Facebook’s video streaming platform Facebook Watch just added the entire runs of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly, absolutely free. For decades, Joss Whedon has been a powerful creative force in Hollywood, and - some personal scandals and his involvement in the debacle that was Justice League’s production aside - is generally one of the most revered among fans. Whedon of course helmed both 2012’s The Avengers and 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron for Marvel Studios, and had a large influence overall on the MCU’s first two phases.
While it’s unclear when he’ll direct another film, Whedon remains active as a writer and producer, although he’s slowed his pace a bit since the massive stress involved with putting together the MCU’s early team-up extravaganzas. Long before his time guiding big screen superhero movies though, Whedon initially made his mark in the world of TV, reinventing his creation Buffy the Vampire Slayer from a widely mocked film into a beloved, long-running TV series. Buffy would also spawn a spinoff, Angel, which also proved popular. Then, in 2002, Whedon created the infamously short-lived FOX series Firefly, which became a cult hit, and received a movie follow-up.
Whedon has since created the also short-lived Dollhouse and co-created Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but it seems unlikely that any shows he makes going forward will attain the level of fan acclaim earned by Buffy, Angel, and Firefly. Thankfully, the complete runs of all three shows are now available to stream for free on Facebook Watch, as reported by Variety. The news was announced personally by Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar in a video posted on Facebook earlier today, which can be seen below. Interestingly, the episodes don’t currently appear to be available to watch from within a web browser, only from within Facebook’s mobile app. One assumes this is an error, as other Facebook Watch videos aren’t mobile only.
Of note is that Facebook is planning to use these shows to promote its newly launched Watch Party feature, in which users can watch videos together and have live conversations about them. To that end, each show will have its own special Watch Party to kick things off over the next few days, featuring participation from as yet unrevealed actors. Buffy’s gathering is at 3pm PST/6pm EST today, while Angel’s will happen at 12pm PST/3pm EST on December 1, and Firefly’s takes place on December 2, also at 12pm PST/3pm EST.
Another thing worth mentioning - and this will likely be a sticking point for many - is that Facebook Watch’s streams of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly episodes will include commercial interruptions. It’s not clear at present how prevalent these ad breaks will be, although if one absolutely doesn’t want to deal with ads, it’s worth noting that Buffy, Angel and Firefly are all also available to stream on Hulu’s commercial free tier, which costs $12 per month. Still, $12 a month is a lot pricier than free. Decisions, decisions.
More: Joss Whedon Finally Gives Buffy Her Happy Ending
Source: Variety
