Brought to you by Shomi and TheCo.
My boys love watching cartoons and children’s programs, but when it comes to finding great content, we don’t always agree on the best shows. They want variety, and lots of it. I want content that’s age appropriate, no matter what. Shomi, Canada’s newest streaming service for top television shows and movies, promised to deliver both. So I was thrilled when we got the chance to test it out and see for ourselves how we liked it.
Shomi can be streamed either on a home computer, select Internet television devices, a mobile device, an Xbox 360 or, for Rogers and Shaw customers, through the cable box without Internet access. Since my boys have an Xbox 360 that they use almost exclusively, adding Shomi to that just made sense. I also set it up on my laptop so that we could plug it into the television and watch on the large screen in the living room if we liked. Then I set the boys loose and let them start browsing!
What sets Shomi apart from other streaming services, is its carefully curated content. Shows and movies are chosen by real parents with real knowledge about what kids like, so children are sure to find a great variety of options they love. In fact, with children’s programs divided into three different age groups, finding a great show quickly is way easier. That means less time browsing and more time watching, which definitely made my boys happy!
Benjamin browsed in the 6-9 year age group, and was thrilled when he found Super Mario Brothers on Shomi. His brother likes watching the adventures of these two cheery brothers too, so both boys were soon curled up on their giant beanbag chair enjoying the episodes. But after a few episodes, Benjamin decided to look for something else. Luckily, his all-time favourite show ever, Spongebob Squarepants, was also on Shomi!
Later that day, Zackary took control of the program choice. At nine years old, he’s at the tail end of the 6-9 year age range on Shomi, so he decided to take a look at the shows in the 10-13 year category instead. He quickly found America’s Funniest Home Videos and was soon laughing hysterically at the episodes. I have to admit that this is a show even I enjoy, so I sat down to relax for a few minutes and watch a few of the pranks and mishaps too!
My boys were sold on the great variety of shows Shomi had to offer. And I loved that I could create up to six different Shomi profiles on a single account, as well as the fact that children’s accounts would never show results above a PG rating. But what really sold me on Shomi personally was the great selection of family-friendly movies! I love sitting down for a movie night with my boys, but finding a movie with the perfect blend of kid appeal and adult-friendly humour isn’t easy. Luckily, Shomi had tons of great titles, so we celebrated the holidays by sitting down to watch one of our Christmas favourites, Elf!
Want to give Shomi a try and see for yourself what makes it the best choice for family streaming? You’re in luck, because right now, until January 31, 2016, you can enjoy a two-month trial of Shomi absolutely free! And with so many top holiday movies including A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Jack Frost and many more, now is the perfect time to give Shomi a try! Just visit shomi.com to learn more and sign up for your free trial.
But even after the holiday season is done, you’re sure to be impressed with the variety of television shows and movies available on Shomi. And since you can stream to your computer, select tablets and mobile devices, Xbox 360, Apple TV, Chromecast or your cable box, watching what you want, when you want has never been easier. For just $8.99 a month, you can’t go wrong! Sign up for your free trial now and see why Shomi is the hottest new streaming service in Canada. The whole family will be happy you did!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Shomi, but the opinions expressed are my own.
Cheryl says
I tried shomi before when it was in its early stages, I would try it again for sure!
Chandra O"Connor says
sounds like some good shows unfortunately I dont have satellite I canceled tv to save money
Kathryn says
You don’t need satellite, Chandra! I have it on our XBox and on my phone and tablet, and I don’t have satellite either. 🙂
LisaM says
We’ve got it through Bell. And love it!
kristen visser says
I need to talk to hubby more about Shomi! I have heard about it before but didn’t know too much about it. i love the variety or shows and movies Shomi has
Holly MacRitchie says
Sounds great, I am going to try my free trial!
Alison Braidwood says
Interesting. I’m considering dumping my cable provider. So it’s good to know there are quality alternatives online.
Lynda Cook says
I have heard of this, but I have Netflix, because I do not have Shaw, Rogers or Bell, but it is a great service for people that want something different than Netflix
Kathryn says
I don’t have Shaw, Rogers or Bell either. With the option of having it on the XBox or mobile devices, you don’t need an account with any of them to sign up. I actually have both Netflix and Shomi right now and I can’t believe how much the boys are enjoying Shomi. Lol
Lynda Cook says
Oh cool, I will have to check it out then, because honestly Netflix starts to get boring!!
Jenness M says
I’m going to sign up for the free trial! So glad I read this!
Cheryl says
Looks like a great movie selection!! I will have to check it out 🙂
nicolthepickle says
I’m going to have to check this out over the next week. Thanks for sharing.
DebP says
I’d like to try Shomi, and maybe will after my Netflix subscription runs out.
Doris H says
I signed up for Shomi a couple months ago….so far we are liking it.
Ronald Gagnon says
We tried shomi for the first month that it was offered for free by our carrier..but even though it was great we did not sign up as we have a plethora of of movie channels
Jamie hall says
Was thinking of signing up for it
Athena says
The kids enjoy Shomi
Kristi says
I never knew much about Shomi, I’m surprised at the selection of movies!
Sandy Couzens says
I hadn’t heard much about Shomi before I read your article but now I am. I will have to tell my husband about it. Thank you for the article 🙂
Megan Shaina says
Totally going to try Shomi!
Christine Holliday says
I thought they had stopped the free trials. I guess I should give it a go.
K Yee says
Thank you for the informative posting. It helped me understand just what Shomi is.
Wayne Couzens says
I have seen the offer from SHAW about Shomi but we haven’t tried it yet. Maybe in the new year.
BobbyB says
I gotta get my nephews into this, they both loves games/tv
Judy Cowan says
Too bad it is only for Rogers or Shaw customers 🙁 I am not a customer of either company.
Megan says
I don’t think Shomi has that good of a selection…
Victoria Ess says
This sounds great! I’ll definitely have to sign up and try it!
JaimeeM says
im an avid netflix user, ive been so curious about shomi.
Karla Sceviour says
I love Netflix,,but have never tried Shomi before..interesting.
Shelley N says
I saw a few of their ads at the movies but they focused on the adult movies. did not know much about them before this post
AD says
Shomi has a great selection of TV shows; I signed up on the 1st and have been devouring Vikings!
Fan R says
I already have Shomi, so good to see we are all using same service.
Lauren Bassart says
I would try it for sure.
Laurie P says
Hubby tried it and really likes it!
heather wesley says
we have been using netflix, but I’ve heard great things about shomi so maybe we’ll try that as well
Dee Schwark says
Great article. We have Netflix, but I’ve been curious about Shomi…I might give it a try 🙂
Cheryl Grandy says
Shomi sounds like a great deal for families. I like that the programs are divided into age groups and that the shows can be watched on so many devices. Thanks for letting me know about another option for viewing.
Maggie C says
I am not a Rogers / Shaw customer — or else i would love to try this!
Josie Tusa says
Shomi sounds like a great package. I will have to look into this and give it a try.
Donnas says
I signed up but was only offered a one month free trial. That being said I haven’t watched anything on it yet. So most likely it will be cancelled after the month is over.
Krista M says
I am a Netflix user.. I’ve heard of Shomi but wasn’t quite sure overall what their service provided, so thanks for this post! I’m curious to try it now & will sign up for the trial period to see if the kids & I enjoy it!
Luisa says
I tried Shomi before but opted for netflix instead. Might have to try them again! thanks for the blog post and info
angela m says
This is the first time I have heard of Shomi. Sounds great.
Catherine R. says
Thanks for the great review. I will have to check it out while it’s free.
Kathy downey says
I am going to try my free trial!….sounds fun
Suzie M says
I have not yet tried any streaming service but it would seem I am behind the times
salexis says
Thanks for the reminder! I have been meaning to sign up for this – I’ve heard Shomi has a lot to choose from!
Jennifer Ann Wilson says
I tried Shomi for a month but wasn’t very impressed.
Kathryn says
It’s definitely a matter of preference for a lot of people. The service with the most shows and movies you like is the best one to go for! 🙂
Joni W says
i’ve never heard of shomi
Debbie White Beattie says
I’ve seen the programs and they’ve definitely got some of the best shows on TV.
leslie crosbie says
I didnt know I could get Shomi on mobile device, can u on a wii U??
I have MTS so I thought I couldnt get SHOMI, I will try free trial and see what I think!!
Kathryn says
For some reason, I think it’s just XBox right now, Leslie. But you can definitely get it on almost any tablet or phone to see what you think. Sometimes I just put it on the computer and plug it into our TV with an HDMI cord even! Lol
Melinda Jana says
I’ve heard good things about Shomi from friends. Will have to check it out