Do American Households Still Need Two Televisions?

A second television can make competing viewing schedules easier, but existing phones, tablets, and streaming subscriptions may offer a cheaper alternative for households that rarely use an extra screen – Shutterstock

American households can get by with one television, but sharing a screen gets complicated when everyone wants something different. A second TV can prevent arguments over the remote, yet it also takes up space, uses electricity, and may encourage another monthly streaming expense.

The decision deserves a closer look because modern viewing habits have changed. Phones, tablets, laptops, and streaming devices give households more ways to watch without buying another television. However, those alternatives do not always deliver the same comfort as a big screen and a proper couch.