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Prime Video reveals NBA Play-In ratings and other stories you missed

Prime Video reveals NBA Play-In ratings and other stories you missed

Prime Video has unveiled ratings data for its first stream of the NBA Play-In Tournament, and DIRECTV’s app is launching on Meta Quest VR headsets.

Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.
A list of streaming stories from the week ending April 24.

Happy Friday, readers of The Streamable! We hope the week has been tolerable, if not amazing. In the streaming world, earnings report season has begun, with both Netflix and Peacock dropping their results for the first quarter of 2026 this week.

But in the rush to micro-analyze this earnings data, readers may have missed out on other streaming stories from the week’s news. But we’ve kept track of those stories and have assembled the most important, along with new casting announcements and trailer releases below!

What you missed in streaming this week

MLB plans to bundle World Baseball Classic rights with other deals

As of now, the broadcast rights to the popular World Baseball Classic tournament are sold as a standalone property. That’s been the case since the WBC launched 20 years ago, and different outlets offer it in different territories; Fox is the WBC’s partner in the United States, for example, while Netflix offers it in Japan.

But as MLB aligns its rights deals to end in 2028 for a new round of negotiations, it has designs on changing the status quo for the WBC. Per Sports Media Watch, MLB plans to negotiate WBC rights deals alongside agreements for other packages starting in 2028. That means the tournament could end up on a streamer like Netflix, or included in a larger package of games sold to a linear partner like Fox.

Netflix

Netflix is a leading subscription-based video streaming service that offers on-demand access to an extensive library of over 3,000 movies, 2,000+ TV shows, and a growing collection of acclaimed Netflix originals. Renowned for producing groundbreaking content, Netflix has become a cultural powerhouse with hit originals like “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Squid Game,” “The Crown,” “Tiger King,” “Bridgerton,” “The Witcher,” and “Black Mirror.”

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The platform constantly updates its catalog, introducing fresh content alongside timeless classics and international hits. Netflix’s commitment to storytelling has also earned critical acclaim, with award-winning exclusives such as “Roma,” “Marriage Story,” “The Power of the Dog,” “Mank,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” In 2023, their animated film “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, further solidifying Netflix’s reputation for high-quality content.

Recently, Netflix has expanded beyond standard movies and TV titles with the addition of video podcasts, and is also exploring a digital store that would offer third-party streamers within the app.

Netflix offers three plans – stream on 2 devices in HD with the “Standard with Ads” ($8.99) plan, on 2 devices in HD with the “Standard” ($19.99) plan, and 4 devices in up to 4K on the “Premium” ($26.99) plan.

DIRECTV launches app on Meta Quest devices

The DIRECTV app makes it easy to stream a DIRECTV channel package on your smart TV or streaming device, with no satellite dish or other bulky equipment required. On Thursday, DIRECTV announced that its app was launching on a new set of high-tech devices.

DIRECTV is launching on several models of Meta Quest headsets, including the Meta Quest 2, 3, 3S, and Pro. Meta Quest owners with DIRECTV subscriptions will be able to watch their channel packages on their headset, and all customers will be allowed to stream the free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels included in the MyFree DIRECTV service on the DIRECTV app.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

NBA Play-In Tournament ratings jump 18% on Prime Video

The 2025-26 NBA season was the first in which regular-season and playoff games appeared on Prime Video. As part of its deal with the league, Prime Video is the exclusive home of the NBA’s annual Play-In Tournament, which determines the final two seeds of each conference before the playoffs.

On Tuesday, Prime Video revealed ratings data gathered by Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel. The numbers show that the streamer averaged 2.79 viewers per game across six games, an 18% increase over last year. In the key 18-49-year-old demographic, Prime Video saw a jump of 34% over last year’s tournament.

Prime Video

Prime Video is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 10,000+ movies, TV shows, and Prime Originals like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” “Jack Ryan,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” and more. Subscribers can also add third-party services like Max, Showtime, STARZ, and dozens more with Prime Video Channels. Prime Video also offers exclusive live access to NFL Thursday Night Football.

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Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime for $14.99 per month ($139 per year), or can be purchased on its own for $8.99 per month. A standalone, ad-supported version costs $8.99 per month, while the upgraded Prime Video Ultra tier, costing an extra $4.99 per month or $45.99 per year, adds Dolby Atmos support, ups video quality to 4K UHD, removes ads, and allows for 100 downloads and 5 simultaneous streams. Prime Video offers a 30-day free trial.

Prime Video currently offers over 25,000 movies and TV episodes, many of which are original productions. Live sports coverage includes NFL Thursday Night Football as well as select NBA, WNBA, and NWSL events.

‘Heartstopper Forever’ gets release date

The young adult series “https://thestreamable.com/shows/heartstopper-2022 text Heartstopper” is getting a proper farewell. A finale movie named “Heartstopper Forever,” will wrap the show’s story, and on Wednesday, Netflix announced the film would debut on July 17. See the first preview image from the film above!

Allison Janney’s ‘Miss You, Love You’ sets HBO premiere

The HBO original movie “Miss You, Love You” has set its release date as Friday, May 29, on the premium channel, as well as the HBO Max streaming service. The film stars Allison Janney as a grieving widow who is forced to plan her husband’s funeral with a total stranger.

‘The Chi’ Season 8 announces debut

The SHOWTIME series “The Chi” is returning for an eighth and final season, on [Paramount+ Premium], and now fans finally know when. On Thursday, the show announced that it would be launching its last season on Friday, May 22.

‘Silo’ Season 3 premiering July 3

The Apple TV sci-fi series “Silo” is almost ready to astound audiences with new twists, turns, and mysteries. On Tuesday, Apple TV announced that it was launching the show’s third season on July 3. Check out the new trailer for “Silo” Season 3 below:

New trailers

See the trailer for ‘Citadel’ Season 2 on Prime Video

Watch the trailer for ‘Ladies First’ on Netflix

Watch the trailer for ‘The Great American Baking Show’ Season 4 on The Roku Channel

Watch the trailer for ‘Star City’


David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.

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