2021 will be an interesting year for cord cutters. Discovery, Inc. is set to launch its standalone streaming service, Discovery+, January 4th, 2021. Mark my words, “this move will set in motion an unprecedented amount of contract disputes that will shake the streaming sector for the whole year.“

Discovery, Inc. owns and controls most of the top cable/streaming networks out there. Animal Planet, Destination America, ID, TLC Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Own, Motor Trend and more. And just 2 of those listed above (Discovery and TLC) get over 450 million views per year. In total, Discovery owns more than 14 networks, including Starz and Lionsgate, and is offered on the top streaming platforms. (YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, Philo, fubo, and Sling TV.)

The new Discovery+ service will include content from all of Discovery’s networks, and at launch will feature over 55,000 episodes across more than 2,500 TV shows. On the case with Paula Zahn, Gold Rush, Property Brothers, See No Evil, Planet Earth. Discovery+ will also feature originals and exclusive content from BBC network.

There will be 2 plans, $4.99, with ads, and $6.99, ad-free. There is no news yet on what streaming devices the service will be available on, but I wouldn’t be surprised if issues arised with Roku and Fire TV. The service will be available in the U.S. and its surrounding territories only.