Cable television has shaped how Americans share, watch, and discuss entertainment, news, and sports, but its role in society is changing. A television playing a cable network was once the centerpiece of a living room, competing with streaming through on-demand viewing. But with greater flexibility and lower costs, streaming has come for cable’s crown. Understanding the facts behind cable TV’s history, its place in the media landscape, and changes in viewing habits over time. These nine facts will help us take a trip through the history of cable television to where it stands today.
9 Cable Television Facts
1. As of early 2025, 56 million (46%) U.S. internet households were cord-cutters. (Source)
Cutting the cord has become the popular way to describe the widespread cancellation of traditional cable and landline phone services. Thanks to advances in Wi-Fi technology and improved internet service, it’s now easier for people to choose services that only require an internet connection or cell service and a smart device.
2. YouTube accounted for 12.5% of all television viewing in May of 2025. (Source)
The ultra-popular platform has enough hours of video to last a lifetime. YouTube has mass appeal for a wide range of viewers, with videos across all kinds of niches.
3. 80% of American homes have gigabit cable service available. (Source)
Whether homes use these services is another story, but the cable industry provides broadband to 200 million households each year. The American economy invested $290 billion in infrastructure over 20 years.
4. Cable television first aired in 1948 in Oregon, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania. (Source)
“Community antennas” were installed on mountaintops and other high points to connect homes to these towers and receive broadcast signals. By 1952, 70 “cable” systems served 14,000 American households.
5. Cable TV includes local networks, new channels, sports networks, entertainment channels, and premium add-ons. (Source)
These packages offer a lot of content and specialized channels to compete with on-demand offerings from streaming services.
6. By the late 1990s, cable subscriptions soared to 75 million households. (Source)
Stations like HBO and MTV drove cable television to an all-time high in the 90s. Cultural references and major events had to be seen on cable TV. If you didn’t have cable TV, you would miss out on water-cooler conversations.
7. Cable TV defined Generation X. (Source)
Because of the boom in cable television in the 90s, members of Generation X grew up watching it, and it had a massive impact on their culture and their interactions with the world. Some people viewed this in a negative light, labeling Gen X as lazy TV addicts. Others say television was educational and helped Gen X members grow and develop more quickly.
8. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) froze new broadcasts from 1948 to 1952. (Source)
As cable broadcasting became more popular, the airwaves became overcrowded. Consumers struggled to get a clear signal. The FCC freeze gave them time to organize and improve existing channels.
9. Cable television created the rise of daytime talk shows. (Source)
Daytime television led to the rise of daytime talk shows and the influence of their hosts. Oprah, Dr. Phil, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Oz, and Jerry Springer had a tremendous impact on American culture, shaping health decisions, book choices, home décor, and favorite celebrities.
Featured image photo credit: JESHOOTS.com
