Tune in to women-centered stories this March on DISH On Demand.
During Women’s History Month this March, DISH On Demand is featuring women-centered stories — among them, seven historical heroines who left lasting impressions on the world. Tune in to DISH Network On Demand to explore the themes that surround their lives and how they still resonate today.
Inspiring Biopics for Celebrating Women’s History Month
Jackie (2016)
This film follows Jackie Kennedy on the day of President JFK’s assassination in 1963 and the days immediately following. Contextual flashbacks flesh out the Kennedy family dynamics, while the press interview framing the whole film emphasizes the First Lady’s role in shaping the story of JFK’s legacy.
Harriet (2019)
One of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman stared right down the barrel of the American slave trade and said, Not today — or ever again. This biopic showcases her commitment to abolishing a harrowing institution before the world was ready for it, inspiring all to take ownership and fight for justice now.
Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
This dual biopic explores the tension between royal cousins Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart — one the officially crowned sovereign leader of England, the other a Tudor royal with a claim to the throne. Using the thread of Mary’s attempted coup and eventual execution in 1558, this movie explores classic ruling power dynamics, skepticism toward women’s leadership, and the fight for individual liberty for women.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Back in the ’90s, single mom Erin Brockovich got an entry-level job at a law office — and quickly went on to take down a power company that contaminated the water supply of Hinkley, California. This movie illustrates how one woman’s pluck and perseverance can dramatically improve the lives of thousands.
The Young Victoria (2009)
A strong-willed woman from her youth, Queen Victoria succeeded the throne in 1837 against her regent’s wishes. This film is so many things at once: a romance about Victoria and Prince Albert; a prequel to Victoria’s legacy of reforms in labor, public health, education, and slavery abolition; and a story about quieting outside influences to hear your own voice.
On the Basis of Sex (2018)
At her passing in 2020, Ruth Bader Ginsburg had served on the United States Supreme Court for 27 years. This film follows Justice Ginsburg’s hard-won path to a respected legal career, starting with the groundbreaking sex discrimination case that opened doors for her and entire generations of women.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)
Whitney Houston’s iconic cover of “I Will Always Love You” in 1992 remains the best-selling single by a woman in music history — and that’s just one of her accolades. As soulful as her voice, this emotional biopic highlights the milestones that propelled her to international stardom and the triumphs and challenges that characterized her personal life.
Find More on DISH America’s Top 250
DISH On Demand isn’t the only way to learn from historical heroines this March for Women’s History Month. Consider America’s Top 250 for the widest variety of DISH TV content available, including movie channels with even more women’s stories.
Movie night’s gotten a reboot over the last several years. Rather than renting a tape and hooking up a VHS player, today’s viewers can simply pull out their smartphones or tell a robot to turn on the TV to start watching their movie of choice.
And thanks to streaming services, entertainment is now more accessible than ever. In fact, in 2018, time spent using streaming apps increased 140%. When did this big shift toward streaming apps happen, and where is technology heading? Let’s take a quick look at the history of streaming apps and what’s on the horizon.
History of Streaming
In the mid-90s, download speeds were minuscule and the streaming capabilities consumers are used to today wouldn’t have been possible. As soon as high-speed internet hit the scene, the game changed:
- 2000: Broadband internet launches, making sluggish dial-up a thing of the past. With more bandwidth available for downloading and streaming, websites see an increase in user-generated content.
- 2005: YouTube, the first major website for video streaming, launches.
- 2006: High-speed broadband internet reaches thirteen million users.
- 2007: Netflix begins streaming movies and television shows
- 2008: Hulu and Amazon Video follow Netflix, and the streaming revolution begins.
- 2009: The US government mandates all television stations to broadcast exclusively in a digital format, making streaming a clearer and even more appealing way to watch TV and movies.
- 2010: Netflix launches its first streaming app for Apple devices.
Current Streaming Trends
Today, consumers have several convenient ways to watch their favorite shows and movies wherever they are: on the go, in bed, or just about anywhere else.
Along with the streaming apps offered by Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon Prime, streaming hubs are gaining popularity, making it easier than ever to stream content. Streaming hubs allow users to access their favorite apps instantly, rather than having to connect their laptops to their TVs via an HDMI cable every time they want to stream video. Brands like Xbox, PlayStation, Roku, and AppleTV pioneered the way for consumers to stream movies, shows, and live television without a computer, and Amazon’s Fire Stick, and Google’s Chromecast joined the game soon after.
But with so many streaming devices available, consumers have a hard time deciding which streaming hub to use, and many people use multiple streaming hubs in a single home.
Smart TVs
Television manufacturers came up with an easy alternative to streaming hubs: the smart TV.
In 2013, Samsung released its first smart TV, equipped with streaming apps, in the US—all viewers needed were an internet connection and a streaming service subscription to start watching content. Now, almost all smart TVs come preloaded with the latest streaming apps.
However, many people still prefer a streaming hub over built-in smart TV apps, depending on the TV’s quality.
Live TV Streaming Services
Consumers value paid TV packages for access to live video streaming. Dozens of networks—including Fox, NBC, ESPN, CNN, and CBS—offer in-app live streaming. However, many of these apps require provider-specific login credentials for full access. Whether it’s for an award show, live sports streaming, or viewing another televised event, there’s an app for that.
Mobile Streaming
Streaming video on a phone used to be a last resort. Apps were clunky and download speeds were unreliable. Now, mobile streaming is one of the most popular ways to stream content. And as phones get bigger and cellular service improves nationwide, mobile streaming will likely maintain its popularity.
Cable and Satellite Streaming Apps
Satellite customers can now use streaming apps like DISH Anywhere to access exclusive channels and DVR recordings away from home. Paid TV packages offer great value to consumers who also want to access free media content on network apps like WatchESPN and Showtime Anytime.
The Future of Streaming
The future of streaming hinges on technological advances and consumer demands. For example, Netflix Originals increased by 88% in 2018, proving the company has the technology, time, and money to create original content specific to its customers’ interests. Other streaming platforms, like Amazon Prime, have followed suit, and consumers can likely expect more original content to air in the future.
Additionally, virtual assistants like Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa currently play a role in streaming apps. Digital assistants can be programmed for tasks such as turning on a streaming app, pausing a show, or adjusting the volume through simple voice commands. Since virtual assistants don’t require consumers to have extra equipment to control their entertainment systems, the entire process becomes smoother and easier—and it will likely get better as technology advances.
Streaming apps have certainly changed television and will continue to shape the way viewers consume entertainment for years to come.
