Episode 3 – Streamflation Is Real. Here’s How to Beat It in 2026

By Craig Stirland and Nathan Sherman

Apr 16, 2026 4:16 PM ET

Streaming Price Increases and how to beat it.

Listen Now: A History of Streaming Service Price Increases

Is Your Streaming Bill Starting to Look Like a Cable Bill?

Remember when streaming was the cheap alternative to cable? Those days are gone. In this episode of the CableTV.com Podcast, hosts Nathan and Craig dig into the full history of streaming service price increases—and explain why the platforms that once saved your wallet are now quietly draining it.

From Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown to Disney’s aggressive bundle reshuffles, every major platform—Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, Peacock, and more—has raised prices, added ads, or changed plans over the last few years. Nathan and Craig walk you through exactly what happened, when it happened, and what you can actually do about it in 2026.

For the full timeline and platform-by-platform breakdown, read Streaming Service Price Increases: A Complete History.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Streaming Got Expensive – A timeline of every major price hike, ad-tier launch, and plan change across Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Peacock, and more.
Streaming vs. Cable Costs in 2026 – Why some households are now paying more than they ever did with a cable bundle—and how the math actually works out.
The Bundle Trap – How streaming bundles and add-ons quietly inflate your monthly bill without you noticing, and which ones are actually worth it.
Which Services Are Still Worth It – A practical framework for deciding what to keep, what to pause, and what to cancel based on how you actually watch.
Smart Rotation Strategies – How to “churn” services seasonally so you can follow the shows you want without paying for everything at once, all year long.
How to Build a Cheaper Lineup – Real strategies for keeping live sports, prestige TV, and kids’ content without overpaying—even in 2026.