The recently announced stay inside order, by California Governor Gavin Newsome, due to the coronavirus means people could be inside for another eight weeks.
Most people are turning to TV and the Internet to keep sane. To help with the unforeseen time spent at home, some streaming services and internet providers are stepping up to the plate to help people deal, with the comfort and safety of their couch.
The movie and TV show streaming service Netflix, is offering a free 30-day trial with sign-up, but after that, it will be the normal billing price. Another feature Netflix has started for its current users is the new “party feature.” The feature allows viewers to go online with a group of people and watch movies or shows together without risking exposure to one another, with a chat feature.
Hulu, Netflix’s biggest competitor, has also stepped up and offered the same 30- day free trial for new subscribers. Hulu does not offer any kind of party feature yet, but that is something that could change in the future.
Other premium movie channels like HBO and Showtime, are offering a free seven-day trial period before having to pay the normal subscription price.
The Disney+ streaming service is not offering anything for free but has released “Frozen II,” three months ahead of schedule to allow subscribers to watch from home without having to risk exposure at a movie theater.
The lesser-known company, AcornTV is offering a 30-day free trial with the promo code “FREE30” at sign-up. The live streaming service, Sling TV is offering free temporary services due to the coronavirus outbreak that includes ABC Live news. PBS and Sundance are offering free services when with sign-up as well.
A more abstract streaming service being offered is through the Metropolitan Opera. Due to the canceling of multiple shows at there physical locations, the Metro Opera is offering live streaming performances once a week while the opera doors are closed. There is a seven-day free trial available to new subscribers.
For those, meaning everyone, who are staying inside to help stop the spread of this pandemic, these are some of the options to help keep the sanity during these times.