For a long time now, The Criterion Channel has been one of my favorite streaming services. As I get older, I find myself more interested in movies that came out years ago rather than the latest films in theaters.
There’s just a tremendous back catalog of films I need to catch up on, especially those from the 1970s when I was a kid, as well as decades before that.
The Criterion Channel has become my guide, helping me narrow down the best films to watch, not just from the U.S., but from countries like Japan, Denmark, Austria, and others around the world.
Criterion launched its FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel on October 1, 2023 called Criterion 24/7. Subscribers can find it on the home page of the Criterion Channel.
If you are unfamiliar with FAST Channels, you can try out a FAST platform like Pluto TV and see how this new online version of “live TV” is becoming a popular option for cord-cutters who love to channel surf.
Criterion 24/7 has been a great addition for me because sometimes I get lost combing through the catalog or tracking down a recommendation. With such a large back catalog, the FAST Channel helps me dive into the Criterion catalog in a new way, letting me simply jump in and start watching without overthinking my choice.
One of the amazing things about Criterion is how it opens doors to new perspectives. You can watch plenty of World War II movies that explore themes of greed, love, or the meaning of life.
But when you watch a World War II movie made by a Japanese director, telling the story of the war or its aftermath in Japan, you get a remarkable point of view you won’t find anywhere else.
With so many films available, the FAST Channel has essentially become a tool to help me speed up my process of discovery.
Using Criterion 24/7
Right now, as I’m writing this, I’m watching a great documentary featuring the Tedeschi Trucks Band. I hopped on the mobile app, typed in “Tedeschi Trucks” and quickly found out the documentary is called “Learning to Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs & Englishmen.”
I’ll go back and watch this in its entirety. It’s the kind of documentary, filled with live music, that I’ll probably watch a few times in my home theater. It would be nice if Criterion 24/7 could give you the title of what you are watching, but for now, I can live with searching out titles on my own.
I think Criterion Channel might want to consider expanding its FAST Channel lineup, allowing viewers to jump into a mystery, thriller, or horror film.
With the success of platforms like Pluto TV, which combine “live” FAST Channels with an on-demand catalog, there’s already a successful blueprint in place for Criterion to expand its “live TV” lineup.
A subscription to Criterion Channel costs $10.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
