Why I'm Worried About the Future of Streaming TV

I've been a cord cutter since January 2011. At the time, around 85% of households had cable TV—I was definitely in the minority! At first, I enjoyed the novelty of watching TV in a new and different way. There were some major differences since nothing like Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, or the like existed. Hulu was already available, but it was all on-demand after current TV shows aired, with some shows available free and some requiring a subscription.

Over the years, streaming TV caught on, and Sling TV came to be. Other live cable-like services were launched and grew to dominate streaming. As that happened, cable subscriptions dropped.

Year Percentage of US Households with Cable TV

2011 85%

2012 83%

2013 80%

2014 78%

2015 76%

2016 73%

2017 70%

2018 67%

2019 65%

2020 62%

2021 58%

2022 55%

2023 52%

2024 40% (projected)

Note: The data for this analysis was compiled from a variety of sources, including Leichtman Research Group, Nielsen, Statista, PwC Global Entertainment & Media Outlook, and Evoca TV. This research was conducted with the assistance of Google's Gemini AI, which helped to gather and analyze data from the sources. Evoca TV's data was used specifically for the 2024 projection. While these sources are generally reliable, it's important to note that exact figures can vary depending on the methodology used. Some data points, especially for more recent years, may be based on estimates and projections.

As 2024 comes to a close, I'm no longer in the minority. The streaming landscape has changed. I've changed. But one thing that hasn't changed is my commitment to not returning to cable TV. There are some good aspects of cable, and cable provides what some people want at a price they are comfortable with. I'm happy streaming. Mostly.

One thing I don't like is that streaming is turning into simply another way of watching cable.  Sure, the technology is better, and there's a ton of content, but it feels like we're losing what made streaming special.

Here's what I mean:

• Price Hikes: Remember when streaming was supposed to be cheaper than cable? Many services have been steadily increasing their prices, and some are now on par with cable packages.
• Limited Bundles: Instead of offering true à la carte options, we're seeing more pre-set bundles that resemble cable packages, limiting our ability to choose only the channels we want.
• Contract Creep: While most services still offer monthly subscriptions, I worry that we'll see a shift towards longer-term commitments, like quarterly or even yearly plans, taking away the flexibility that made streaming so appealing.
• RSN Uncertainty: Streaming services are increasingly losing access to regional sports networks, making it harder for sports fans to watch their local teams without resorting to expensive add-ons or alternative services.

DirecTV Stream is now practically the same for streaming or satellite, apart from the delivery method. YouTube TV is the actual service offered by some internet companies that stopped offering cable TV. Streaming is becoming cable, and I don't like that because I liked the choices available with and the flexibility of streaming that I didn't have with cable. If that goes away, then streaming isn't what it used to be.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that others are finding the freedom and lower cost of streaming compared to cable TV. I just don't want streaming to become what cable TV was and is. My Streaming Life has been a great experience. I want to continue to enjoy it.

What do you think? Is streaming losing its edge? Are we headed back to the cable TV model? Share your thoughts in the comments below!