Cordkillers 579: Pick Your Poison, TV Edition
YouTube TV plans to break its bundle into cheaper genre packs, while Netflix keeps stacking deals and debt in the fight for Warner Bros. Meanwhile, streaming platforms keep remixing how shows, podcasts, and even interfaces reach viewers.
This week on The FULL Experience: Taxi (524 - "Simka's Monthlies")
YouTube: https://youtu.be/2TGoins4VxY
Supply Run
YouTube TV revealed plans to introduce genre-based channel packages starting in early 2026, offering cheaper alternatives to its $82.99 full bundle and explaining its recent standoff with Disney.
The new structure will include around 10 genre packs such as news, sports, kids, and entertainment, with YouTube claiming that even combining multiple packs should still cost less than the full bundle.
One confirmed detail is that the sports package will include ESPN Unlimited, a key concession Disney reportedly pushed for.
YouTube TV also added 750,000 subscribers last quarter, making it one of the few live TV services still growing.
Search Party (Shows and Channels – What to Watch)
Netflix struck a deal with iHeartMedia to stream more than 15 video podcasts exclusively on Netflix starting in early 2026, while audio versions remain available on podcast platforms.
A new Supergirl trailer dropped ahead of the film’s June 26 theatrical release.
HBO Max released a 2026 preview trailer featuring first looks at Euphoria Season 3, House of the Dragon Season 3, Lanterns, Larry David’s new sketch comedy, and more.
HBO Max launched new linear-style streaming channels built around Game of Thrones and Friends.
The cast of Friday Night Lights will reunite at the 2026 ATX TV Festival in Austin to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary.
Bryan Fuller says he is actively shopping a third season of Pushing Daisies, with the full cast eager to return.
A new trailer for Stranger Things Part Two is out, with three episodes arriving December 25 and the finale on New Year’s Eve.
Amazon moved up the release of Fallout Season 2 to the evening of December 16, making it available a day early.
Disney is developing a live-action spinoff film centered on Gaston from Beauty and the Beast.
Buried Treasure
Brian is still slow-walking Alien: Earth.
Tom recommends Taxi Driver Season 3 on Viki.
Scanning the Horizon
Netflix is reportedly preparing to take on additional debt to strengthen its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming assets.
Paramount countered by claiming its financing is more secure and that it can close a deal faster.
Netflix co-CEOs Greg Peters and Ted Sarandos reassured investors that no studios would close and that Netflix would fully embrace theatrical releases if the Warner deal closes.
The Apple TV app on Android now supports Google Cast, a feature still missing from the iOS version.
Texas’ attorney general is suing several major TV manufacturers over alleged improper consent related to automated content recognition data collection.
YouTube updated its TV interface by moving playback controls below the scrub bar and adding a description button.
Disney and OpenAI announced a deal allowing some non-human Disney IP in OpenAI tools, while YouTube has simultaneously removed AI-generated Disney videos after cease-and-desist notices.
Disney+ is now available on Meta Quest headsets in the U.S. through the Horizon TV hub.
Chatter
Listeners weighed in on everything from Speed Racer’s “G” shirt origins, to piracy ethics and accessibility, to Plex use cases, TV trivia, and differing opinions on how much Plex is too much Plex.
Got something we should be on the lookout for? Email cordkillers@gmail.com.