Bryant Veney - Copywriter, CableCompare
Date Modified: December 16, 2025
The average American watches just over 3 hours of TV daily, but this number doesn't tell the whole story. Viewing habits have changed dramatically, with streaming and on-demand content now a central part of how we consume media.
While the average American watches about three hours of TV daily, households average nearly nine hours. This reflects a significant increase from the 1950s when households watched around 4.5 hours daily.
Several factors contribute to these long viewing hours, including multitasking while the TV is on, using it for background noise, and the amount of available content. The rise of streaming platforms has made it easier than ever to find something to watch at any time.
Here’s a breakdown of daily viewing habits by age group:
| Age Group | Average Daily Time with Traditional Broadcast TV |
|---|---|
| 18-34 | 1 hour, 33 minutes |
| 35-49 | 3 hours, 7 minutes |
| 50-64 | 5 hours, 4 minutes |
| 65+ | 7 hours, 1 minute |
Source: Nielsen
Several factors contribute to these long viewing hours, including multitasking while the TV is on, using it for background noise, and the vast amount of available content. The rise of streaming platforms has made it easier than ever to find something to watch at any time.
TV viewership isn't static; it changes with the seasons and major events. Viewership is typically higher in the winter months when people spend more time indoors and lower in the spring and summer.
Big events also cause significant spikes in viewership. These include:
The release schedules of major streaming services also influence these patterns, with binge-watching cycles creating personal viewing peaks for many.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant spike in TV viewing as lockdowns and social distancing measures kept people at home. During 2020 and 2021, television became a primary source of entertainment and a way to feel connected.
Many people used TV for a sense of social connection through remote watch parties and by turning to familiar "comfort shows." This period also accelerated the shift away from traditional broadcast TV toward streaming and on-demand services, a trend that continues today.
The average person will spend an astonishing 70,000 hours watching TV over their lifetime. This massive time commitment highlights television's central role in modern life.
This time isn't always spent with undivided attention. Many people multitask while watching, and household dynamics often mean the TV is on even when no one is actively engaged. The constant presence of ads on traditional TV also shapes the viewing experience.
Older adults watch significantly more traditional television than younger generations, who largely prefer streaming, mobile video, and short-form content.
According to a 2024 report, adults aged 75 and older spend more time watching TV, while those aged 20 to 24 watch less. This generational divide is driven by differences in lifestyle, familiarity with technology, and the amount of free time available.
The rise of on-demand content and streaming services has fundamentally changed how we watch television. Between 2014 and 2019, major broadcast networks saw a 20% decline in viewership. Among adults aged 18-49, that decline reached 35%. Viewers are no longer tied to a broadcast schedule and can watch what they want, when they want.
This shift has redefined what "television" even means, as content from services like Netflix is often consumed on the same screen as traditional broadcast channels. It has also led to a rise in multi-device consumption, with people watching on TVs, phones, and tablets.
The line between traditional broadcast and streaming continues to blur. While live sports and breaking news still rely on broadcast TV, streaming platforms are investing heavily in original content and Netflix is leading the charge.
In 2025, Netflix is expected to spend around 18 billion dollars on content, up from 16.2 billion in 2024. According to its CFO, that number is not anywhere near a ceiling.
As technology evolves, so do our viewing habits. Interactive content, cross-platform experiences and gaming are reshaping screen time. There are approximately 3.32 billion gamers globally in 2025, showing how integrated gaming has become in modern entertainment.
One thing is certain. Our appetite for digital content is not shrinking. It is just changing channels.
The average American watches approximately 3.02 hours of TV per day. However, total screen time across all devices, including streaming and online video, is closer to 12 hours daily.
Traditional TV viewing time has been gradually decreasing over the past decade. In contrast, time spent with streaming and digital video is rapidly increasing, keeping overall media consumption at historically high levels.
Older adults aged 55 and up watch the most traditional TV, averaging over 5 hours per day. Younger adults, particularly those aged 18-34, prefer streaming and on-demand content on various devices.
Streaming offers unparalleled access and flexibility, allowing viewers to watch content anytime and anywhere. While it has led to a decline in cable subscriptions, it has also contributed to an increase in overall screen time.
Many households now use their television screens without a traditional cable subscription, relying instead on streaming services, gaming consoles, or other connected devices. This trend is especially common among younger audiences who prioritize flexibility over scheduled programming.
