Streaming has Overtaken Cable Viewing: A Case Study

The debate over whether streaming platforms like Netflix have replaced traditional cable TV subscriptions has been ongoing. While many argue that the convenience and variety of content offered by streaming services make them an attractive alternative, others maintain that cable TV remains a reliable and cost-effective option. This article explores a case study where streaming services have significantly impacted the viewing habits of a single individual, shedding light on the changing landscape of television consumption.

The Case of an Avowed Non-Habitual Cable TV Watcher

Consider the journey of John, a 38-year-old tech enthusiast who was not a regular cable TV user. John grew up in the age of VHS tapes, personal DVDs, and occasionally recorded shows on cable. His first exposure to a TV series was through the rental of Friends on DVD, where he watched the first five seasons. In his college dorm, he would record and watch shows to skip commercials and binge-watch episodes. However, as he caught up with the series he was binging on DVDs, he found he couldn't stand waiting for new episodes week to week. He switched to watching entire seasons on DVDs or recording them on a DVR.

The Shift to Streaming Services

John's transition to streaming services began around 2008. With a Netflix DVD subscription, he became hooked on hunting for bargain DVDs in stores. His DVD collection grew significantly, and when services like Netflix and Hulu were introduced, he embraced them wholeheartedly. In 2009, John set up a Plex Media Server, ripping his DVD collection and purchasing shows to supplement his streaming experiences. His habit of waiting for years to watch a show only intensified, with him often waiting until seasons concluded to start watching them. This practice was particularly evident in his viewing of Game of Thrones, where he only completed one and a half seasons and planned to start again later.

The Current Television Viewing Landscape

Despite the convenience of streaming services, John continues to maintain a Comcast cable subscription. For him, cable is not just for entertainment but also for internet and phone services. The primary reason for this is his reliance on cable TV for television reception. While John recognizes that his family subscribes to HBO through Comcast, he has decided to cut the cable in the near future, a decision prompted by his viewing habits and the high cost of cable. John’s monthly cable, internet, and landline bill is around $280, which includes services he no longer uses or rarely utilizes. He and his family have embraced Netflix and YouTube, and the convenience of these streaming services has made it impossible for him to continue paying the high cable bill.

John’s story highlights the evolving nature of television viewing in the modern era, where streaming services have become the preferred method for consuming content. The high cost of cable, the availability of niche and quality content on streaming platforms, and the flexibility of on-demand viewing have all contributed to this shift. It underscores the importance of considering both the cost and the viewing habits when deciding between traditional cable TV and modern streaming services.

Key Takeaways: Streaming services offer a wealth of content and viewing flexibility, making them highly attractive to subscribers. The high cost of traditional cable TV subscriptions, especially when bundled with internet and phone services, can prompt consumers to switch to streaming platforms. The transition to streaming services is driven by a combination of convenience, cost, and the availability of niche content.