ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC & Cable TV Networks Saw Viewership Drop in March, But Streaming Saw a Big Jump

While the news confirms that major broadcast networks are proving remarkably resilient—meaning big events are still happening on ABC, CBS, and FOX—it shouldn't give you a false sense of security about your wallet. The takeaway here isn't that cable is dead, but that the *way* people watch is fundamentally changing. Since traditional networks are still driving eyeballs, the temptation might be to keep an expensive, full-service cable package just to ensure you don't miss anything. Resist that urge!

Instead, view this stability as confirmation that you can successfully build a highly curated viewing experience without a massive monthly outlay. If the major network programming is available on a specific streaming service or even free over-the-air apps, you don't need to pay $100 a month for a bundle you barely use. Your budget-friendly strategy should be hyper-focused: identify the single, must-watch show, and then find the cheapest way to access it.

To maximize your savings, adopt a strict "subscription rotation" strategy. If you only need a show from HBO Max for three months, subscribe only for those three months, then cancel and switch your focus to a service with a different slate of content. By cycling through services like Paramount+ or Peacock only when necessary, you can easily save yourself $50 to $100 a month compared to keeping multiple services running year-round.