Survey: Americans Love Their TV

A 2025 national survey by Optimum, involving over 200 U.S. consumers, confirms that television remains a cornerstone of American life, with 66% of respondents watching TV “all or most of the time.” 

However, viewing habits have evolved, with nearly 90% of viewers multitasking during their screen time, engaging in activities like eating, browsing phones or the internet, texting, socializing, scrolling social media, or cooking.

Key findings include:

• Viewing Habits: Americans average 24 hours of TV weekly. Football, basketball, and baseball are top sports, with fans preferring live games and prioritizing favorite teams over sports.
• Multitasking: Almost 90% of viewers pair TV with other activities, with eating and phone use leading the list.
• Content Preferences: Streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix are used by 75% of respondents, with movies and shows favored over sports or political news. Only 25% of households rely solely on streaming.
• Show Selection: Nearly 40% of viewers choose shows based on recommendations from friends and family.

“This survey reflects the diverse TV habits of Americans balancing busy lives,” said Eric Bruno, Optimum’s Senior Vice President of Product Management. “It’s clear consumers want both streaming and traditional TV options that are accessible and easy to navigate.”