Like many, I cut cable in favor of streaming services. The lack of ads and a massive library of movies and shows was an easy sell. But I think the magic is gone. Not only have the services changed, but so have my preferences. Here’s why it’s time for me to move on.
5They Are Getting More Expensive
Isolate the cost of any streaming service and it doesn’t seem bad. It’s actually a pretty good deal considering the expansive library of platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
Unfortunately, these services keep raising prices, likeNetflix did at the start of 2025. And it always feels like when one raises prices, the others do, too.
I don’t have as much time as I once did to watch movies and shows, so it ends up feeling like wasted money if I don’t watch much—especially if I don’t even use a service at least once in a month. Maybe I should tryfake cancelling my streaming servicefor a better deal.
4The Algorithms Are Too Biased
Every streaming service suggests content to you based on what you’ve watched in the past. On the surface, it’s a really handy algorithm because I do have a preference for genres like fantasy and sci-fi, but it doesn’t quite capture everything I like. I’m not expecting perfection, but that filter creates a bias, which may hide media I would enjoy. It can account for taste, but the algorithm can’t read my mood.
Another issue is the content advertised. Maybe the algorithm offers something I’m looking for, but how do I know it’s truly a personal suggestion rather than something advertised to everyone? Ultimately, the algorithm works against me because spontaneous discovery becomes rare.
3There Are Numerous Free Streaming Services
I did an experiment. For a couple of months, I canceled my subscriptions. Naturally, I didn’t spend as much time picking at my watch list, but when I did feel like watching something,I leaned into free streaming services. Pluto TV and Tubi became easy picks because of their library, and even Plex. Sure, they’re ad-supported, but when there are ads I just go do something else.
What I noticed was the content that was recommended was much more varied, likely due to not having months of usage data to muddy the search results, and it was generally older. These movies and shows were from a time when studios took more risks. It was a nice change of pace and, more often than not, I enjoyed what I watched.
2I’m Growing My Physical Collection
Movies and shows come and go from streaming services constantly. Even content made exclusively for the platform isn’t guaranteed to stay forever. Considering this, and since I’m now more choosy about what I want to watch, my concern for preservation has increased.
Now, I buyphysical media, like DVDs or Blu-rays. And, more importantly, I can then have them on my Plex server for my house to enjoy. It’s my family’s own streaming platform, with all of them making requests for specific movies and shows.
I want to continue my efforts to preserve media I enjoy or just stumbled upon, especially with how stream-happy entertainment has become (gaming included). Having a physical copy of my favorite movies and shows feels more important than ever.
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1My Viewing Habits Are Changing
Arguably the most important reason I want to leave streaming services by the wayside is because of how I spend my free time. Without streaming services there to monopolize my attention, I’m watching fewer movies and, in turn, using that time elsewhere.
For example, I run my own D&D sessions as a dungeon master, which takes time to prepare, and I like creative writing, too. Don’t get me wrong, I love movies, but now I’m watching at my own pace, not one set by my fear of missing out.
If I’m not spending enough time to justify the cost, enjoying other hobbies, and changing the way I watch, why should I keep hanging on Netflix, HBO Max, or even Prime? Ultimately, they’re not for me anymore, and that’s okay.
