Episode 1 – Streaming vs. Cable: The Entertainment Landscape of 2026

By Craig Stirland and Nathan Sherman

Mar 30, 2026 7:04 PM ET

Streaming vs. Cable: The Entertainment Landscape of 2026 | CableTV.com Podcast

Listen Now: The Entertainment Landscape of 2026

Is Your Monthly TV Bill Out of Control?

If your TV bill creeps up a little higher every month, you’re not imagining things. In this episode of the CableTV.com Podcast, hosts Nathan and Craig dig into the 2026 showdown between streaming and cable—and what it actually means for your wallet.

Pulling from our State of TV Report 2026, they break down why 92% of Americans now use at least one streaming service and why cable still isn’t dead, just more expensive. You’ll hear how 21% of viewers juggle five or more subscriptions and why the average cable bill has climbed to about $147 per month.

Whether you’re a sports die‑hard locked into a bundle or a serial “churner” who signs up, binges, and bails, our TV experts walk you through practical ways to trim the fat from your lineup without losing the channels and shows you actually watch.

What you’ll learn in this episode

The Streaming Takeover – Why 83% of Americans now say streaming is their go‑to way to watch TV, and where heavy hitters like Netflix and Disney+ fit into a typical setup.
The Cable Holdouts – How live sports, RSNs, and “bundle magic” keep about 22% of households tied to traditional pay TV—and how that compares to cable TV vs. streaming costs.
FAST Growth – How Free Ad‑Supported Streaming TV (FAST) services like Pluto TV and Tubi have turned into a third pillar of TV for roughly 42% of viewers who want more channels without adding another paid subscription.
The Price Gap – Why many streaming setups land around $30–$70 per month, while a lot of cable customers are still paying around $147 per month for TV alone, based on our cable and streaming cost data.
The Art of the Churn – Why 1 in 3 Americans canceled at least one service last year and how to rotate apps so you can follow your favorite shows without paying for everything at once. For more tactics, check out our how to save on streaming guide.

Go deeper: State of TV 2026

Want the full picture—charts, methodology, and all the extra stats Nathan and Craig reference in this episode? Dive into the complete State of TV Report 2026 on CableTV.com.