8 Niche TV Streaming Networks That You Didn't Know Existed

Focus – Classic Cinema

A perfectly acceptable criticism of Netflix is that their appetite for films has dropped dramatically in recent years, with their ongoing interest now being almost solely on their array of original shows rather than the libraries of distributors on which they made their name.

Streaming networks are a nightmare for film connoisseurs, as no one network will ever be able to offer every single film that an individual wants to watch. This coupled with the fact that the rights to titles constantly switch between platforms and the almost exclusive focus on recent blockbusters means that physical media is probably not going away any time soon.

The Film Detective targets itself at such individuals, charging just $3.99 per month for access to their 22 categories, which range from genres such as Western, War, Film Noir, and Horror movies to more specific areas such as Laurel And Hardy and pre-Hays Code releases. Their offering also includes a range of classic shorts, cartoons and TV episodes, allowing viewers to watch everything from Charlie Chaplin to Popeye.

Most of their films are obscure releases that have lapsed into the public domain (and have been restored in many cases by the network themselves), meaning that those looking for the likes of Casablanca and Citizen Kane will have to go elsewhere. Plenty of hidden gems are lurking, however, and preservation should always be encouraged.