Technology has consistently influenced how people consume entertainment, but nowhere has this been more evident than in the television industry. Going back to the 1940s and 1950s, television rapidly became a household fixture across the United States after World War II, with the number of homes owning a television increasing sharply.
For nearly half a century, while improvements such as better visuals were introduced, the basic approach to watching TV remained largely unchanged. Devices like TiVo introduced new possibilities, allowing users to record and later view their preferred shows while skipping advertisements.
Streaming turned retro sitcoms into modern-day hits (Photo: Alamy)
However, it wasn’t until 2005, when YouTube appeared, that people began seeing the Internet as a practical platform for video content. The following year, streaming began its steady growth, eventually changing television habits and viewing culture on a broad scale.
Old Shows Have Gained New Audiences Through Streaming Platforms
Thanks to platforms such as Netflix, shows that were once long forgotten have been brought back into people’s daily viewing routines. With subscriber numbers growing steadily, streaming companies are under pressure to fill large content libraries, and classic shows have found their place within these collections.
Popular series like Friends and The Office found fresh viewers and even greater fame after being added to streaming platforms. In certain cases, the renewed popularity of these programs led to fresh seasons or spin-off productions, such as Fuller House, the revival of Frasier, and the return of Night Court.
Continuous Playback Encourages Constant Viewing Habits
The structure of most streaming services allows for content to keep playing with little to no interruption. Settings have been designed to keep episodes running in succession, and some platforms even let users remove the notification asking whether they are still watching.
In addition, specific shows exist mainly to provide background sound for relaxation rather than any structured storytelling. These features contribute to an atmosphere where keeping the TV on for extended hours becomes very common.
Streaming Platforms Have Attracted Big-Screen Actors To Television
A remarkable change in entertainment circles has occurred with movie stars making a strong entry into television through streaming services. In earlier times, film and TV careers were quite distinct.
However, with noticeable improvements in the quality of storytelling and production, high-profile names such as the entire cast of The Morning Show now appear regularly on TV series.
These roles have moved beyond simple guest appearances to well-developed lead characters. Additionally, stars like Pedro Pascal, Millie Bobby Brown, and Timothy Olyphant have become widely known due to their performances on streaming shows.
The Habit Of Watching Multiple Episodes At Once Has Become More Common
Years ago, people had to purchase box sets or catch film marathons to enjoy back-to-back content. But with platforms like Netflix and Hulu making full seasons available all at once, viewers now complete entire shows in one sitting.
Subscriptions that cost less than owning physical collections have made this possible. The act of consuming several episodes in a row, also called binge-watching, is actively supported by these services and has now become part of common viewing patterns.
People Are Less Willing To Wait For Weekly Episodes
When cable TV dominated the entertainment space, new episodes of a series were usually released once a week, creating room for anticipation. Although a few high-profile programs still stick to this approach, the trend has changed.
Full seasons are now released at once, leading audiences to expect immediate access to all episodes. Because of this change, many viewers prefer to wait until every episode is released before starting a new show, choosing to watch everything without breaks.
Streaming Has Created Space For Uncommon And Specialised Series
Unusual or highly specific shows have gained popularity, especially during times like the COVID-19 lockdown when home viewing became much more frequent.
Streaming services took advantage of this increase in demand by releasing series that traditional cable channels may have passed on. Programs like Black Mirror, Lovecraft Country, and Hannibal show how streaming has made it easier to produce content that caters to narrower interests.
Interruptions From Commercials Have Become Less Frequent
Viewers have long been frustrated by adverts breaking up the flow of their favourite programs. TiVo allowed people to fast-forward, but Netflix truly altered how people think about advertisements by offering an ad-free model.
This model encouraged other streaming platforms to adopt similar policies. While some services do charge extra for ad-free viewing, the adverts that do appear are usually shorter and less disruptive than those common on cable TV.
The Way Viewer Numbers Are Measured Has Also Shifted
Success on streaming platforms is now judged by how long people watch a show rather than how many tune in. This is very different from the older Nielsen system used on traditional TV, which measured audience size during live broadcasts.
TV history meets digital convenience with every tap and play (Photo: Getty Images)
Nowadays, streaming services look at viewing hours and engagement, allowing certain shows that may not have attracted large live audiences on cable to gain traction and continue for more seasons.
Cable Companies Have Lost Their Dominance To Online Services
Cable television operated with regional strongholds for many years, often limiting customer choice and charging high fees. This has changed greatly since streaming arrived. These services present more flexible options at better prices, often under $15 per month.
With streaming, a huge variety of TV content is now within easy reach, and many people have replaced cable subscriptions entirely by signing up for multiple online platforms instead.
TV Production Has Reached New Heights Because Of Streaming
Programs such as Stranger Things and House of the Dragon show how much more effort and investment now go into creating quality television. Where TV used to be seen as second to cinema, the increased attention from streaming services has raised expectations.
Better visuals, stronger writing, and the presence of top-tier actors now define many of the shows on these platforms. As more people spend time watching, the pressure to produce high-calibre content continues to grow.
