Is the Television Still Relevant in the Age of Streaming and Smartphones?

You're standing in your living room, looking at that empty wall where a big screen could go. Maybe you miss the thrill of watching the big game on a massive display, or the comfort of family movie nights on the couch. But now, with streaming apps on your phone and endless content at your fingertips, you hesitate.

After all, people binge-watch shows on tablets, stream live sports on phones, and scroll endlessly on social apps. The humble television seems like it's losing its place.. So, is the television still relevant today?

Read on as we discuss:

How television shaped culture and entertainment for decades
The rise of streaming and mobile viewing habits
Why TV still holds value for certain audiences
How television is adapting to new viewing habits

At the end of this article, you’ll understand whether television is still worth your attention—or if it’s a relic of the past.

The golden age of television and its cultural role

Before we decide if TV is still relevant, let’s look at why it mattered so much in the first place.

The “Golden Age of Television” refers to the period that began in the late 1940s and stretched through the early 1960s, when TV transformed from a luxury item into a global household staple. By the late 1950s, over 90% of homes in the U.S. had a television, and adoption was rapidly expanding in other parts of the world as the technology became more affordable.

This shift changed daily life. Evenings revolved around the screen, with families gathering for prime-time shows and news broadcasts. Major events like the moon landing, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and the first televised presidential debates turned living rooms into shared cultural spaces. For the first time, millions of people across different cities—and even continents—experienced history together, in real time.

Television also shaped entertainment and identity. It introduced genres that became cultural cornerstones, from sitcoms like I Love Lucy to anthology dramas and variety shows. Beyond entertainment, it became a trusted source of information, influencing public opinion on politics and social issues.

This rise also changed business and consumer culture. TV overtook radio and cinema as the dominant medium, creating a new era of advertising that reached millions at once. Brands capitalized on this, turning television into the most powerful marketing tool of the 20th century.

The disruption—streaming and smartphones take over

For decades, television ruled the living room. But that dominance ended when streaming and smartphones changed the way we watch. Platforms like Netflix and YouTube gave viewers something TV never could: instant access to thousands of shows and movies on demand. Scheduled programming became outdated as binge-watching took over.

Then smartphones sealed the deal. With over 7.2 billion devices worldwide, entertainment shifted from a single household screen to a screen in every pocket. Today, 65% of all streaming happens on mobile or TV apps, making video accessible everywhere—on commutes, in cafes, even in bed. For many, the big screen isn’t the main screen anymore.

The numbers show how massive the shift has been. In May 2025, streaming accounted for 44.8% of total TV viewership in the U.S. alone, surpassing the combined share of cable and broadcast for the first time. In just four years, streaming usage jumped 71%, while cable dropped 39% and broadcast fell 21%. YouTube grew by 120%, capturing a record 12.5% of all TV viewing. Cable subscriptions also collapsed, going from 105 million in 2010 to 68.7 million in 2025.

Globally, the trend is just as strong. Forecasts for the streaming market vary, but most estimates put it between $190 billion and $443 billion by 2029, with the higher figure including ads, rentals, and downloads. Simply put, streaming and smartphones have redefined entertainment, pushing traditional TV out of the spotlight.

Why television still holds value

With streaming and smartphones leading the way, it’s easy to assume television is obsolete—but that’s not the full picture. TV still holds value in areas such as:

Live sports and major events: Millions still tune in on the big screen for happenings like the NFL Super Bowl. Television delivers sharp detail, clear sound, and real-time coverage, without the buffering or regional blackout issues that can affect streaming platforms. When every second counts, TV’s reliability keeps it the top choice for live sports.
Local news and public broadcasting: During elections, natural disasters, or health alerts, TV remains a trusted lifeline. Unlike social media, where misinformation spreads quickly, television newsrooms provide structured, verified coverage. This reliability is especially crucial in rural areas with poor internet access.
Content that thrives on big screens: Television was built for genres that need scale and engagement. Serialized dramas, reality competitions, and live award shows deliver visuals and audience connection that smaller screens can’t match. These formats take advantage of TV’s ability to create a shared, immersive experience.
Gaming and interactive entertainment: Modern smart TVs are built for gamers, offering larger screens, fast refresh rates for smoother play, and support for next-gen consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. A big screen turns gaming into a more immersive experience than any phone or tablet can offer.

How television is adapting to new viewing habits

Even though TV remains relevant in many ways, it can’t—and won’t—survive by staying the same. As mentioned earlier, streaming and smartphones changed how people consume content, forcing television to evolve:

Smart TVs bridging the gap: Modern TVs now come preloaded with Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, allowing viewers to stream content without extra devices. This turns the TV into a hybrid hub, keeping traditional broadcast while offering the flexibility of on-demand viewing, all on a large screen.
Hybrid services from cable providers: To compete with streaming, cable companies now offer on-demand libraries, mobile apps, and streaming bundles. Instead of rigid schedules, subscribers can watch shows anytime, mimicking the convenience of Netflix while maintaining access to live sports and local news.
The rise of second-screen habits: Watching TV now often happens alongside phone use. People check social media, share reactions, or look up extra content while the show plays. To keep viewers engaged, networks integrate this behavior by promoting live hashtags, launching polls, and creating real-time interaction, turning passive watching into an interactive experience.

The verdict: television's new role

So, is television still relevant? The answer isn't a simple yes or no—it's evolved.

As we can see, television isn't the cultural giant it once was. It no longer dictates when families eat dinner or what the whole country talks about the next day. Streaming and smartphones have permanently changed that.

But TV hasn't disappeared. Instead, it's found its place as part of a bigger entertainment ecosystem. It's the best screen for live sports and breaking news. It's where streaming content looks its best. And it's adapting by becoming smarter, more flexible, and more connected.

The empty wall in your living room? If you value big-screen experiences, reliable live coverage, and a central hub for all your streaming services, a TV still makes sense. Just don't expect it to be the center of your entertainment universe like it was for your parents.

The bottom line? Get the TV if you want it. You'll use it more than you think.