The Network TV vs AARP Streams
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
The Network TV
Discover exclusive original series with this streaming platform. Enjoy new dramas and comedies released regularly, all without any subscription fees or ads. Stream your favorite shows anytime, anywhere, on any device.
- Exclusive original series
- Drama Tuesdays
- Comedy Thursdays
- No subscription required
- Stream on any device
- Ad-supported content
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If you know about The Network… You know about The Network. We release only original series - With Drama Tuesdays and Comedy Thursdays, there’s a premium show for everyone. We believe premium content doesn’t have to cost our subscribers a penny. And we also believe that you shouldn’t have to waste your time searching for content - That’s why we release two shows at a time, and nothing else! What you'll love about The Network: Free Premium Content that you literally can’t find anywhere else. We only release Network originals. No Subscription Required: Say goodbye to monthly bills! The Network is completely free to use. No trials, no credit cards - just immersive stories. Stream Anytime, Anywhere: Whether you're at home or on the go, The Network is ready to entertain you. Stream your favorite series seamlessly on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable streaming journey with The Network. Download now and start binge-watching your new favorite series - all for free! Privacy Policy: thenetwork.stream/privacy Terms of Use: thenetwork.stream/terms
AARP Streams
Stream a curated selection of movies and theater performances specifically chosen for a mature audience. Discover new releases, classic films, and hidden gems. Perfect for relaxing at home or sharing with friends.
- Watch AARP Movies for Grownups
- Access AARP Theater screenings
- Curated content for a grownup audience
- Discover new releases and classics
- Suitable for home viewing or watch parties
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AARP Streams allows you to watch a variety of entertainment from your mobile device. The AARP Streams app is the best app to watch AARP Movies for Grownups and AARP Theater screenings, handpicked for a grownup audience. AARP champions movies for grownups, by grownups, by advocating for the 50-plus audience, and encouraging films and performances that resonate with grownup audiences. Discover hidden gems, new releases and beloved classics. Whether you want to relax at home or host a watch party with friends, AARP Streams is the app for you. Enjoy the show!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: AARP Streams at none against The Network TV's shown. AARP Streams also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). The Network TV's advantage is rating (2.7 vs 2.3). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
The Network TV holds the better App Store score, 2.7 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 61 and 27 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of The Network TV's written reviews are positive against 18% of AARP Streams's.
The Network TV ships an update every 5 months, AARP Streams every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | The Network TV | AARP Streams |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.7 (61 ratings) — better | 2.3 (27 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews — better | 17.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 61 — better | 27 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 45 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | BH Media Holdings LLC | AARP |
Customer experience
The Network TV
AARP Streams
Bugs and requests
The Network TV
Reported bugs
57 issues- Sound cuts out after commercials
- App freezes after commercials
- Won't advance past ads
- Shows stop after commercials, frozen screen
- Fast forward goes backward, back jumps ahead
Show 52 moreShow fewer
- Paid subscription still has ads
- App doesn't remember watched content
- Doesn't play well on Apple TV
- Cannot stream through Chromecast
- Ads are too long and too many
- CC option won't stick
- Paid upgrade shows no additional content
- No way to contact for refund
- App is terrible, should be removed
- Only 30 titles available
- Watching for 90 minutes involves 45 minutes of ads
- Constant freezes force app restart
- Ads are seen umpteen times
- Full screen option returns to start
- No way to view closed captions
- Reporting a problem is not available
- App freezes, doesn't save place, forces ads on restart
- Episodes freeze, restart from beginning, watch ads again
- Cannot cancel subscription
- Ads every 10 minutes, same ads over and over
- Paid ad-free service requires antenna
- Same four commercials every seven minutes
- Show doesn't stay where left off
- Cannot FF to where you were
- Status bar doesn't fade away
- Full screen arrow closes video
- App doesn't save time in content
- Cannot make content play, only trailers
- App crashes in middle of episode
- App constantly disconnects when casting
- Constant buffering
- Subtitles show top half only
- Cannot find app on TV
- Registration fails, proceed button doesn't work
- Error message: 'Oops something went wrong'
- Cannot rewind properly
- Backing out of show starts over
- Cannot login on Apple TV
- Casting forgets where it's at, restarts show
- Abrupt episode conclusions
- App doesn't work on Roku TV and iPad
- Only trailers and 2 commercials shown
- Error message when trying to watch trailers
- Unable to reset password
- Error message when trying to log back in
- Email recognized as already in use
- Password reset email not received
- Shows look great but app not found on Apple TV
- App has only 2 trailers
- No subtitle options on next episode
- Cannot set subtitles to always be on
- Trailer never starts to stream, only commercials
Requested features
8 requests- Allow users to reset password
- Add more titles/content
- Improve subtitle options
- Fix CC not sticking
- Implement a way to report problems
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- Add a streaming icon to the home page
- Improve UI
- Make the app available on TV app stores
AARP Streams
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
The Network TV
No in-app purchases
AARP Streams
No in-app purchases
