The streaming landscape has evolved significantly, with original content becoming a major draw for viewers. Many platforms are now heavily investing in producing unique, high-quality shows and movies to attract and retain subscribers. This article explores the best platforms known for their original content, all of which offer free trials ranging from 7 days to 30 days. These trials allow potential subscribers to explore the exclusive content and features before committing to a paid subscription.
1. Netflix
Overview
Netflix is a pioneer in the streaming industry, renowned for its extensive library of original content that spans various genres and demographics. Although it no longer offers a free trial, its vast and diverse range of content makes it a top choice for many viewers.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” “Ozark,” “Bridgerton.”
- Movies: “The Irishman,” “Bird Box,” “Roma,” “Marriage Story.”
- Documentaries: “Tiger King,” “Making a Murderer,” “Our Planet.”
Subscription Options
- Basic Plan: $9.99 per month.
- Standard Plan: $15.49 per month.
- Premium Plan: $19.99 per month.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Overview
Amazon Prime Video offers a vast library of original content and is included with an Amazon Prime membership. It remains a strong competitor in the streaming market due to its quality and variety.
Trial Period
Amazon Prime Video offers a 30-day free trial.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” “Fleabag,” “Jack Ryan.”
- Movies: “Manchester by the Sea,” “The Big Sick,” “One Night in Miami.”
- Documentaries: “All or Nothing,” “Time,” “The Grand Tour.”
Subscription Options
- Amazon Prime Membership: $12.99 per month or $119 per year.
- Standalone Prime Video Subscription: $8.99 per month.
3. Hulu
Overview
Hulu is known for its diverse array of original series, movies, and documentaries. It also offers next-day access to many current TV shows, making it a favorite among TV enthusiasts.
Trial Period
Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for its on-demand plans and a 7-day free trial for its Hulu + Live TV package.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Castle Rock,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” “Pen15.”
- Movies: “Palm Springs,” “Run,” “Big Time Adolescence.”
- Documentaries: “Fyre Fraud,” “The Act,” “Hillary.”
Subscription Options
- Hulu (With Ads): $7.99 per month.
- Hulu (No Ads): $14.99 per month.
- Hulu + Live TV: $69.99 per month.
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV: $82.99 per month.
4. HBO Max
Overview
HBO Max combines HBO’s premium content with an extensive selection of additional movies, series, and Max Originals. It is celebrated for its high-quality productions and exclusive releases.
Trial Period
HBO Max offers a 7-day free trial.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “Game of Thrones,” “Westworld,” “Succession,” “Euphoria.”
- Movies: “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “An American Pickle.”
- Documentaries: “The Vow,” “Class Action Park,” “Tiger.”
Subscription Options
- Ad-Free Plan: $14.99 per month.
- Ad-Supported Plan: $9.99 per month.
5. Apple TV+
Overview
Apple TV+ is dedicated to original content, with a growing library of exclusive shows, movies, and documentaries. It focuses on quality over quantity, making it a hub for critically acclaimed productions.
Trial Period
Apple TV+ provides a 7-day free trial, with an extended 3-month trial available with the purchase of a new Apple device.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “The Morning Show,” “Ted Lasso,” “For All Mankind,” “See.”
- Movies: “Greyhound,” “Palmer,” “The Banker.”
- Documentaries: “The Me You Can’t See,” “Beastie Boys Story,” “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry.”
Subscription Options
- Monthly Subscription: $6.99 per month.
- Annual Subscription: $69.99 per year.
- Apple One Bundle: Starts at $14.95 per month, includes Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and Apple TV+.
6. Disney+
Overview
Disney+ is the exclusive home for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. It offers a rich library of classic and new original content that appeals to all ages.
Trial Period
Disney+ previously offered a 7-day free trial but currently does not offer a trial period. Despite this, its popular content continues to draw subscribers.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “The Mandalorian,” “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “Loki.”
- Movies: “Soul,” “Mulan,” “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
- Documentaries: “The Imagineering Story,” “Marvel’s 616,” “The World According to Jeff Goldblum.”
Subscription Options
- Monthly Subscription: $7.99 per month.
- Annual Subscription: $79.99 per year.
- Disney Bundle: $13.99 per month, includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
7. Peacock
Overview
Peacock, launched by NBCUniversal, offers a mix of current season shows, classic TV series, movies, and original programming. It stands out with its tiered pricing model, including a free tier.
Trial Period
Peacock offers a 7-day free trial for its Premium and Premium Plus plans.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “Brave New World,” “Saved by the Bell” (reboot), “Rutherford Falls.”
- Movies: “Psych 2: Lassie Come Home,” “Boss Baby 2.”
- Documentaries: “John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise,” “The Amber Ruffin Show.”
Subscription Options
- Peacock Free: $0, with ads.
- Peacock Premium: $5.99 per month, with ads.
- Peacock Premium Plus: $11.99 per month, ad-free.
8. Paramount+
Overview
Paramount+, formerly CBS All Access, offers a broad range of content from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures, along with exclusive originals.
Trial Period
Paramount+ provides a 7-day free trial.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “Star Trek: Picard,” “The Good Fight,” “The Stand.”
- Movies: “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run,” “Infinite.”
- Documentaries: “For Heaven’s Sake,” “66 Days.”
Subscription Options
- Essential Plan: $4.99 per month, with ads.
- Premium Plan: $9.99 per month, ad-free.
9. Discovery+
Overview
Discovery+ is the streaming home for content from Discovery’s portfolio of networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, and more. It is known for its extensive library of reality TV and documentaries.
Trial Period
Discovery+ offers a 7-day free trial.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “90 Day Fiancé Universe,” “Fixer Upper: Welcome Home,” “Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines.”
- Documentaries: “Expedition Unknown,” “Planet Earth,” “MythBusters.”
Subscription Options
- Ad-Supported Plan: $4.99 per month.
- Ad-Free Plan: $6.99 per month.
10. STARZ
Overview
STARZ is a premium streaming service known for its robust library of movies, TV shows, and original programming. It offers a strong selection of exclusive series and films.
Trial Period
STARZ offers a 7-day free trial.
Original Content Highlights
- Series: “Outlander,” “Power,” “American Gods,” “P-Valley.”
- Movies: “Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Spider-Man: Far From Home.”
- Documentaries: “Leavenworth,” “The Men Who Built America.”
Subscription Options
- Monthly Subscription: $8.99 per month.
Conclusion
The streaming landscape is filled with platforms offering high-quality original content, each with unique features and libraries. Taking advantage of free trials ranging from 7 days to 30 days allows viewers to explore these offerings and find the service that best suits their preferences. Whether you’re interested in award-winning series, blockbuster movies, or compelling documentaries, these platforms provide a wealth of original content to discover and enjoy.
