Streaming Wars: How Getting Everything We Wanted Changed Entertainment Forever

by Charlotte Henry

Streaming broadcasters have given consumers all the content they could ever want. But at what cost?

In Streaming Wars, journalist Charlotte Henry explores the seismic shifts behind the rise of platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Paramount and more. From Hollywood's 2023 strikes to the race for sports rights, the growth of ad-supported tiers and the decline of traditional TV, she reveals how streaming has disrupted not only media economics, but also the power structures that define what gets made and who gets seen.

As AI, rebundling and fierce competition drive a new phase in the streaming era, Streaming Wars offers a sharp, accessible look at what's next for companies, creators and audiences alike. Whether you're a casual viewer or a media professional, Streaming Wars is your essential guide to the business battles transforming entertainment.

264 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2025

Reviews

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is trying to do so much, but ends up achieving so little. Don't get me wrong, a lot of research has gone into the book. But it's almost that synthesising the research was where it stops. It often reads more like a Wikipedia entry, covering every type of streaming from Netflix to Serial to live streamed terrorism, and it even finishes with a list of favourite shows and podcasts.
But throughout the book, it often stays at this surface level of listicles. Why did this media fragmentation happen in the first place? And why could it be moving into the direction of rebundling? It's the fundamental tensions here that are largely left unexplored.
So I kept wondering who this book is for? Clearly not for people like me, who were already familiar with the subject matter and the history. This is more like Streaming 101.
If this book ever gets a sequel that builds on this foundation and dives deep into the underlying drivers of this shift in consumer behaviour and where it's heading next, then I'll be up for reading that.
Thanks to Kogan Page and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this look at how streaming changed the entertainment landscape. Henry does a great job explaining how we went from cutting the cord on cable to juggling multiple streaming services that now include ads again. I liked how she tied in the 2023 Hollywood strikes and the growing influence of AI, which added a timely layer to the story. The writing is clear, approachable, and never talks down to the reader. It is an engaging and insightful read that made me think differently about what we gained and lost in the streaming era.

Thank you to Kogan Page and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging look at the different aspects of streaming (video, audio, gaming etc) and the way they are battling with each other and consumers in the modern market.

[Aaa · Rating 1 out of 5]

An actual chore to read