We take a look at the tv streaming service Pluto
As cable prices began to rise and life situations began to chance - decisions needed to be made. Following family decisions the decision was made to ‘cut the cord’ - in order to get all of the ‘main cable channels” as well as locals and sports went to YouTubeTV. But then we tried to supplement and enhance viewing in a more inexpensive way. Hearing about some of these ‘streaming apps’ caused us to proceed with caution. You know the whole ‘ you get what you pay for’ scenario - so I daintily stuck my pinky toe into the waters..
Being a Disney fanatic the choice for the first foray was “Pluto”. This is an advertiser supported streaming service that began in 2014 with a handful of channels. But when ViacomCBS purchased Pluto on March 4, 2019- the landscape of the service changed. With the writing of this column on 9/28/20 there are presently 250 plus channels available. What to watch , what to watch, what to watch.
Those 250+ channels are organized in a way to allow you to find your favourites. If you’re a news buff and want to be as up to date with the upcoming election, they provide content leaning left or leaning right - depending upon how you lean. Classic TV. Movies. Anime. Sports. Reality. Espanol. Music. Cartoons. Pets. There is truly something for everyone. In fact there are channels completely devoted to one specific series 24/7 even.
For me, there are a few Pluto channels that stick out more than others, so please indulge me as I spotlight some of them here.
The king of late night - Johnny Carson with episodes from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Classic sketches like Carnac, Aunt Blabby, Art Fern along with the Mighty Carson Art Players.and joined by sidekicks Ed McMahon & Doc Severinsen.
Fan of Movies? The Paramount Vaults have been flung open offering classic movies like “Bugsy Malone”, “Gallipoli”, “The Greatest Show on Earth”, “SoapDish” and “Multiplicity”
Reality shows are covered too , yup 24/7 if you are a fan of Survivor & the Amazing Race ( as I think some of our readers might be) you’re in luck.
Laughs are needed more than ever during these times. That’s where the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 and RiffTrax channels come in at. Thanks to the RiffTrax channel, I was introduced to the abomination that is “Fun in BalloonLand”
Need something for the kids? How about some classic Nickelodeon such as Rocko’s Modern Lifee, RugRats, Fairly Oddparents, cartoons and an additional channel for Nick Movies starring a pre- Henry Danger Jace Norman. One for Nick Jr, Dora the Explorer and even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, dude.
Being on top of the news is so important you get all the majors streaming. ABC, NBC and CBS. I’ll have to admit I’m a bit partial to the CBSN coverage though. There’s a local feed based upon your region, but I enjoy getting to watch the news from New York and Los Angeles.
There’s a Live Music Replay Channel that shows concerts from the Rolling Stones, Yes, Prince, the Who and so many more.
Something not on those 250+ channels tickling your fancy? The library is available to be viewed on Demand whenever you wish. Here is the complete channel listing for Pluto as of September 2020. Do you have any favorites that we should check out, let us know in the comments below.
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