Streaming Surpasses Broadcast, Cable TV Viewing in US May

For the first time in the four years since Nielsen began tracking total TV and streaming viewership, streaming services surpassed the combined share of broadcast and cable TV in the U.S., capturing 44.8% of TV usage in May 2025 compared to broadcast and cable's combined 44.1–44.2%. YouTube led all platforms with a record 12.5% share, followed by Netflix at 7.5%, while Disney’s streaming suite (Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+) collectively drew 5%. Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Roku Channel have also become significant, now accounting for a combined 5.7%—a figure greater than any single broadcast network. Since May 2021, streaming viewership has surged 71%, while cable and broadcast have declined by 39% and 21%, respectively, highlighting a dramatic shift in consumer habits, especially accelerated by the pandemic. Nielsen cautions, however, that traditional TV may still see seasonal boosts, especially during major sports broadcasts, though even sports are increasingly migrating to streaming platforms. This milestone signals a major transformation in the television landscape, with media companies adapting their programming strategies to meet viewers on both streaming and linear platforms.