The original post: /r/television by /u/georgewalterackerman on 2026-05-26 23:48:19+00:00.

I love do many modern shows on Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime, and others.

But there are done things I miss about pre-internet television, as in the days where it came in through a cable or over the airwaves, or maybe through a dish, and that was that.

  1. TV felt more communal. Everyone watched the same shows and talked about them the next day at school or at work. The only communal feel TV has now is with sports and news.
  2. No endless scrolling and indecision over what to watch.
  3. Years ago you had to commit to watching shows and it felt more like an investment and meant more.
  4. No waiting YEARS between seasons that were only 8 episodes long!
  5. You had more crossovers, spin offs, and pilots which were fun.
  6. Even reruns could be special because you had to be there for them.
  7. No big fat bills for stuff you never watch.

Do you miss these things? Do you miss anything else about pre-streaming TV?