Streaming overtakes cable and broadcast as the most-watched form of TV
NBCJUN 20
Report: Streaming Surpasses Cable, Broadcast TV in US for First Time
Above: The Hulu home screen appears on a tablet screen in Brussels, Belgium on March 4, 2025. Image copyright: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto/Getty Images
The Spin
Techno-optimist narrative
This illustrates the natural evolution of entertainment consumption as viewers increasingly adopt the convenience and flexibility that streaming offers. The data shows people are choosing platforms that give them control over what they watch and when they watch it, moving away from the rigid scheduling of traditional television.
Techno-skeptic narrative
Traditional broadcasters and cable providers have demonstrated remarkable resilience despite predictions of a faster decline, with live sports, news coverage, and appointment television continuing to draw significant audiences. The shift isn't as dramatic as some had predicted, and seasonal programming, such as football, could easily tip the balance back toward linear television.
Cynical narrative
Streaming has finally overtaken cable in viewership, but it's starting to resemble what it replaced. What began as an escape from bloated TV bundles is now coming full circle, with packages like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ once again requiring users to pay for content they don't watch. So much for freedom of choice. The revolution's here — just with the same old bill.