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Babylon 5 is now free to watch on YouTube (cordcuttersnews.com)

648 points by walterbell · 157 days ago · 373 comments on HN

Article summary

Warner Bros. Discovery has started uploading full episodes of the classic science fiction series Babylon 5 to YouTube, making it available for free. The show's five seasons were previously available on Tubi, but were removed due to licensing agreements expiring. The episodes are being released on a weekly basis, with the pilot episode already available. This move is seen as a way to reintroduce the show to both old and new fans, and to potentially revive interest in the franchise.

Main themes

  • Babylon 5
  • YouTube release
  • Science fiction
  • TV show distribution
  • Streaming services
  • Video quality

What commenters say

  • The YouTube version of Babylon 5 is a 16:9 widescreen crop of a 4:3 TV crop of the original 16:9 filming, which may not be the optimal way to watch the show.
  • The show's video quality is not ideal due to the use of a 4:3 remaster, which is considered the best version available, but some prefer the 16:9 DVDs for their cinematic feel.
  • Some viewers find the acting and humor in the show's early seasons to be mediocre, but others disagree and think it holds up well even today.
  • The show's intricate universe and characters make it a great watch, despite some episodes being weaker than others, and its themes and plot lines remain relevant to modern times.
  • The decision to release the show on YouTube is seen as a way to revive interest in the franchise and potentially lead to new content, but some are skeptical about the quality of the available episodes.
  • The show's creator, J. Michael Straczynski, had to adapt the story to fit the constraints of the time, including the uncertainty of the show's future, which affected the pacing and plot of certain seasons.
  • Some viewers appreciate the show's humor and situational comedy, which is missing from many modern TV dramas, while others find it dated or cheesy.
  • The show's exploration of complex themes, such as fascism and politics, is still relevant today and makes it a compelling watch.