The App I Miss, But Never Watched: My Frndly TV Story

As a cord-cutter for over a decade, I've learned a lot about managing streaming subscriptions. I preach the gospel of canceling unused services, but recently, I experienced the emotional side of that advice firsthand. My story with Frndly TV is a perfect example.

For years, I subscribed to Frndly TV, drawn to its family-friendly content, especially the Hallmark channels. I loved the idea of having access to those shows, but the reality was, I rarely watched it. I'm an on-demand viewer, a habit formed long ago with TiVo, and reinforced by years of streaming. Live TV just isn't my thing, except for college football season.

Despite rarely watching, I renewed my subscription year after year. I told myself I'd watch more, but I never did. Finally, in November 2024, I decided to let it expire. It was the logical decision, but then something unexpected happened: I missed seeing the app icon on my streaming devices.

Why would I miss something I never used? I realized it wasn't about the content itself, but the potential of the content, and the familiarity of the app. It was a reminder of my long history with family-friendly streaming, dating back to SpiritClips and Feeln.

This experience got me thinking about the psychology of streaming subscriptions. We often subscribe based on perceived value, not actual usage. We fall into the 'intent vs. action' trap, telling ourselves we'll watch more, but never do. And even when we make the right decision to cancel, we can still experience a sense of loss.

So, what advice can I offer?

• Conduct regular subscription audits: Review your services every few months. Ask yourself: "How often do I actually watch this?"
• Recognize the intent vs. action gap: Be honest about your viewing habits. Track your usage if needed.
• Embrace digital decluttering: Remove unused apps and simplify your streaming setup.
• Combat subscription fatigue: Prioritize content you truly love and avoid promotional traps.
• Manage emotional attachments: Understand the difference between nostalgia and practicality.

It's okay to feel conflicted when canceling a subscription. But remember the benefits: saving money, reducing clutter, and simplifying your life. And remember, you can always resubscribe if you change your mind.

My Streaming Life is about finding the balance between enjoying the content we love and managing our streaming expenses. And sometimes, that means saying goodbye to apps we never watch, even if we miss seeing them.