As a long-time enthusiast of independent films and anime, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when reminiscing about these two streaming platforms that once graced our screens – Popcornflix and Funimation.
In 1998, Hong Kong Telecom’s iTV, the first video-on-demand service, revolutionized the way we consumed our favorite films and TV series at home. Today, a handful of streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have taken over the market, making it effortless to enjoy popular media from the couch, whether you’re a fan of Netflix originals or Marvel and Disney content.
Nevertheless, the rise in popularity of streaming services has sparked intense competition. Some initial giants in this field have shut down, while others struggled to claim a significant portion of the market and ultimately failed to survive. Here are seven defunct streaming platforms that we either fondly remember or find amusing due to their struggles. These platforms serve as reminders of how cutthroat the streaming industry is and continues to be. Farewell, pioneers and missteps; you gave it your all.
7 Quibi
Launch: April 2020 — Defunct: December 2020
Quibi, a streaming service founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg (a well-known Hollywood executive) and Meg Whitman (former CEO of HP), debuted in April 2020 after raising almost $2 billion in funding. The idea behind Quibi was to provide bite-sized content, typically around 10 minutes long per episode, designed for viewing on mobile devices. This platform catered to busy individuals and the decreasing attention span of younger demographics. Quibi offered exclusive content, such as “50 States of Fright,” a horror anthology that ran two seasons, and “Home Movie: The Princess Bride,” a fan-made reimagining of the classic film directed by Jason Reitman.
A Lot of Money Spent on Little Content
Before it even began, there were indications that the launch might not be successful, and people online had already been making jokes about it. The concern that a paid streaming service could survive in the same field as YouTube and TikTok, both of which are free, proved to be accurate when Quibi announced its shutdown just six months after its debut. Beyond not understanding the market, there were whispers of disagreements among the owners, excessive spending without a clear purpose, and content that many found unimpressive. While fans might not mourn Quibi, they will surely miss making fun of it.
6 Seeso
Launch: January 2016 — Defunct: November 2017
Back in January 2016, NBCUniversal introduced a unique streaming platform known as Seeso, specializing exclusively in comedy content. Although it ceased operations on August 9, 2017, it did fill a specific gap and provided high-quality shows that later found homes on other platforms. For instance, “The UCB Show” eventually got a second season on Starz, while the live improv/animated series created by “Rick and Morty’s” Dan Harmon, “HarmonQuest,” moved to the streaming service VRV. All in all, Seeso showcased promising comedy content before its closure.
Not Quite the Comedy Goldmine
Ultimately, Seeso’s specialized focus led to its downfall as a streaming platform. Despite providing content that some viewers appreciated, it couldn’t compete with rival platforms in terms of overall offerings and struggled to attract a significant portion of the market. At its height, Seeso managed to amass around 300,000 users, but this wasn’t enough to keep the service running. Platforms like Shudder, which specialize in specific genres, have found success, yet comedy, being a subjective genre, may have been one of Seeso’s downfalls as fans were less inclined to commit to a platform dedicated solely to it. It had its moment, at least.
5 Yahoo! Screen
Launch: June 2006 (as Yahoo! Video) — Defunct: January 2016
Yahoo! Screen originated from the initial ideas of online streaming, but it was only launched in 2011. However, it was actually a rebranding of Yahoo! Video, which was introduced in 2006. The goal behind this change was to compete in the rapidly expanding streaming industry. Yahoo! Screen provided both original and licensed content, such as Saturday Night Live, and even hosted one season of Community as part of its original productions.
Do You Remember When We Used to Yahoo!?
The streaming platform Yahoo! Screen faced a tough battle against intense competition and ultimately shut down in 2016 due to significant financial losses. Like many similar services that emerged and disappeared, it struggled to provide compelling original content that kept viewers engaged. Additionally, the dwindling popularity of Yahoo! as a search engine during the 2000s and 2010s, which resulted in its capture of just 1.19% of internet searches, didn’t help matters. Had Yahoo! continued to thrive as a source for entertainment news and gossip, we might still be watching Yahoo! Screen in 2024.
4 DC Universe
Launch: September 2018 — Defunct: January 2021
Starting September 15, 2018, the DC Universe streaming service showcased top-notch original DC productions such as the beloved superhero comedy series “Doom Patrol”, the currently popular “Titans” now on Netflix, and the hilarious “Harley Quinn”. The platform also emerged as the go-to destination for all things related to DC, providing fans with a reason to look forward to both classic and new content inspired by their beloved characters.
Great Selection, Bad Timing
Essentially, DC Universe has persisted in a modified form, transitioning to DC Universe Infinite in 2021 and focusing on hosting comic book content. The shift away from video content was logical and anticipated, as it was overseen by Warner Bros., leading many to believe that it would merge with another streaming service. Most of the content fell under the HBO Max brand, providing more value to subscribers due to its popularity. However, this change also meant that fans missed out on several excellent programs, such as Swamp Thing, which only had one season. Nevertheless, the decision was justified.
3 FilmStruck
Launch: November 2016 — Defunct: November 2018
FilmStruck, which debuted on November 1, 2016, ceased operations two years later, on November 29, 2018. Although it didn’t produce original content, this streaming service was highly appreciated by cinephiles due to its extensive library of classic and foreign films, including a significant portion of The Criterion Collection. This collection was later moved to their own streaming platform in 2019, making FilmStruck a treasure trove for film enthusiasts at the time. The news of its closure left many filmmakers and actors trying to argue for its worth with Warner Bros. before it shut down.
Once the Best Place for Classic, Art House, and Foreign Cinema
Despite being highly valued by its audience, FilmStruck was not deemed as crucial to its owners as they believed it to be. This assessment came during AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner, leading to the shutdown of the streaming platform. Many of its programs were consolidated into HBO Max, which became WarnerMedia’s main priority. Fortunately, this closure prompted Criterion to launch their own streaming service, ensuring a lasting home for their extensive collection. Initially, the demise of FilmStruck left a significant gap in the streaming world, but today it is often forgotten.
2 Popcornflix
Launch: July 2010 — Defunct: June 2024
Popcornflix, launched in July 2010, was one of the pioneering streaming services that provided ad-supported, free streaming content. Later platforms like Tubi and Plex have followed suit with this model. Popcornflix specializes in independent films, sourcing most of its library from Screen Media productions. Notable indie films on their platform include Corporate Animals, The Bad Batch, and Bel Canto. This makes Popcornflix a great place to discover lesser-known indie gems that might be overlooked on other platforms. Additionally, Popcornflix is accessible across various devices, which adds to its appeal.
The Slow Fall of a Streaming Staple
The downfall of Popcornflix was significantly influenced by the financial collapse of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, its parent company, which declared bankruptcy on June 29, 2024, following a dismal year in 2023 with reported losses of $636.6 million. Consequently, all assets, including Popcornflix, had to be liquidated. Although it may seem premature to reminisce about Popcornflix, given its long-standing presence in the streaming world, it was a notable platform that operated on the fringe of more prominent ones. With emerging free streaming platforms filling the void, it feels like an antique, despite closing this year. For those who feel sentimental, the YouTube channel preserves the legacy of Popcornflix.
1 Funimation
Launch: January 2016 — Defunct: April 2024
Back in 1994, I found myself captivated by the birth of Funimation, one of the trailblazers in the anime distribution realm. Its transition into streaming in 2016 felt like a seamless evolution, as it became home to some of the most iconic anime series ever produced, such as Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, and Attack on Titan. With over 800 series available, including both dubbed and subtitled versions, it was a veritable treasure trove for anime enthusiasts like myself. Additionally, users could access titles they’d purchased through physical media by redeeming codes on the service. Despite its impressive size and extensive catalog, the decision was made to merge it with Crunchyroll on April 2, 2024 – both platforms owned by Sony Pictures.
The End of an Era of Anime Streaming
Funimation’s closing is not merely a matter of farewell, but rather a source of debate among anime enthusiasts. When it merged with Crunchyroll, concerns arose about access to digital copies for those who had previously redeemed codes, potentially losing access to numerous series and movies. Although Crunchyroll has tried to alleviate the issue by providing alternative ways to access lost content or offering reduced subscriptions in specific cases, reactions remain divided; this is before considering the rise in subscription costs. Many will miss Funimation, especially those who constructed their libraries on the platform, as other streaming services like Crunchyroll and Netflix step up to deliver top-tier anime content. The closure of Funimation is likely to continue being a sensitive topic for anime fans for quite some time.
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2024-08-13 02:02