Traditional television is continuing to lose ground in the United States. According to the latest projections, by 2026, American adults will devote only 39% of their daily screen time to linear television. This decline confirms the profound shift in usage, driven by streaming, mobility and people's changing relationship with screens.
For decades, traditional television has set the pace for North American evenings. Today, it is slowly slipping into the background. According to Statista, the time US adults spend watching traditional television each day will account for only 39% of their screen use in 2026. This gradual but relentless decline, which began several years ago, shows no signs of slowing.
A diversity of screens
This decline doesn't mean that Americans are spending less time on screens. Quite the opposite. Smartphones, tablets and computers have taken over, driven by an ever richer, more fluid, and more mobile offering of on-demand content. "Young people around the world have been especially quick to adopt smartphone-based video streaming habits meaning that television screen time will likely fall even further in the future," explains Statista.
Whether it's watching a Netflix show on the subway, a TikTok video between meetings or a YouTube documentary in bed, viewing habits have changed.
While younger generations are the quickest to abandon conventional linear television, they are no longer alone. Even the over-50s are increasingly turning to streaming services.
This transformation is also reflected in subscriptions. In 2019, over 80 million American households still subscribed to a cable or satellite TV service. In 2028, there will be just 40.8 million, Statista estimates – dropping by half in less than 10 years. – AFP Relaxnews
