Paramount+ vs Philo

Pluto TV Removes Kids Mode Feature

Pluto TV has removed the Kids Mode feature from its free streaming service following a recent app update. The mode previously allowed parents to restrict the platform to age-appropriate content for children, using a PIN-protected profile. The removal comes as part of a redesigned app that shares technical infrastructure with Paramount+, featuring a recommendation-heavy interface and no dedicated kids-only profile. While Pluto TV still offers family and children's content, it is no longer separated into a restricted mode. Parents must now rely on device-level controls or supervision. The company has not yet commented on the removal or possible future reinstatement.

• Pluto TV has removed the Kids Mode feature from its free streaming service.
• The removal occurred with a redesigned app that shares technical infrastructure with Paramount+.
• The Kids Mode feature is still listed in Pluto TV's help section but is no longer available in the app.

Paramount+ Plans New Star Trek Development, TV Slate Pauses

Paramount+ says Star Trek remains a strategic priority even as its current live-action slate winds down under the newly merged Paramount-Skydance structure. Strange New Worlds will end after a shortened fifth season, Starfleet Academy has been canceled (with a completed second season slated for release next year before concluding), and preschool animated Star Trek Scouts will continue. Paramount+ executives say they are working with writers and drawing on CBS Studios to develop the next major television iteration, while a theatrical reboot directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein is in development with a new cast and time period.

• Paramount+ confirmed Star Trek remains a core part of its long-term strategy.
• Strange New Worlds is airing season 4 and will conclude with a shorter fifth season.
• Starfleet Academy was canceled after its debut season; a completed second season is scheduled for release next year before the show ends.

Paramount+ September 2026 Programming Lineup

Paramount+ published its September 2026 programming and sports schedule, including new originals, returning series, live events and a heavy sports calendar. Key highlights: The Varnell Hill Show (Paramount+ Original) premieres September 1 starring Tommy Davidson; South Park and other series return in mid-September; MobLand Season 2 arrives September 18. The schedule also lists major live sports and events streaming on Paramount+ and CBS, including NFL on CBS doubleheaders, college football matchups, UEFA competitions, UFC events, PBR Team Series, the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (Sept 27) and other league competitions. The announcement notes that some titles and live CBS streams require Paramount+ Premium and that CBS live feeds are available on-demand to all subscribers the day after airing.

• Paramount+ premieres The Varnell Hill Show (Season 1) on September 1, 2026.
• South Park (Season 29) is listed as a mid-September premiere on Paramount+ (next-day availability noted).
• MobLand Season 2 arrives on Paramount+ on September 18, 2026.

USPI Adds Popularity Score; Owning Content Wins

State of Streaming updated its Unified Streaming Power Index (USPI) in August by adding a new Popularity Score vector, developed with Reelgood, that ranks streaming services by consumer interest across their full catalogs. The Popularity Score averages how often a service's titles appear in the national Top 100 each day over a month, creating a forward-looking index aimed at projecting where audience attention is headed. The USPI separates services into 'owners' (catalog-first platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max) and 'renters' (wrappers/resellers like Philo, Fubo, Roku Premium) to signal stability risks tied to content ownership. The August edition argues that services reselling third-party content can post strong short-term numbers but are vulnerable to carriage changes, while owners show more durable demand signals.

• The Unified Streaming Power Index (USPI) added a new Popularity Score metric for August.
• The Popularity Score was built in partnership with Reelgood and averages daily Top 100 presence per title over a month.
• Philo and Fubo scored highly in August despite not owning the content driving demand.

Philo vs Frndly TV: Best Budget Live TV 2026

This Cord Cutters News article (by Jess Barnes, published August 22, 2026) compares two budget live TV streaming services: Philo and Frndly TV. It summarizes available plans and pricing for each service (Philo: Free tier, Essential $25/month, Bundle+ $33/month with add-on services; Frndly: Basic $8.99, Classic $10.99, Premium $12.99), channel counts and examples, DVR and streaming quality differences, and device compatibility. The piece lists channel lineups side-by-side and notes both services support major devices including iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. The article includes affiliate disclosures and links.

• Philo offers a Free streaming lineup, an Essential plan at $25/month, and a Bundle+ plan at $33/month.
• Philo’s Essential plan includes 70+ live TV channels, 150+ free streaming channels, 80,000+ movies and shows on demand, and unlimited DVR with one-year storage.
• Frndly TV offers three plans: Basic $8.99/month (40+ channels, SD, 1 screen), Classic $10.99/month (HD, 2 screens, 3-month DVR retention), and Premium $12.99/month (HD, 4 screens, 9-month DVR retention).

No App Switching Necessary: Bundle+ Subscribers Can Now Stream discovery+’s Library Directly in the Philo App

Starting now, Bundle+ subscribers can browse and stream discovery+ programming directly inside the Philo app, no separate sign-in or second app required. We’re also introducing a discovery+ Ad-Free upgrade for $8/month, available through Philo.com, for anyone who wants to watch without interruption.