“I go to school, and while I’m on the bus, I watch Netflix,” says junior Ani Vartanyan. “I also watch Netflix on the way home, and on the computer while I’m doing driver’s ed. I’m always watching Netflix. I don’t need to make any sacrifices to watch it, it’s just integrated into my daily routine. I would not be surprised if Netflix replaces regular TV in the near future.”

This Netflix takeover is looking to be the new norm, perhaps even someday spelling the end of cable/satellite TV, as priorities have shifted to accommodate designated Netflix time, often at the expense of schoolwork. In a world where everyone is used to everything being easily obtainable and virtually instantaneous, struggling over algebra homework is never preferred over the mind-numbing calm that accompanies TV. “Stress binge watching,” says junior Abdullah Hasan. “That’s why I watch Netflix — as an escape from studying and doing homework. It reenergizes me.”

Not only that, but Netflix for some smothers the frustrations that inevitably arise over never-ending, pesky ads. “No commercials,” demands junior Melissa Diaz-Mancio, who says that it’s a tradition to watch Netflix as her form of relaxation on the weekends. “I don’t like my time being wasted. Now, in high school we’re much busier, so we can’t afford wasting time watching commercials. They’re redundant and they take up 50 percent of the time. For example, if a TV show is 30 minutes long, the commercials would take up 15 minutes of that time. I can’t afford that.”

This benefit of Netflix is the most appreciated, making it so that people are willing to pay to get rid of them each month. “I think the price for Netflix is perfect for what it gives you,” says junior Kryztyna Hernandez, who admits that she watches Netflix “way too much.”.

“All these services combined are cheaper than cable TV. They are easier to access, plus you can choose what to watch. You don’t have to waste time channel surfing and time is money,” says Vartanyan, who appreciates how Netflix can be watched on any device, as opposed to cable/satellite TV, which requires an extra cost to be viewed. “A TV is insanely expensive and people already have a device to watch Netflix on; they would have to spend money buying a TV in order to watch TV; it’s a one-dimensional product.” This makes it evident that these paid-for viewing platforms will swallow traditional television channels, permanently silencing satellite TV.  

According to a poll conducted for Business Insider, teens are spending 27 percent of their time on Netflix, compared to the 14 percent on TV, and that 14 percent is continuously decreasing. This has generated $2.64 billion dollars in revenue, enough so that Netflix has started creating original TV series as well as movies. Shows like Stranger Things, The OA and Girlboss have caught viewers’ attention, as Netflix is beating television networks at their own game. Soon, they’ll completely run them out of business. “Some are really good and some are bad,” comments junior Tracy Alehverdian, an avid viewer, concerning the quality of these original series. “But I would never want them to stop. I’m looking forward to seeing what else they come up with.”

However, there are some hesitations when it comes to a complete Netflix TV takeover. “The one thing that Netflix is missing is sports,” says Diaz-Mancio. “However, that can change since stations like sports stations are aware that people focus more on companies like Netflix so they are thinking of selling packs like sports packs to Netflix so people can watch sports on demand as well.”

Other than that minor hiccup, most believe adamantly that satellite/cable TV will be a thing of the past. “100 percent, I think it’ll definitely be only Netflix and its competitors because it’s much cheaper, more efficient and easier to use everywhere,” says sophomore Vana Hovsepian. When it comes to competitors, however, others have something else in mind.

Hasan does not see Netflix completely taking over in the future. “Netflix kind of lacks the ability to update frequently. I think Hulu is better at updating. And then with live TV, it’s portable too by downloading an app.” However, there’s one underlying theme that all agree on, and that’s the fact that Netflix will continue gaining popularity, especially due to their recent offers and partnerships with companies such as T-Mobile, offering free Netflix with four unlimited lines. However, competitors have been responding to this with deals of their own. Hulu is offering free membership to students who apply for Spotify premium, hoping to reach their top competitor and compete for that spot of glory as the platform to kick TV off of its pedestal.

Whatever the beliefs of TV lovers everywhere, there is no denying the superiority of Netflix to regular satellite TV for many young people. “Netflix should never change,” says Diaz-Mancio. “It’s perfect as it is and great at offering up the thing that students want most – an escape. This escape will ensure its success in TV domination.”