Keep the shows. Understand the bill.

Cable & Streaming — Cutting the Cord

“Cutting the cord” means replacing traditional cable or satellite TV with another way to watch. You usually keep home internet. Streaming may save money—but only if the services you choose meet your needs for less.

Two kinds of streaming—not the same thing

Live-TV streaming · A channel bundle

“Streaming cable”

Think of it as: A cable-style channel guide delivered through the internet instead of a traditional cable box.

You choose a live channel and watch what is airing now. Plans may also include recordings stored online (a cloud DVR) and shows you can watch later.

Examples: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV streaming plans.

Best starting point for: People who want familiar live channels, news, and sports. Check your ZIP code, local stations, sports teams, and exact plan.

Tradeoff: Larger channel bundles can cost much more than one or two individual apps. Live shows still have commercials, and premium channels or sports packages may cost extra.

Streaming apps · A library of shows

Netflix, Paramount+, and similar apps

Think of it as: A video library. You choose a movie or episode and start it when you want—this is called “on demand.”

Each app has its own selection, subscription, and sign-in. Buying one does not unlock every show or every cable channel.

Best starting point for: People who mainly watch selected series, movies, or family favorites rather than channel surfing.

Tradeoff: You may need several apps to get your favorites. Some include live sports or channels, but that does not make them a complete cable bundle.

Paramount+ is not the same as the Paramount Network cable channel. Check the exact show and season you want. Paramount+ offers its own library and selected live programming; local CBS access depends on plan and location. Likewise, regular YouTube and paid YouTube TV are different services.

What if my cable company lets me watch through an app?

Using your cable company’s TV app instead of renting a box may save equipment fees, but you may still be paying for the same TV subscription. That is different from canceling cable TV. Ask the provider what changes on your monthly bill.

How do the costs compare?

There is no single average that fits every household. A few movie apps and a full live-channel replacement are different purchases.

Same-survey comparison · 2025

About $125/month

Cable or satellite TV: Average reported by subscribers in Deloitte’s 2025 Digital Media Trends survey.

That is about $1,500 a year for the reported TV subscription amount.

Same-survey comparison · 2025

About $69/month

Paid on-demand streaming: Average reported for four services combined in the same Deloitte survey.

That is about $828 a year. This does not promise the same channels or sports as cable.

These are survey benchmarks, not quotes for your address or a complete internet-and-TV bill. The $56/month gap is not guaranteed savings. Deloitte’s 2025 research ↗

Newer streaming benchmark: Deloitte’s fall 2026 report puts average paid on-demand streaming spending at $76/month across four services (about $912/year). It is a different survey period from the paired comparison above. Read the 2026 update ↗

Current service examples—not national averages

Live channel bundle

YouTube TV main plan: $82.99/month at the regular rate, before applicable taxes or optional add-ons. The plan includes live channels and a cloud DVR.

That is about $995.88/year before extras. Other plans may have fewer channels at a lower price.

Check plans and local channels ↗

A few on-demand apps

Netflix with ads: $8.99/month. Netflix Standard is $19.99 and Premium is $26.99.

Paramount+ Essential: $8.99/month. Premium is $13.99; live TV still has ads.

Netflix with ads plus Paramount+ Essential totals $17.98/month before taxes. It does not replace every cable channel.

Netflix plans ↗ · Paramount+ plans ↗

U.S. regular monthly prices checked November 1, 2026. Introductory discounts, annual plans, bundles, and carrier offers differ. Check current checkout pricing and avoid counting a bundled service twice.

Internet stays in the budget. Removing cable TV can change your bundle discount or internet price. Add the new internet quote, every app, taxes, equipment, and any sports extras before deciding.

Use your own numbers

Would I actually save money?

Enter monthly amounts in dollars. Use zero for a service you will not buy. If your current bill is bundled, ask your provider to separate TV and internet first.

Example numbers illustrate the math; they are not a quote for your home.

Before you cancel cable

List what you actually watch. Include local news, favorite channels, sports teams, and specific shows.
Check availability at your address. Local channels and sports rights vary. A national service name does not guarantee your team or station.
Get the internet-only price in writing. Ask about lost discounts, home-phone service, equipment returns, and cancellation fees.
Try the replacement first. Test picture quality, remote comfort, captions, recording, and watching on more than one TV. Track trial end dates.
Cancel and return equipment only when ready. Keep receipts and review the next bill for remaining charges.

Can I watch anything without a paid app?

Some services offer free shows or channels supported by advertising. An antenna may receive local broadcast channels depending on your location and reception. Neither option guarantees every cable channel or sports event.

You may be able to keep your older TV. A compatible HDMI TV can usually use an external streaming device, even if it is not a smart TV. Compare streaming devices → · Check whether to keep your current TV →

Let’s review your viewing needs.

Tell Mark the channels and shows you want, your current TV costs, and what is frustrating you. You do not need to know the technical terms.

Ask Mark about cutting the cord

Call (951) 255-9814