Streaming Wars, May 2023: Everyone brings their B-game

Shows like Barry, Citadel, Mrs. Davis, Beef and more competed for our attention this past month. Who’s winning the streaming wars?

Each month, we read over the latest dispatches from the front lines of the Streaming Wars and assess how the likes of Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ and the rest are doing. Who won the day, who was defeated, and who’s biding their time? We mark it all down on this living graph, which changes every month.

Paramount+

I’m sure there are people out there who are excited about new shows like Fatal Attraction and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, but those people are not me. Paramount+ can have an extra point for wrapping up Star Trek: Picard to the general satisfaction of fans. Points: +2

Netflix

This month, Netflix had anticipated titles like Firefly Lane, Seven Kings Must Die and Sweet Tooth, as well as unexpected hits like Beef. A new John Mulaney special got some buzz, too. Points: +3

Disney+

Preeeeeety thin month for Disney+. The only thing anyone was talking about was new episodes of The Mandalorian. And I think I should take points off for Jeremy Renner’s vehicle rebuild show Rennervations. Points: +1

Hulu

Hulu didn’t have anything of huge note come out in April, but between Quasi, Tiny Beautiful Things, Am I Being Unreasonable?, Saint X and a couple of original documentaries, it had just enough to get it a couple of points. Points: +2

HBO Max

Soon enough we’ll have to call this just “Max.” Not sure whether to add or subtract points for that. Content was alright, with new episodes of Barry, Succession, Perry Mason, Titans and Elizabeth Olsen’s new series Love & Death. Points: +2

Amazon Prime Video

The big-ticket item for Amazon this month was Citadel, which still feels fairly small potatoes. Expensive, though. Series like Dead Ringers and movies like On a Wing and a Prayer offer some variety. Points: + 2

Apple TV+

The big new thing on Apple in April was the second season of Schmigadoon. There were a few other things but no one’s heard of them. And an extra point for more episodes of Ted Lasso. Points: + 2

Peacock

Peacock debuted the Damon Lindelof series Mrs. Davis this month, along with a few other originals and lotsa library titles. It’ll do. Points: + 2

And you can check out the full living graph here:

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels