The colder nights and darker skies of the winter mean several things: Sunday roasts have returned to the kitchen table, scarves and snoods are back in fashion, and streaming films and binge-watching documentaries have taken back controls of our screens.
All major streaming services experience a notable surge in data consumption during the wintry months, when the weather and shorter days drive more people indoors.
And with a growing variety of platforms and content options, streaming has become a major part of the UK’s winter entertainment landscape.
The streaming giants are once again preparing an extensive line-up to capture their audiences this festive season, promising a competitive battle, high-quality content and fresh customer deals.
Netflix: leveraging blockbuster releases and original content
As the original frontrunner in the streaming world, we shall start with Netflix, known for its originals and holiday specials, such as high-budget series, documentaries and seasonal films.
You may remember A Christmas Prince being a huge hit in 2017 and over subsequent years after gaining notoriety and a cult following combined with good old-fashioned word-of-mouth.
It helped promote awareness around Netflix Originals, ranging from family-friendly movies to true crime.
Early festive films being released on Netflix include The Snow Sister, Hot Frosty The Merry Gentlemen and Our Little Secret. Meanwhile, new limited sports drama series Senna, based on the tragic tale of Brazilian Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna, hits screens in late November, ready for some binging over the festive period.
It also cannot be forgotten that WWE’s flagship weekly show, Raw, launches in January 2025 in a major development for both Netflix and the wrestling conglomerate. Netflix has reportedly given a list of major WWE stars that it wants on Raw rather than Smackdown, the other weekly show staying on network television.
Disney+: building on franchises and new releases
After four years plus, Disney+ is now well established across the UK and customers will be eagerly anticipating fresh content among the likes of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises as well as reacquainting themselves with a familiar classic from Disney’s family content archives.
Embracing the 1980s feel-good coming-of-age spirit of The Goonies, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is set for release in December. With Jude Law making his debut in the galaxy far, far away, the adventure story is based around four children who make a mysterious discovery on their, apparently safe, home planet.
Disney+ also has Goosebumps: The Vanishing, featuring David Schwimmer, in the New Year, as well Daredevil, Ironheart and Spider-Man from the Marvel Universe.
Meanwhile, customers signing up to an annual subscription will make significant savings, paying 10 months for the price of 12 currently, while Tesco gift cards and O2 smartphone subscriptions can also result in eye-catching deals for eagle-eyed shoppers.
Amazon Prime Video: expanding with originals and localised content
With a mix of content from Hollywood blockbusters to British originals, as well as its own originals, Amazon Prime Video has a perennial strong line-up across all genres and all seasons, with one of the best movie libraries of any available service.
While many streaming services are gearing up for December’s holiday season, Amazon Prime Video is instead focusing on adding a robust lineup of popular movies, along with a few early festive offerings, including Jeff Dunham’s Scrooged-Up Holiday Special.
The platform has something for everyone, catering to a wide range of moods and film preferences. The platform still hosts popular original films, like the 2024 Roadhouse reboot. But November 2024 stands out for its lineup of blockbuster arrivals, including Gladiator, Dune and classics like the 1960 Western The Magnificent Seven.
Apple TV+: standing out with quality over quantity
Despite initial struggles in the congested market, Apple TV+ is gaining momentum, following the success of its hit shows Ted Lasso and The Morning Show.
The platform focuses on original, high-quality productions, often critically acclaimed. Moreover, the appeal of Apple TV+’s curated library is especially strong for audiences looking for fresh, high-quality alternatives to traditional streaming giants.
As a result, there are usually only a handful of new additions to its platform each month.
Nevertheless, for November, new seasons are available for Bad Sisters and Silo while films Blitz
Bread and Roses are set for release towards the end of the month.
Apple TV+ is getting even more star-studded with Disclaimer, a new series directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Cate Blanchett. Based on Renée Knight’s novel of the same name, the series promises a captivating storyline and powerhouse performances.
Meanwhile, curious new customers seeking something different this winter can binge-watch spy thriller Slow Horses or sci-fi drama Severance.
How full fibre supports winter streaming in the UK
- Improved streaming quality: Full fibre helps avoid buffering and enhances streaming quality, particularly important for 4K and HD streaming.
- Enabling multiple devices: With more people in households streaming simultaneously in winter, gigabit-speed full fibre ensures consistent quality for everyone.
- Seamless connection for interactive features: Some streaming platforms’ newer social or interactive features require strong connectivity, making full fibre very beneficial.
With something for everyone, audiences are spoilt for choice when it comes to streaming and home entertainment this winter, while still getting out and supporting local companies and independent businesses within your community.
Whether you’re a resident or business, you can check if you’re covered in County Broadband’s rollout by entering your postcode at www.countybroadband.co.uk where you can also register your interest to learn more about the full fibre infrastructure and service.
