The beginning of the year marks the introduction of a new streaming platform – Discovery+, presenting programs from Discovery’s various networks, such as HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

Discovery+ was initially released in the United Kingdom and Ireland last autumn through an agreement with Sky; however, the company considers today to be the primary launch date as the service becomes accessible within the United States.

In spite of the competitive landscape of existing streaming services – which includes platforms like Disney+, ESPN+, Apple TV+ and the forthcoming Paramount+ – Discovery+ intends to differentiate itself by concentrating on documentary and reality-based programming, defining itself as “the leading subscription streaming service for nonfiction, real-life content.”

Furthermore, the service is offered at a cost of only $4.99 per month, or $6.99 for an experience without advertisements. Select subscribers of Verizon and Vodafone will also receive complimentary access. (Verizon is the parent company of TechCrunch.)

Upon its debut, Discovery+ features original series including multiple extensions of the “90 Day Fiancé” franchise, “Amy Schumer Learns to Cook: Uncensored,” “Bobby and Giada in Italy” starring Bobby Flay, “House Hunters: Comedians on Couches Unfiltered” – where comedians provide commentary on episodes of “House Hunters” – the nature documentary “Mysterious Planet,” “Judi Dench’s Wild Borneo Adventure,” and a selection of advance episodes for the upcoming Magnolia Network.

Discovery reports that the service currently boasts over 55,000 episodes in total, with plans to add 1,000 hours of exclusive content during its first year. The platform’s offerings extend beyond Discovery-owned brands, incorporating nature documentaries created by the BBC, and programming from A&E, The History Channel and Lifetime.

Discovery+ is compatible with Amazon Fire TV devices, iOS devices, Google TV/Android TV/Chromecast devices, Microsoft Xbox One and Series S/X, Roku, and Samsung smart TVs (models from 2017 onward). The company intends to expand its availability to 25 additional markets this year, including the Nordics, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and regions within Latin America and Asia.

“We are excited to collaborate with leading partners to ensure Discovery+ is available wherever our viewers are, as we launch in the U.S. today,” stated Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav. “Our goal is straightforward: to provide consumers with the ultimate destination for authentic entertainment at a price that complements any household’s existing streaming and television options. Currently, there is no comparable service available.”