Streaming Surpasses Cable: A Milestone with Mixed Feelings
In May 2025, streaming officially outpaced cable and broadcast TV in viewership, marking a pivotal moment for those who have bid farewell to traditional cable. While this should be a victory for the cord-cutting movement, I find myself feeling unexpectedly nostalgic for the good old days of cable.
Streaming Hits Historical Highs
According to Nielsen, streaming now accounts for 44.8% of total TV viewership, just edging out broadcast and cable at 44.2%. This significant shift wasn’t unexpected; many predicted cable’s decline as streaming surged, offering viewers more on-demand options than ever. In fact, streaming usage has skyrocketed by 71% since 2021, while cable viewing plunged by 39%. The data tells a clear story: we’ve spoken with our remotes, favoring streaming services over traditional TV.
Dominating this landscape is Netflix, which has maintained its lead for four consecutive years. Its Christmas Day 2024 exclusive NFL games broke streaming records and solidified its position. Additionally, YouTube emerged as a heavyweight, contributing 12.5% to overall television viewing. As we pivot away from channel surfing, we now navigate a world driven by algorithms, curated menus, and endless autoplay previews.
The Unexpected Burden of Choice
Despite the apparent triumph of streaming, I feel conflicted. What many anticipated would make viewing simpler has transformed into a complex web of choices. The rise of numerous platforms—from Netflix and Hulu to Disney+ and free ad-supported services like Pluto TV—has resulted in a staggering list of apps to manage.
The number of streaming services with significant viewership has more than doubled, growing from five in 2021 to eleven by 2025. This explosion complicates the once straightforward process of choosing what to watch. I often find myself spending more time searching for a show than actually watching one. Keeping track of which service hosts which content becomes a chore, not to mention the decision-making around whether to subscribe to yet another platform for just a single show.
The “Netflix Effect” adds another layer to this confusion, as shows like Suits and Young Sheldon gained popularity on Netflix, further blurring the lines between where programs originated and their current availability.
A Return to Familiarity with Free Streaming
Interestingly, free ad-supported streaming services (FAST) like Pluto TV and Tubi are booming, now capturing 5.7% of total TV viewership—more than any individual cable network. The appeal lies in their ability to mimic the traditional TV experience: simply switch on the service and let something play without effort.
However, these services remind me of cable, providing limited options and running ads, but in a more fragmented manner. I often find myself gravitating toward them, not because of superior content, but for the sheer simplicity of having something on in the background without needing to make a conscious decision.
The Thrill of Live Events Can’t Be Beat
While streaming services are catching up to live events and sports, traditional TV still offers a unique experience. The communal thrill of watching a live sporting event, sharing reactions with friends, and participating in real-time discussions enriches the viewing experience in ways that streaming hasn’t fully replicated.
We’ve become accustomed to binge-watching entire seasons and waiting week-to-week can feel outdated. Yet, there’s something special about appointment television—the excitement of waiting for a new episode to drop and knowing everyone is engaged at the same time.
A Nostalgic Look Back at Cable TV
I can hardly believe I’m saying this, but I miss cable. It’s not the exorbitant prices or poor customer service I miss, but rather the straightforwardness it offered. With cable, flipping through channels was easy—you didn’t have to remember passwords or juggle multiple subscriptions.
The Nielsen report hints that streaming’s dominance could shift over time, and part of me welcomes that notion. Perhaps the future isn’t about one format triumphing over the other, but rather achieving a balance that combines the freedom of choice with the simplicity of just turning on the TV and finding something to enjoy.
For now, I find myself lost in a sea of apps, trying to recall that one show—the one with the guy or maybe the dog. Oh, well.
