Can Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) really break through Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) death grip and bring fee-based YouTube content to the masses?

The Wall Street Journal’s All Things Digital blog reported Monday that the search giant is mulling over joining the streaming-TV world. Blogger Peter Kafka reports:

YouTube already lets users watch a smattering of TV shows for free, with advertising. Now it envisions something similar to what Apple and Amazon already offer: First-run shows, without commercials, for $1.99 an episode, available the day after they air on broadcast or cable.

There’s no doubt that Google has the brand power to get the major studios on board. But will YouTube be able to persuade would-be viewers to follow suit? What will happen to Apple, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), and Hulu as a result? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments box below.