56 Million U.S. Households Have Cut the Cord as Streaming Dominates

In a major shift within the American entertainment landscape, new data reveals that 56 million U.S. households have abandoned traditional pay-TV services in favor of streaming platforms. 

According to Parks Associates, this figure accounts for 46% of U.S. internet-connected households, highlighting the rapid growth of cord-cutting.

Additionally, the research shows that 12% of U.S. households have never subscribed to cable services, often referred to as "cord-nevers." 

Together, these groups represent a significant move away from conventional television.

Experts attribute this trend to the flexibility and variety offered by streaming services, along with the rising costs of traditional cable packages. 

Over the past few years, cable TV subscriptions have steadily declined, dropping from 84 million in 2019 to around 58 million in 2023.

This shift has had a notable financial impact on major media companies. In 2024, Paramount and Warner Bros. 

Discovery reduced the value of their cable networks by $15 billion, reflecting the declining importance of traditional TV channels.

As more households turn to streaming, analysts predict that by 2026, the majority of U.S. households will no longer have traditional pay-TV subscriptions, marking a pivotal change in how Americans consume entertainment.