A few years ago the main selling point of streaming was centralization - you'd be paying for one subscription, most likely for Netflix, to get all the shows you wanted to watch. It was heralded as cheaper, more convenient TV. Then it was two subscriptions, then three - these days, subscription services are dime a dozen, with Paramount+ joining the battle too.
Its weapon of choice? Star Trek.
With every company and their cat launching a streaming service, each of which has its own roster of 'must-watch' exclusives, viewers aren't really ahead. Streaming may have delivered on the promise of convenience, but it really isn't a cost effective or less fragmented alternative to television as was envisioned. In this immensely competitive market, streaming services rely on exclusive content to secure viewers.
Netflix has become as much of a film and TV production studio as a streaming service, creating much of its own exclusive content. Meanwhile, a lot of other platforms have been launched by companies that were studios first, so in-house exclusive production is a given. Others rely on having exclusive rights to major franchises. Sometimes these approaches are mixed, like Disney+ being the home of brand new, exclusive Star Wars content.
