Streaming music, TV shows and specials continue to be part of our everyday life. And while Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Video are the top dogs, more and more streaming platforms that focus on a niche audience continue to enter the streaming space.
Of course, there are streaming services targeted strictly for horror fans such as Shudder and Screambox, but the other side of the genre-preference spectrum includes NBC's streaming service dedicated to comedy called Seeso.
NBCUniversal announced on Wednesday that its comedy-streaming service will launch on Thursday, Jan. 7. It is in beta now.
Seeso's initial launch will be on iOS and Android platforms, and the channel will also be available on its website seeso.com, with more platform to come in the future.
"We think the world needs more laughter, so we put together what we think is the best collection of comedy in one place. Come, seeso for yourself," Evan Shapiro, NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises executive vice president, said in a press release.
A subscription to Seeso is just $3.99, a reasonable price for users who love to laugh, but don't want to pull the chord on their Netflix subscription. The comedy-streaming service is ad- and commercial-free. It will feature over 2,000 hours of original content, including uncensored stand-up comedy specials with its launch, with new content expected to be released daily.
Starting on Jan. 7, Seeso subscribers can stream the exclusive original series that include: The UCB Show from Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh; a music comedy called Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane; Before the Morning After, starring some of the world's best comedians who are drunk in at diner at 2 a.m.; and the animated sketch series The Cyanide & Happiness Show, based on the popular web comic.
Users can sample the service for free up until the official launch, which will include the first episodes of all these shows. New episodes of these original series will then air weekly.
Seeso will also feature live stand-up specials like the hour-long special from Upright Citizens Brigade's Matt Besser titled Besser Breaks The Record, and Rory Scovel's Rory Scovel: The Charleston Special.
Along with these exclusives, comedy fans will also be able to stream some oldies but goodies like the remastered HD edition of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Saved By The Bell, and episodes from NBC native shows 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation and The Office.
Other cult comedy classics include Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, Nathan Barley, and all of the series in the Alan Partridge canon.
Seeso also allows subscribers to stream new episodes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers the day after they air, as well as more than 40 years of SNL episodes.
To sign up for Seeso's free beta, head over to the website, where users will be instructed to enter their email address to gain access. No credit cards are required, and viewers can still sample Seeso after its official launch.
Source: NBCUniversal
