Roku gets frugal with the content and price of its new streaming service

In an era where subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services are becoming increasingly pricey and ad-laden, Roku has introduced its new streaming platform, Howdy, providing an affordable option for viewers. Launched today in the U.S. for just $3 per month, Howdy is currently available through web browsers and the Howdy app on Roku OS, with plans to expand to mobile and other platforms soon. According to Roku, Howdy boasts an impressive library featuring nearly 10,000 hours of content sourced from major partners such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, and Filmrise. While this selection is significantly smaller compared to Roku’s flagship service, The Roku Channel, which includes a wider array of content from companies like AMC Networks and NBCUniversal, Howdy offers a unique proposition for budget-conscious streamers. Among the highlighted titles available on Howdy are popular films like "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015) and "The Blind Side" (2009), alongside classic TV shows such as the Canadian series "Kids in the Hall" (1984–present) and Showtime’s "Weeds" (2005–2012). The selection continues with notable films including "American Psycho" (2000), "Divergent" (2014), and "Reservoir Dogs" (1992), as well as popular series like "Ambitions" (2019) and "Southland" (2009–2013). While Howdy’s content may not compete with the latest offerings from giants like Netflix or Hulu, its appealing price point makes it a standout choice for those seeking mainstream, if somewhat nostalgic, entertainment without the burden of advertisements. In contrast, ad-free access to larger libraries from competitors can cost significantly more, with Netflix charging $18/month and Hulu $19/month for similar services.