The television landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and 2025 may be remembered as the year that marked the true end of traditional TV. The final strongholds of the cable and satellite era—major live events and sports—are making their way to streaming platforms, signaling the ultimate demise of the pay-TV bundle.
The Academy Awards, once a symbol of network television’s dominance, will break new ground on March 2 by streaming live on Hulu alongside its traditional ABC broadcast. This move cements streaming as the definitive future of television, following a slow but steady migration that has seen scripted entertainment, sports, and even news embrace digital platforms.
In 2024, 14 of the top 50 most-watched TV broadcasts in the U.S. were still exclusive to pay-TV bundles, according to Nielsen. That number will drop to zero in 2025, as networks like ESPN, Fox, and CBS increasingly prioritize standalone streaming services over the dwindling cable subscriber base. Sports leagues, once deeply tied to traditional TV contracts, are adapting as well—ESPN+, Paramount+, and Peacock have all made aggressive plays for live sports streaming.
Executives at media giants such as Disney, NBCUniversal, and Paramount are now focusing on balancing streaming growth with the last remnants of linear television. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, has acknowledged that linear networks are no longer a burden but are instead being used strategically to support the company’s streaming ambitions. Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch has similarly emphasized the importance of reaching "cord-cutters and cord-nevers," recognizing that the traditional cable bundle can no longer sustain itself.
One major casualty of this transition is the concept of exclusivity in pay-TV. Networks are quickly realizing that locking content behind a cable subscription risks obsolescence. As a result, traditional TV providers are attempting to salvage what’s left by offering “skinny bundles” focusing on news and sports. However, with no exclusive content left to hold onto, these efforts may be too little, too late.
The Oscars' move to streaming is a symbolic moment, proving that even the most entrenched TV institutions recognize that digital access is necessary for cultural relevance. As more networks break free from the constraints of linear TV, the question remains: What will happen to the last remaining holdouts? The answer may define the next era of entertainment.
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Source: Hollywood Reporter
Photo Credit: AI
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