Probably you have already noticed how the internet streaming service Netflix is gradually shifting its focus towards delivering original content in an attempt to come as a credible alternative to cable television.

Add to that the fact that HBO, CBS and Showtime have all announced plans to launch their own streaming services, must have expedite the company’s attempt to build a sizeable portfolio of original content.

If inputs available from industry insiders are to be believed, Netflix has left no stones unturned to make each new individual series premiering this year high in production value and overall quality. We have picked five of those that we think most of you would want to give a try:

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Thanks to today’s streaming technologies a new kind of party is taking the world by storm.  They’re called Nostalgia Streaming Parties and ti’s a way of having people who love a particular television show or sports team to watch past shows or episodes or events and reminisce.

Soap fans and sitcom fans are having a ball.  They have Seinfeld parties where they watch their favorite episodes, quote their favorite lines and dress up in their costumes.  Sci-fi and horror too.  People pile into a friend’s house with snakes, dinners, drinks and for an entire night just giggle and laugh or share stories about their favorites.

Even the dramas and westerns bring out the fun.  Shows like Bonanza and Quincy will have some fans chatting and acting out the characters all night long.

With the interactive menu options a host of a nostalgic party can pre-program several favorite episodes to run back to back or be paused during specific scenes and so on.  Trivia games from the fan sites and more and not only that but you can stream your nostalgic party from a bar, clubhouse, living room to other fans online!  The modern day interactive technologies and options make for a good time to be had by all.

These parties are so much fun that sometimes people hold a couple a month or even a week.  People just love their favorite shows and the more friends they make via social networking and streaming, the better their lives are.

Another twist on this is educational.  Sharing a documentary series and discussing the science or history leads to more informed friends and family.  Could be a great way to have a college party and watch some of the classic science shows that have a strong fandom like Carl Sagan’s Cosmos.

All in all, nostalgia streaming parties are here to stay.  As more content becomes available and the menu option technologies increase you’ll see them as common as birthday parties.

The Apple TV set-top box has always been a little behind the competition when it comes to it’s streaming TV selection, but the release of a number of new apps could help rectify that. New additions to the little black box include Bloomberg, Watch ABC, Korean TV service KORTV, and the free movie streaming app Crackle.

Bloomberg supply a 24-hour live business news feed and on-demand programs, Watch ABC app offers live TV with cable TV authentication, and the Sony Crackle service offers a selection of free movies and TV shows.

The Apple TV device now has 27 streaming apps that includes YouTube, Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Watch Disney, PBS, Yahoo Screen and WatchESPN.

The problem is that Apple still have a miserly number of services for their box compared to rivals. The new apps have been released just as Google released 10 new streaming apps for the Chromecast stick, and other rival service like the Roku box have over 1,000 of channels to choose from.

The newly updated line-up will not be enough for users of the device to cut the cord yet, but maybe that will improve when (or if) Apple release their long  rumored Apple Smart TV.

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The Revolution Television Network, a Christian media company launched its new 24/7 live streaming internet only network on Monday. The network, which broadcasts young adult content can be viewed in high definition on desktop computers, mobile devices, tablet computers and IPTV. REVtv will broadcast a variety of original programming, movies, and coverage of special events.

Everything from Reality shows, dramas, music entertainment, talk shows and sitcoms are planned as part of the networks original programming roll-out–all of which is geared towards young adults both in North America and abroad. Popular young leaders like Steven Furtick and Mathew Barnett are two producers who will be creating plenty of content for the network.

REVtv promises to be unlike anything else available in the Christian media, and hopes to prove to be an outside-the-box powerhouse in the online streaming world–capable of reaching the largest audience of teens around the globe. It’s premiere show called “Non-Profit” is similar to “The Office” on NBC, but instead focuses on the dysfunctional staff of a local church.

Other shows like “Born This Way” will focus on teens and young adult who are struggling with the homosexual lifestyle, while a documentary style program called “Global Adventures” will feature the “highs and lows of ministry in some of the most exotic and remote locations on the planet.” Several music entertainment programs and youth-accessible religious programs are also on the schedule.

Viewers who want to check out the new 24/7 streaming network can do so by visiting www.REVtv.com.