Is Streaming the new Cable?

January 4, 2025 James Durnt

For years, streaming platforms were celebrated as the future of entertainment—a way to break free from the rigid schedules, bloated bundles, and exorbitant costs of traditional cable TV. But here we are in 2025, and streaming services are looking more and more like the very thing they promised to replace. So, let’s ask the question: Is streaming just the new cable?

A Revolution That Changed Everything

When Netflix first made the leap from mailing DVDs to streaming on-demand content back in 2007, it felt like a revolution. For a low monthly fee, viewers suddenly had access to a massive library of movies and TV shows, all available whenever they wanted. The days of appointment TV and overpriced cable bundles seemed numbered.

It didn’t take long for competitors like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus to jump in, each bringing their own twist to the streaming experience. It was affordable, convenient, and—best of all—ad-free. For a while, it felt like we were living in a golden age of entertainment.

Ads Are Back in a Big Way

Fast forward to today, and things have changed. Platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, Max (formerly HBO Max), and Amazon Prime Video have all introduced ad-supported tiers. These cheaper options are meant to attract new subscribers, but they also signal a shift in the industry’s priorities.

Take Netflix, for example. In late 2022, they rolled out their “Basic with Ads” plan, a significant departure from their original ad-free ethos. Disney Plus followed with its own ad tier in 2023, and Max has joined the fray as well. Suddenly, the promise of uninterrupted viewing is becoming a luxury, not a given.

The Rising Cost of Streaming

Streaming used to be synonymous with affordability. Remember when Netflix cost just $7.99 a month? Those days are long gone. Today, their standard plan is $15.49, and if you want 4K streaming, you’re looking at $22.99. Disney Plus has also more than doubled its original price, with its ad-free plan now costing $15.99 a month.

And that’s just the beginning. If you’re subscribed to Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Max, you could easily be spending over $80 a month. Add in niche platforms like Peacock, Paramount+, or Apple TV+, and you’re suddenly paying more than you ever did for cable.

Cable’s Slow Decline

Cable TV’s fall from grace has been well-documented. In 2024, only 40% of U.S. households still have cable, a steep drop from the days when it was a near-universal fixture. Streaming, with its flexibility and wide array of options, played a huge role in this decline. Why pay for a hundred channels you’ll never watch when you can pick exactly what you want?

But cable isn’t entirely out of the game. For sports fans, it’s still one of the easiest ways to catch live games, even as streaming services like ESPN+, Peacock, and Amazon’s Thursday Night Football broadcasts start to carve out their own niches. Local news and live events are also easier to find on cable, keeping it relevant for some households.

Sports’ Transition to Streaming

Sports have always been a cornerstone of cable TV, but streaming platforms are now making big moves to capture this audience. Amazon Prime made headlines with its multi-billion-dollar deal to exclusively stream Thursday Night Football, signaling a major shift in how the NFL reaches fans. Peacock has also jumped into the mix, offering college sports and select NFL football games.

Meanwhile, Max has added NBA basketball to its roster, giving basketball fans a new way to watch their favorite teams. And perhaps most surprising, Netflix has expanded into live sports by acquiring the streaming rights to WWE Raw, marking its first foray into this highly lucrative market. Netflix also had the NFL on Christmas and the Jake Paul/Mike Tyson fight.

These moves reflect the growing importance of live sports in the streaming wars. For fans, it means more flexibility—you can watch games on your phone, tablet, or smart TV—but it also means juggling multiple subscriptions to follow all your favorite teams and leagues.

Streaming’s Dominance

While cable is fading, streaming has become nearly ubiquitous. As of 2024, 89% of U.S. households subscribe to at least one streaming service. The sheer variety of content is staggering—from blockbuster movies to niche documentaries, there’s something for everyone. But with this abundance comes a new set of challenges.

Bundles and Fragmentation

Remember how frustrating cable bundles were? Well, streaming is starting to fall into the same trap. Disney now offers a bundle with Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN+, while Amazon includes a rotating selection of free channels through Prime Video. Meanwhile, Apple TV+ is partnering with sports leagues to offer exclusive content.

These bundles might simplify things for some, but they also add layers of complexity. Want to watch a specific show? You might need to subscribe to multiple platforms to get everything you want. It’s an ironic twist: the streaming industry is becoming just as fragmented as the cable model it disrupted.

The Return of Commercials

Ad-supported streaming plans are another area where the lines between streaming and cable are blurring. While the ads on streaming platforms are generally shorter—about 4-5 minutes per hour compared to cable’s 15-20 minutes—they still disrupt the seamless viewing experience that once set streaming apart. For viewers who loved binge-watching without interruptions, this feels like a significant step backward.

What Comes Next?

As streaming continues to evolve, it’s clear the industry is at a crossroads. Some experts predict further consolidation, with smaller platforms merging or being absorbed by bigger players. Others believe streaming will adopt pricing models that look more and more like cable bundles.

For consumers, the big question is whether streaming still offers good value. The variety and convenience are undeniable, but the costs are creeping up fast. And while cable’s days may be numbered, its all-in-one simplicity still holds appeal for some.