Discovery+ Arrives in the US: What You Need to Know
The streaming wars just got more competitive with the official US launch of Discovery+, a new platform dedicated to nonfiction and reality content. Available as of January 4, 2021, the service brings together programming from Discovery’s powerhouse networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery (ID), OWN, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet.
Why Discovery+ Stands Out
In a market saturated with streaming options like Disney+, ESPN+, and Apple TV+, Discovery+ carves its niche by focusing exclusively on real-life entertainment. The service bills itself as “the definitive nonfiction, real-life subscription streaming service”, offering:
- Over 55,000 episodes at launch
- 1,000 hours of original content planned for its first year
- Exclusive access to popular franchises like 90 Day Fiancé spinoffs
- Nature documentaries like Mysterious Planet and Judi Dench’s Wild Borneo Adventure
- Culinary and lifestyle shows featuring stars like Bobby Flay and Amy Schumer
Pricing and Availability
Discovery+ is competitively priced to attract subscribers:
- $4.99/month for the ad-supported plan
- $6.99/month for the ad-free tier
- Free access for select Verizon and Vodafone subscribers (Verizon owns TechCrunch)
The service is now live on major platforms, including:
- Amazon Fire TV
- iOS and Android devices
- Google TV/Android TV/Chromecast
- Microsoft Xbox One and Series S/X
- Roku
- Samsung Smart TVs (2017 and newer models)
Global Expansion Plans
While Discovery+ debuted in the UK and Ireland last fall via a partnership with Sky, the US launch marks a major milestone. The company plans to expand to 25 additional markets in 2021, including:
- The Nordics
- Italy
- The Netherlands
- Spain
- Select regions in Latin America and Asia
Leadership’s Vision
David Zaslav, Discovery President and CEO, emphasized the platform’s unique value proposition:
“Our ambition is simple: Bring consumers the definitive and most complete destination for real-life entertainment at a price point that makes this the perfect companion for every household’s streaming portfolio. There is nothing like it in the market today.”
The Future of Streaming
With its focus on nonfiction content and strategic pricing, Discovery+ aims to carve out a loyal audience in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape. As the platform rolls out globally, it could become a must-have for fans of reality TV, documentaries, and lifestyle programming.
For more insights on the streaming industry’s evolution, check out TechCrunch’s analysis: Streaming Services Face Their Real Test in 2021.
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