There’s a certain charm to having a pile of streaming services at your fingertips, especially when the grandkids come over or you’re just in the mood to kick back with some decent entertainment. But lately, the revolving carousel of content on platforms like Disney Plus and Paramount Plus has been less “magical kingdom” and more “empty kingdom.” It’s enough to make an old-timer like me, who’s just figuring out this whole internet streaming business—not to mention trying to keep up without accidentally “liking” something—wonder if all the fuss is worth the fuss. Honestly, if the content for the month ahead looks so unappetizing, I’d be pulling the plug on these subscriptions faster than you can say “Mickey Mouse.”

Let me set the stage. We’re living in an age where having multiple streaming subscriptions is almost the norm. It’s like having a dozen cable channels but without the bulky box and confusing remote controls. Yet, unlike the old days when you might stumble upon a gem by sheer accident, today’s streaming services tend to lean on their blockbuster titles or original series to keep subscribers hooked. But what happens when those titles dry up or offer little new to watch? If it feels like you’re digging through the same drawer of reruns month after month, the appeal quickly diminishes.

Case in point: Disney Plus and Paramount Plus have both shown some pretty lackluster lineups for June 2025, as reported recently. We’re talking about platforms with massive back catalogs and iconic franchises, yet the new content is slim pickings—or so it seems. When I look at those schedules, I can’t help but recall my own experiences trying to entertain my family. Disney Plus, with its treasure trove of animated classics, Star Wars sagas, and Marvel adventures, has always been a favorite around here. But when no fresh content or enticing new releases appear on the horizon, even those familiar favorites start to feel stale. Similarly, Paramount Plus, which once seemed to promise an appealing mix of live-action series and old-school movies, is now coming across like a faded channel on the dial no one cares to tune into anymore.

The bigger picture here is that content is king, but it also needs to be current and compelling. I’m not pretending to be some savvy media critic—heck, half the streaming features confuse me more than they entertain—but it’s clear that an endless parade of the same shows, whether animated reruns or crime procedurals that run in circles, just doesn’t cut it. When the reason you keep a subscription is nostalgia or residual goodwill for an intellectual property, the risk of disappointment grows exponentially when new, engaging offerings fall flat.

Back when I first heard about Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, I figured these services might be a passing fad, akin to those complicated VCRs we never really mastered. But Netflix’s steady stream of original hits taught me otherwise. They managed to strike a balance between brand new shows, quality movies, and a decent back catalog. Disney Plus and Paramount Plus? Well, they still have their marquee names, but they’re leaning too hard on their past glory without enough investment in fresh content. As a result, when the monthly slate looks thin, I find myself scratching my head, thinking, “Why am I paying for this?”

For families or anyone with a long list of subscriptions, this is particularly frustrating. Each service costs money, and when the content isn’t pulling its weight, those cumulative expenses amount to what I’d call “subscription fatigue.” It’s a real thing—asking yourself whether it’s worth maintaining access to a library of shows you’ve seen a dozen times or waiting for a new release that might not arrive for months. Why not just cancel, take a break, and return when the programming is more robust and meaningful?

Another factor to consider is how these platforms communicate their updates. If you’re anything like me, hearing about upcoming new shows or movies used to be part of the monthly ritual—whether from the TV guide, newspapers, or good old-fashioned word of mouth. Now, it feels like these streaming giants sometimes hide their schedules behind layers of apps and notifications, making it harder to gauge whether you’re getting your money’s worth at a glance. When transparency falters, patience wears thin.

It’s tempting to think that canceling is a decision that means losing out—missing the latest Star Wars showdown or waiting years for a sequel to a beloved animated movie. But streaming services are, after all, a business. They compete fiercely, and if they don’t keep bringing their A-game, subscribers like me aren’t shy about taking a break or switching lanes. The power of the consumer lies in choice, and as streaming stacks higher, so do expectations.

So, to sum it up, canceling Disney Plus and Paramount Plus—even if only temporarily—is a sensible move this month for anyone who, like me, expects more bang for their buck. When your streaming diet feels repetitive and uninspired, it’s okay to step back and reassess before diving back in. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more. Even in our increasingly digital world, enjoying entertainment should still feel like a treat, not a chore.

In the meantime, there are plenty of other fish in the streaming sea. Maybe it’s time to dust off some DVDs (remember those?), revisit classic films on free services, or simply engage with other hobbies. Streaming doesn’t have to run your leisure time; it’s meant to enhance it. And if the big players can’t keep the content fresh, well, the cancel button is always right there—waiting patiently for the next round.