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On a tangential note, wonder how much emphasis Apple will put on the TV+. I doubt it’s popular and whether people actually want to sign up for it. Are there nu

On a tangential note, wonder how much emphasis Apple will put on the TV+. I doubt it’s popular and whether people actually want to sign up for it. Are there numbers out there for the subscribers for it? How many are paying customers and choose to stay on after the free period is over?

52-6F-62 6y ago
One of their shows, Ted Lasso, just won some awards I think. I honestly signed up to see it, and we've stayed with it because of how good that show really was. I'm not a soccer or football fan, but it is a compelling story about humanity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lasso https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lasso If it's anything like News+, of which I've worked closely with teams (and former VP went on to work in curation of their Canadian content), they're quite dedicated in spite of the criticisms surrounding payout. That's as deep as my knowledge goes, but on the production side no email goes unanswered if that's any cue. I can't say the same for some major software companies operating in their explicitly-stated domain that I've had to work with.
- cassianoleal 6y ago
  Ted Lasso is great. I am a football fan and I was initially attracted to the show for being a comedy about football. After watching it though, I agree that it's a lot less about football and a lot more about humanity. I hope Season 2 comes out soon! For All Mankind is another great show! A very interesting take on an alternative space race history. Compelling narrative, deep characters, great ambiance. One of the best sci-fi shows of late.
  - dagmx 6y ago
    Other shows I'd recommend are Trying (British comedy about a couple trying for a child) and the movie, Wolfwalkers.
- cmehdy 6y ago
  "Mythic Quest"[0] is also a great show that I'm sure many people on HN would enjoy on an extra level, since it deals with gaming and making games and they don't hesitate to make fun of their unsaid partnership with Ubisoft Montreal. For reference, it's got a mix of production and cast from Community and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and their pandemic episode is currently the highest rated for the show because they don't shy away from some of the more real moments amidst the joyous insanity of the show. I'm guessing Apple TV+ is in the current state that Netflix & Amazon Prime were in a few years back: make good content, dare to do things, and make a name for yourself. Good for us, I'd say. [0] https://www.justwatch.com/ca/tv-show/mythic-quest-ravens-banquet https://www.justwatch.com/ca/tv-show/mythic-quest-ravens-ban...
  - Tempest1981 6y ago
    The intro is a parody, so don't turn it off after 1 or 2 minutes. I almost did.
  - EveYoung 6y ago
    Wasn't one of the criticisms of TV+ that Apple is too conservative when it comes to taking creative risks and targeting more niche, adult audiences? For example, do you think Apple would have green lit IASIP as an orginal show?
    - nerdjon 6y ago
      That was an early criticism but I don' think it is actually true. See is... quite adult and without spoilers there are a couple of scenes that I was not expecting given that early criticism. Also I highly recommend See, it is a weird concept but works pretty well.
- perardi 6y ago
  Just want to chime in for Ted Lasso here. You need to know almost nothing about soccer to enjoy the show. I mean, I sure don’t. There is almost no action on the pitch—it is very much a workplace comedy, and not an in-the-weeds sports show.
  - 52-6F-62 6y ago
    For sure. And when there is action on the pitch you're already invested in the characters so it matters to you whether or not you follow the sport itself.
    - perardi 6y ago
      Which let me tell you, as someone who plays a sport (rugby) that’s obscure for Americans, is an impressive feat of writing and characterization.
SanderMak 6y ago
Good question. Just got an offer to sign up for a free year, after buying and activating a new iPhone. Unlikely to take them up on it, since it won't work with my existing Chromecast attached to my not-so-smart TV. I'm not interested in buying another device just to be able to stream Apple TV+. Likely many people are in a similar situation.
- cdubzzz 6y ago
  Tangent — I wonder why Chromecast doesn’t support AirPlay? Both Roku and Fire TV do. Which side doesn’t want it on Chromecast?
- krrrh 6y ago
  I got the free year and then got hooked on Ted Lasso and For All Mankind, both of which would fit into the upper tier of Netflix’s programming. Some of their nature shows are also great. TV plus, News, Fitness, and Arcade ended up being an extra $7 CAD when part of the Apple One bundle on top of what I was already paying for iCloud storage and Apple Music on the family plans. The bundle strategy is an old one, and it works especially well in family plans where one person might be a big user of one service and a minor user of another. It’s also a good fit given the regular practice of adults passing their old phones on to kids or vice versa. Anyway, Apple TV is actually on chromecast now. https://www.whathifi.com/news/the-apple-tv-app-is-now-available-on-the-chromecast-with-google-tv https://www.whathifi.com/news/the-apple-tv-app-is-now-availa...
  - SanderMak 6y ago
    That would be a new device to buy, since I'm using the original Chromecast. But I see your point about the upside of this bundling strategy, it just wasn't enough to win me over.
- 1f60c 6y ago
  You can watch on your phone. I also think there’s a web-based player. :)
  - 6y ago
CubsFan1060 6y ago
They started in a strange position -- no back catalog. So they'll have to build that out over time. I'd expect it becomes a better proposition eventually. That being said, Ted Lasso, Mythic Quest, Home, For All Mankind, Greyhound, WolfWalkers, and The Elephant Queen have all been some of the best shows I've watched in the last 18 months. They certainly don't have quantity, but I've been pretty happy with the quality.
- Toutouxc 6y ago
  Greyhound was such a disappointment for me (a huge Das Boot fan, submarine sim player). The subs in the movie acted like a bunch of horny teenagers in a girls' dormitory, surfacing at the stupidest moments, firing at everything that moves, taking a fucking destroyer head-on for some reason. Stopped taking the movie seriously halfway through, skipped through the second half for some cool shots that didn't look violently CGI. If it wasn't for Tom Hanks, it would've been a 35 % movie.
ericmay 6y ago
Don't forget, it's also part of Apple's subscription bundles. But I actually think it's pretty good. I haven't enjoyed every show, but I feel as though all the content being produced is aimed at being higher-quality. Compared to Netflix where they're making shows like "Nailed it!".... Personally I just want interesting, high-quality content. I'm a big fan of the Long Way series, and it was cool to see them pick up the first two and make a new one. I can't wait for Foundation!
- arethuza 6y ago
  I got it free for a year when I got a new iPhone - took me a while to get into it but started watching "For All Mankind" recently and really enjoying it. Edit: I've only watched about 5 episodes on Season 1 but one small thing that is pretty neat if it is intentional (and I haven't made a mistake) is the more rapid development of technology in their timeline due to money being spent at NASA rather than keeping the Vietnam War going. Edit2: For someone in their 50s like me, "For All Mankind" is basically wish fulfilment for the future we had in the past.
- Tempest1981 6y ago
  Yes, really enjoyed Long Way Up. Starting the older ones now.
  - olyjohn 6y ago
    The first two were so much better. Focused on the trip, and the experience. You learned so much about these extremely remote places and cultures... The third one just turned into "Long Way To The Next Charger." I didn't like any of the focus being on the crew with the Rivians. They spent so much time focused on building that bus, and then all they did was sleep in it for one night? That really ruined the whole motorcycle trip. Nothing like throwing tons of money at a problem to solve it.
    - ericmay 6y ago
      I completely agree. The first one was phenomenal. I binged the whole thing and left a better person. The latest one I still enjoyed, but definitely didn't find it to be as good from a story/cultural standpoint.
allannienhuis 6y ago
Their series "For all Mankind" is actually really good. Worth the subscription price on its own. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7772588/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7772588/
culopatin 6y ago
There are about 5 shows that are Apple TV+ and that’s all you get for the subscription. Anything else you must pay extra, which I can already do with YouTube or Amazon or many other services. I don’t really see what is the market they are trying to fit in with that. I’m subscribed for the free year and I don’t ever think of opening it.

52-6F-62 6y ago

One of their shows, Ted Lasso, just won some awards I think. I honestly signed up to see it, and we've stayed with it because of how good that show really was. I'm not a soccer or football fan, but it is a compelling story about humanity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lasso https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lasso If it's anything like News+, of which I've worked closely with teams (and former VP went on to work in curation of their Canadian content), they're quite dedicated in spite of the criticisms surrounding payout. That's as deep as my knowledge goes, but on the production side no email goes unanswered if that's any cue. I can't say the same for some major software companies operating in their explicitly-stated domain that I've had to work with.

cassianoleal 6y ago
Ted Lasso is great. I am a football fan and I was initially attracted to the show for being a comedy about football. After watching it though, I agree that it's a lot less about football and a lot more about humanity. I hope Season 2 comes out soon! For All Mankind is another great show! A very interesting take on an alternative space race history. Compelling narrative, deep characters, great ambiance. One of the best sci-fi shows of late.
- dagmx 6y ago
  Other shows I'd recommend are Trying (British comedy about a couple trying for a child) and the movie, Wolfwalkers.
cmehdy 6y ago
"Mythic Quest"[0] is also a great show that I'm sure many people on HN would enjoy on an extra level, since it deals with gaming and making games and they don't hesitate to make fun of their unsaid partnership with Ubisoft Montreal. For reference, it's got a mix of production and cast from Community and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and their pandemic episode is currently the highest rated for the show because they don't shy away from some of the more real moments amidst the joyous insanity of the show. I'm guessing Apple TV+ is in the current state that Netflix & Amazon Prime were in a few years back: make good content, dare to do things, and make a name for yourself. Good for us, I'd say. [0] https://www.justwatch.com/ca/tv-show/mythic-quest-ravens-banquet https://www.justwatch.com/ca/tv-show/mythic-quest-ravens-ban...
- Tempest1981 6y ago
  The intro is a parody, so don't turn it off after 1 or 2 minutes. I almost did.
- EveYoung 6y ago
  Wasn't one of the criticisms of TV+ that Apple is too conservative when it comes to taking creative risks and targeting more niche, adult audiences? For example, do you think Apple would have green lit IASIP as an orginal show?
  - nerdjon 6y ago
    That was an early criticism but I don' think it is actually true. See is... quite adult and without spoilers there are a couple of scenes that I was not expecting given that early criticism. Also I highly recommend See, it is a weird concept but works pretty well.
perardi 6y ago
Just want to chime in for Ted Lasso here. You need to know almost nothing about soccer to enjoy the show. I mean, I sure don’t. There is almost no action on the pitch—it is very much a workplace comedy, and not an in-the-weeds sports show.
- 52-6F-62 6y ago
  For sure. And when there is action on the pitch you're already invested in the characters so it matters to you whether or not you follow the sport itself.
  - perardi 6y ago
    Which let me tell you, as someone who plays a sport (rugby) that’s obscure for Americans, is an impressive feat of writing and characterization.

SanderMak 6y ago

Good question. Just got an offer to sign up for a free year, after buying and activating a new iPhone. Unlikely to take them up on it, since it won't work with my existing Chromecast attached to my not-so-smart TV. I'm not interested in buying another device just to be able to stream Apple TV+. Likely many people are in a similar situation.

cdubzzz 6y ago
Tangent — I wonder why Chromecast doesn’t support AirPlay? Both Roku and Fire TV do. Which side doesn’t want it on Chromecast?
krrrh 6y ago
I got the free year and then got hooked on Ted Lasso and For All Mankind, both of which would fit into the upper tier of Netflix’s programming. Some of their nature shows are also great. TV plus, News, Fitness, and Arcade ended up being an extra $7 CAD when part of the Apple One bundle on top of what I was already paying for iCloud storage and Apple Music on the family plans. The bundle strategy is an old one, and it works especially well in family plans where one person might be a big user of one service and a minor user of another. It’s also a good fit given the regular practice of adults passing their old phones on to kids or vice versa. Anyway, Apple TV is actually on chromecast now. https://www.whathifi.com/news/the-apple-tv-app-is-now-available-on-the-chromecast-with-google-tv https://www.whathifi.com/news/the-apple-tv-app-is-now-availa...
- SanderMak 6y ago
  That would be a new device to buy, since I'm using the original Chromecast. But I see your point about the upside of this bundling strategy, it just wasn't enough to win me over.
1f60c 6y ago
You can watch on your phone. I also think there’s a web-based player. :)
- 6y ago

CubsFan1060 6y ago

They started in a strange position -- no back catalog. So they'll have to build that out over time. I'd expect it becomes a better proposition eventually. That being said, Ted Lasso, Mythic Quest, Home, For All Mankind, Greyhound, WolfWalkers, and The Elephant Queen have all been some of the best shows I've watched in the last 18 months. They certainly don't have quantity, but I've been pretty happy with the quality.

Toutouxc 6y ago
Greyhound was such a disappointment for me (a huge Das Boot fan, submarine sim player). The subs in the movie acted like a bunch of horny teenagers in a girls' dormitory, surfacing at the stupidest moments, firing at everything that moves, taking a fucking destroyer head-on for some reason. Stopped taking the movie seriously halfway through, skipped through the second half for some cool shots that didn't look violently CGI. If it wasn't for Tom Hanks, it would've been a 35 % movie.

ericmay 6y ago

Don't forget, it's also part of Apple's subscription bundles. But I actually think it's pretty good. I haven't enjoyed every show, but I feel as though all the content being produced is aimed at being higher-quality. Compared to Netflix where they're making shows like "Nailed it!".... Personally I just want interesting, high-quality content. I'm a big fan of the Long Way series, and it was cool to see them pick up the first two and make a new one. I can't wait for Foundation!

arethuza 6y ago
I got it free for a year when I got a new iPhone - took me a while to get into it but started watching "For All Mankind" recently and really enjoying it. Edit: I've only watched about 5 episodes on Season 1 but one small thing that is pretty neat if it is intentional (and I haven't made a mistake) is the more rapid development of technology in their timeline due to money being spent at NASA rather than keeping the Vietnam War going. Edit2: For someone in their 50s like me, "For All Mankind" is basically wish fulfilment for the future we had in the past.
Tempest1981 6y ago
Yes, really enjoyed Long Way Up. Starting the older ones now.
- olyjohn 6y ago
  The first two were so much better. Focused on the trip, and the experience. You learned so much about these extremely remote places and cultures... The third one just turned into "Long Way To The Next Charger." I didn't like any of the focus being on the crew with the Rivians. They spent so much time focused on building that bus, and then all they did was sleep in it for one night? That really ruined the whole motorcycle trip. Nothing like throwing tons of money at a problem to solve it.
  - ericmay 6y ago
    I completely agree. The first one was phenomenal. I binged the whole thing and left a better person. The latest one I still enjoyed, but definitely didn't find it to be as good from a story/cultural standpoint.

allannienhuis 6y ago

Their series "For all Mankind" is actually really good. Worth the subscription price on its own. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7772588/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7772588/

culopatin 6y ago

There are about 5 shows that are Apple TV+ and that’s all you get for the subscription. Anything else you must pay extra, which I can already do with YouTube or Amazon or many other services. I don’t really see what is the market they are trying to fit in with that. I’m subscribed for the free year and I don’t ever think of opening it.