Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu offer a wide variety of streaming options specifically designed to satisfy a broad audience. Login to Netflix and you’ll be met with an eclectic array of options – Stranger Things, New Girl, the Julianne Hough/Josh Duhamel rom-dram Save Haven — intended to entertain a divergent group of streamers. But as cords continue to be cut, new platforms catering to niche audiences are popping up in the hopes of offering viewers a more intimate, personal streaming experience. One such platform is the geek-friendly interactive streaming service Alpha.

A pop culture alliance between two fan favorites, Alpha is a subscription-based service that combines the very best content from Nerdist and Geek & Sundry. But, hey, we get it. There’s only so many hours in the day. Do you really have time in your life for another streaming service? Is Alpha worth the price of admission?

Let’s investigate! Here’s everything you need to know about Alpha.

WHAT EXACTLY IS ALPHA?

A joint video on demand service from Nerdist and Geek & Sundry, Alpha is a relatively new platform that allows users to watch, discuss, and obsess with fellow pop culture fanatics over film, television, comics, video games, and more. An enjoyable blend of everything you’ve come to expect from both brands, the immersive platform offers carefully curated entertainment from noted genre tastemakers aimed to bridge the gap between audience and content through original programming, a thriving chat community, and live fan experiences.

Offering 24/7 on demand content and a healthy amount of live broadcasts, Alpha offers new shows and movies along with early access to existing shows.

HOW MUCH IS A SUBSCRIPTION TO ALPHA?

You can purchase an Alpha membership for $4.99 a month or a one-time payment of $49.99 for the year.

WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAMMING CAN I EXPECT TO FIND ON ALPHA?

Offering a mix of new, exclusive content and returning Nerdist/Geek & Sundry favorites, Alpha is a can’t miss destination for all things geek. From Season 2 of Sidekick with Matt Mira — a fun series that turns the traditional talk show genre upside down — and Starter Kit, a beginners guide to Dungeon and Dragons sure to increase your gaming stats, Alpha offers a wide-ranging blend of old and new shows to enjoy.

Are you a fan of escape rooms? Stream Janet Varney’s puzzling conundrum known as Escape. Perhaps you’re an aficionado of tabletop games? Then Wil Wheaton’s Tabletop is for you! Alongside returning favorites such as The Dan Cave, Co-Optitude, and Because Science, the unique programing slate includes live watch-alongs, game shows, and scripted offerings where the audience can actually help to influence the outcome.

Shows about comic books, improv comedy, Photoshop, and more are available to stream both live and on demand.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF JOINING ALPHA?

The platform aims to create an immersive community where like-minded fans can interact with one another, but is Alpha worth the $4.99 a month?

If you’re a fan of Nerdist and Geek & Sundry, the answer is probably yes. Along with exclusive Alpha content, many current Nerdist and Geek & Sundry programs are available to stream 48 hours earlier on Alpha. Additionally, members are also given a 10% discount on everything offered in the Alpha store and granted access to the site’s extensive VOD library and chat community.

DOES ALPHA OFFER A FREE TRIAL?

You bet! A 30-day free trial of the new platform if available here. After the trial is over, users will be able to continue their membership through a monthly price of $4.99 or an annual price of $49.99.

Just remember to cancel your membership before your free trial expires to avoid being charged.

IS THERE AN ALPHA APP?

Yes! Mobile access to Alpha is available through the Alpha iOS app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.

Alpha content is available to watch on Xbox One and PS4 browsers and is also compatible with your Roku via VRV (although some restrictions apply). The Alpha Android app is currently in development and expected to launch later this year.

Additional information on Alpha can be found here.