My Journey into Paid Streaming: How I Transformed My TV Series Experience

Here's why I have no regrets about my decision.

Oksana Strakula

Digital SMM Specialist. Subscriber to a popular streaming platform for 4 years.

As an SMM specialist, I focus on brand development in social media and special projects. My workday follows a standard eight-hour schedule at the office, but evenings and weekends sometimes involve freelance tasks. The workload can be intense, so unwinding and recharging is essential. That's where TV series come in.

I started watching TV series in my early teens, around age 14, drawn to multi-episode stories about teenagers—though I barely recall their titles now.

My engagement deepened in 2015 during maternity leave when I had more free time to watch content on my phone, tablet, or laptop.

Why I Opted for a Subscription Service

Initially, I watched pirated content via free online platforms and torrents. Eventually, friends recommended switching to a legitimate streaming service.

This choice was practical—paying for a service that offers a vast library of both new and classic series, allowing me to watch favorites or pick something based on my mood.

Over time, paying for streaming saved me significant time. No more endless searching or reading reviews; everything is conveniently organized in one place. Plus, each series page suggests similar shows you might enjoy.

I started with a free trial week and was impressed by the extensive catalog and user-friendly interface. After the trial, I subscribed permanently.

Features I Appreciate

Three functions stood out to me immediately:

• Offline Viewing: Download episodes to watch without internet access by tapping the download icon.
• Favorites List: I curate my favorite shows like "Grey's Anatomy," "Mistresses," "Big Little Lies," "Killing Eve," "Chernobyl," and "American Horror Story."
• Audio and Subtitle Options: I used to watch shows in the original language to improve my vocabulary, but now I prefer dubbed versions. Switching between audio tracks is seamless without interrupting playback.

Another great feature is that my watch history syncs across all devices, so I can start an episode on my phone and finish on my laptop, picking up exactly where I left off. This convenience is a time-saver compared to pirated services.

My Current Viewing Habits

I don't spend much time watching series nowadays. I regularly follow two shows: the second season of "Big Little Lies" and the premiere of "Why Women Kill." My viewing schedule is flexible—I might watch one or two episodes or binge an entire season.

I usually watch after work as my personal downtime, dedicating time to activities I enjoy like series, fitness, reading, and socializing.

TV series are a great way to unwind. That's why I now prefer watching dubbed versions to avoid the strain of understanding complex medical terms or strong accents.

Sometimes, I even watch during lunch breaks when I'm alone, often choosing "Mistresses" for its humor and engaging storyline.

The service allows sharing a subscription with multiple profiles, keeping watch histories and favorites separate. I share my account with my mother since my husband isn't into series, and my daughter is too young.

My mother, less of a series enthusiast, occasionally watches shows I recommend, like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Why Women Kill." Sometimes she introduces me to new finds, such as "The Bridge," which she discovered through IMDb's top detective series ratings.

Up to four people can watch simultaneously on one subscription, making it perfect for friends or family.

Reflections After Four Years

My opinion of the streaming service remains positive. It’s a modern, convenient platform that meets my needs and hosts all my favorite series.

The service has changed how I view some shows. For instance, I once dismissed "Grey's Anatomy" as a silly soap opera, but after discovering it in the medical series category, I watched, loved, and added it to my favorites.

I often recommend the platform to friends to discuss new episodes together. Sometimes I share my login details for them to experience the service firsthand and appreciate its convenience and time-saving features.

A subscription grants early legal access to popular series like "Killing Eve," "American Horror Story," and "The New Pope," with new episodes available on release day internationally.

If you’re not chasing premieres, the platform also offers timeless hits like "The Sopranos," "Breaking Bad," "Game of Thrones," and "Scrubs."

Subscriptions can be purchased monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. New users receive a 7-day free trial.

Using promo code LIFEHACKER, new subscribers can enjoy the first month for just $1.30. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to switch to legal streaming, this is it.

Dive into the world of TV series and transform your viewing experience.

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