We just have comcast.

Well, either the Golf Channel, or NBC, CBS, or ABC - I don't remember which one. And I realize many channels are still broadcast over the airwaves, but I don't have an antenna (yet).

Is there a place one can go to see what the on screen menus look like for the various options as well as programs available. My wife does not like change (good for me) and I'd really like to dump Direct. Not into sports.

Go to youtube for videos displaying what live TV streaming menus look like. As far as your wife not liking change- remember the remote control for a ROKU or other streaming device is simple with very few basic buttons. The complete OPPOSITE of a cable TV/Satellite remote with its tiny and far too many buttons. Don't skimp on your wifi router. Sometimes the internet provider provides the modem- if they do not buy yourself a good unit.

thanks

Well, here's the update...so far...
While I can see some magic in this TV streaming deal, we burned a few hours trying to get set up on the various services.
So far, the ease/convenience meter heavily favors satellite/cable.
Setting up accounts was tedious with all the security crap, and places like Sling I can't get into even after setting up.
But this morning I was able to watch F1 Qualifying in Spanish - God only knows how I'm set up for that but not English.

I suppose stuff like this has a learning curve, but flaming hoops are irritating to me.

Grab an antenna. Just did this in the last couple months. $25 antenna and a $30 splitter/amp. Mounted the antenna in the garage ...ran a cable to the basement...mounted the splitter/amp there and connected 4 TVs....works awesome. I'm about 35 miles from the nearest towers. All the networks plus a bunch. I believe 33 channels total. Golf channel you'll need to access elsewhere....maybe they have their own app you can install?

When I set up any streaming device new to me or a family member I use my laptop. Much much more user friendly than a phone. When you "Cut the cord" (watching TV thru internet and not $$ cable/satellite) you are no longer funding the stations you didn't watch and the stations you didn't like. Shouting rich housewives with plastic surgery faces and other fake reality shows no longer get their cut of your monthly bill.

Not always true. I have the Paramount app, I also get CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central and the Smithsonian channel as well with that app. I don't want them, but am paying for them.

Oh, there's TONS of stuff included that I have no interest in, like "reality" shows and such.

Oddly, the Spanish F1 broadcast turned into English, and thankfully not hosted by the Sky Sports guys, who normally grind on & on about everything but the racing.
Seems the easiest way to watch stuff is to pay the actual league or sanctioning body, rather than a middleman.
But I'll fool around with it and adapt as needed.

"Not always true. I have the Paramount app, I also get CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central and the Smithsonian channel as well with that app. I don't want them, but am paying for them."

Yes some channels you don't care for will still get your $$ but they are getting SIGNIFICANTLY less than the cable/satellite package that was the norm for too long. Streaming has really upset traditional cable broadcasts. They had it so good for so long and now its gone. In time streaming packages will probably be more like cable/satellite packages but for now I like seeing stations that I don't want to fund suffer. I hated paying for MTV and all their aired was garbage. Same with TrueTV, TLC and certain cable news organizations.
To anyone undecided about streaming I suggest : Keep your cable TV package but buy a Roku or other streaming plug in device. Set it up and subscribe TO THE VAST FREE CONTENT ONLY. There is ALOT. Watch content thru your streaming device and after a month or so you can make the decision to cancel cable or not. If you want a pay service don't go hog wild and subscribe to multiple services. You'll be right back at a $200 a month TV entertainment obligation. Subscribe to 1 pay service. My dad is 86 and cut his sattelite a year ago. He loves it. He has a paid subscription to YouTube Premium. My Japanese mother watches shows from Japan as well as musicians, entertainers and content creators from Japan. My dad gets his fill of sailboat/sailing videos and older movies and shows as well. Live national news is available free from several non traditional but reliable broadcasters on YouTube and Pluto TV (Pluto is a free service)

I’m having 3rd new TV delivered today to mom. These new “smart” TVs are a nightmare for seniors. She’s in an assisted living and just wants to turn it on and watch, not navigate through all the app menus. 1st TV was a Roku, remotes have no numbers, everything is through menu navigation. Ok, bought her a Sony, had to get last years model to find a remote with numbers. That worked for a week, staff there set it up, and then the wifi went out and it was a disaster again. I was in the area, 4hr drive 1-way, and set it up, bypassing the WiFi connection, that worked for 2 weeks and then it started asking her to set up Wifi again. I searched and could only find 2 models, 43” size, that DON’T have wifi. 1 of those is being delivered today. This better F’in work.

You are right, older seniors need simpler TVs.
Even the older caregivers for the elderly need simpler TVs.

You might try Goodwill stores - the donated TVs are older and they let you return them if hidden features do not work,
but many no longer have remotes because “the dog destroyed the original remote” and that is why it got donated to Goodwill.

Use a universal remote
or remote for Dish/DirecTV/Spectrum TV or AUX button for customizing to an individual TV,
to initially check out the Goodwill TV,
then go to eBay to buy the correct remote.

Turner Classic Movies TCM is a godsend.
DVD recordings of old shows such as
The Lawrence Welk Show/Perry Como/Red Skelton help,
where one DVD can play 4 hours of shows.

If you do this do not be surprised if other elderly start gathering in your Mom’s room to watch the shows.

Non tech person ? again
If one already has a "smart TV" that has most of the apps like fubu, hulu, prime, etc. already in it, id there a big advantage to the ROKU or Firestick? Sorry but i am completely clueless on this technology

TIA

I have a TV that has Netflix built in, it isn't supported anymore, too old for the latest Netflix to work on it.

Cheaper to replace a Firestick than a TV.

If a residence is close enough to the broadcast towers- an indoor TV antenna would be perfect for a senior citizen. Each channel we grew up watching- ABC,NBC,CBS and then FOX each actually have 3-5 channels within their broadcast. Lots and LOTS of 60s thru 2000s TV shows aired this way. But the home must be somewhat close to the towers and not in a valley- not too many trees, building materials................I am 40 miles from the broadcast towers and when I tried a Mohu Leaf Indoor antenna on the wall beside my TV I did get FOX and ABC in full strength. That alone is like 7 channels. PBS came in strong and some shopping channels and Christian channels. So if your moms location is reasonable- she could have broadcast TV which means simple turn on and watch- just like we all grew up doing.

An update:
Well, so far, it's been something of a PITA. Trying to get USA or TNT or a couple other channels has been impossible.
I get an activation code to enter on my PC, but none accept my email address, telling me it's incorrect.
I know my damn email address...
Plus, I haven't found any helpful support for addressing this, guess I have to call Roku & blow a day fixing it.

Solved the F1 broadcast problem by going direct with F1, but that's not possible with NBATV or a couple other channels that definitely have their own product.
Satellite or cable is SO much less BS, and easier to hop around/record/whatever, that I'm almost about to spend the money.

Guess I need a teenager to get it straightened out, huh ?

I have not experienced the troubles you currently are. When I am subscribing/trying out/becoming a customer to a new to me channel- I prefer to go to their site on my laptop and set up that way instead of doing it on the TV with the Roku/Firestick remote control and my phone. Googling your problems will pull up useful results from others who have experienced the same as you.

Yeah, they want activation via laptop or PC - I use my PC - but then I get blocked by "incorrect email address". No way I have that wrong.
Haven't found anything on the 'net yet, except "too many cookies". But I'll look again.
Don't know why this has to be such a time suck or tail-chasing exercise - should be something simple.

Roku is great. Inexpensive and has lots of apps.

https://www.roku.com/