In an epochal shift for the television industry, streaming platforms have captured an unprecedented share of total viewing time in the United States, according to the latest data from Nielsen.

The month of July marked the sixth consecutive period that streamers have secured a record-high portion of television usage, commanding 48.5 percent of all viewing activity. This represents a significant escalation from the previous year, underscoring the inexorable migration of audiences away from traditional linear television.

The gains for digital platforms came largely at the expense of cable networks, which registered a mere 21.0 percent of total TV use for the reporting period. This decline was exacerbated by double-digit reductions in both news and sports coverage viewership compared to the preceding month.

Meanwhile, traditional broadcast networks remained largely stable, albeit at a historic low in the multi-year history of Nielsen’s Gauge rankings, accounting for just 17.5 percent of total viewing.

Official Social Media Verification: The Hollywood Reporter publicly corroborated these findings, highlighting the implications for the future of media distribution.

Streaming Hits Another Record High in July, Nielsen Says. https://t.co/xyz

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 15, 2026

For comprehensive data and methodological details, readers are directed to the verified primary source report in The Hollywood Reporter.