Living the Stream

Within the 2010’s, and now even more so as we continue through the 2020’s,  there has been a noticeable decline in the popularity of cable television.  It’s almost impossible to imagine the slow, yet subtle downfall of something so popular and prevalent as cable was.  Decades after decades,  millions were raised by the juggernaut of the media industry,  supplying them with a seemingly endless array of channels and content,  both live and recorded.   From the high-stakes dramas, to the spectacles of sports, as well as the absurdity of sitcoms,  cable has quenched humanity’s thirst for entertainment.   

Now though, a new competitor in the entertainment sector has gradually risen into the hearts of many.  Digital streaming,  accessing different platforms to arrange a variety of content, has become the new standard for dozens upon dozens of households and it's easy to see why.   One big reason is the near deletion of commercials and long advertisement breaks,  allowing people the opportunity to remain in the midst of their favorite programs - and consequently watch more in the process -  without the required pauses.   Another major factor to consider is the ability to access your favorite shows and episodes whenever.  While cable channels often hosted different genres and shows,  more than likely providing you with your interests,  the system wasn’t as fine-tuned as streaming has shown.   With cable, you may find your favorite or desired show, but not in the time-frame or capacity you seek.   With streaming however,  you can access any show or episode provided whenever you want,  giving viewers more of their specified requests and making streaming much more “personalized” than television ever was.   

While there are definitely crucial benefits to the phenomenon known as streaming, there is one key negative that is always brought to audiences’ attention  -  the exclusive natures of the platforms themselves.   Currently, with several different services available, including Netflix, Hulu,  HBO Max,  AppleTV,  YoutubeTV,  Disney+ and more,  it’s important to note that each service comes with its own list of available shows and movies… and its own subscription.   Something you may enjoy may be on Netflix, while another may be on AppleTV; do you miss out on one of these interests or do you cough up the cash to have both channels?   Indeed, this is the one (major) disadvantage with streaming over traditional cable, having select titles only be available within certain networks.  While monthly multiple subscriptions are certainly cheaper than even the most basic cable packages these days,  this is no doubt an affordance caused by a capitalist society and the corporations that run these platforms.  Add in the fact that these networks are now creating their own original series,  and viewers may be left with decisions to ponder, especially when on a tight budget.   

My advice before considering streaming services is to take a list at the shows, movies, (or genres),  you/your friends and family actively like or watch and choose your networks from there.   True, it is rather unfortunate that these platforms have grown to a level where they are splitting the market,  but the number of options with each service is still expansive, and again, certainly cheaper than cable providers.    Whatever decision you may come to,  the future of streaming is growing into quite the juggernaut in the entertainment realm,  providing a more individualized and accessible framework that is surely a heavily welcomed presence in the household, much as television and cable networks were for previous generations.