is there nothing these two stoners can’t do?!