How I Went from Laughing at YouTube to Never Watching Cable Again

A little off-topic today from the usual photography stuff you see on here, but I felt I had nowhere else to talk about it, so why not commandeer my own blog for a moment to talk about Youtube? Yep...Youtube.

I used to think YouTube was just a place for funny cat videos and cringy “try not to laugh” compilations. Back in the early days, it felt more like a chaotic internet dumping ground than a serious entertainment platform. It was where we stored our favorite music videos and maybe caught a few viral moments, but real content? That was for cable TV.

So, when I saw Gen Z and Gen Alpha turning away from traditional television and obsessing over YouTubers, I laughed. What could possibly be so fascinating about watching some random person talk to a camera in their bedroom? Meanwhile, I still had my cable package, mindlessly flipping through reruns, feeling like there was nothing worth watching.

Then, one day, I got it.

Cable TV started feeling… stale. Everything was overproduced, predictable, and tailored for advertisers rather than viewers. It wasn’t about creating something meaningful—it was about what would keep investors happy. And once I started spending more time on YouTube, I realized just how different the content felt. It was raw, unfiltered, and real.

I wasn’t just watching heavily scripted reality shows—I was seeing real people share their lives, their struggles, their knowledge, and their passions. I was watching creators explore hidden corners of the world, deep-dive into niche topics I’d never considered, and break down complex ideas in a way that made learning exciting again.

And unlike network television, these creators weren’t just following corporate agendas. They were driven by passion, not a boardroom of executives.

What really sealed the deal for me was realizing that every time I clicked on a YouTube video, I was actually helping someone. YouTube creators aren’t backed by billion-dollar networks; they rely on their audience to engage. My views, my likes, my comments—all of it helps push their content further, helping them land sponsorships, sell their merch, or simply make enough ad revenue to keep doing what they love.

Meanwhile, if I watched an episode of some primetime network show? It didn’t matter. They’d still get their multi-million-dollar advertising deals whether I tuned in or not.

So I made a shift. I stopped giving my attention to giant media corporations who don’t need my viewership, and I started supporting independent creators who actually do.

Now, YouTube is my go-to, whether I’m actively watching or just letting videos play in the background while I work. And the funny thing? I’ve learned more from passively watching YouTube than I ever did from years of dedicated cable viewing.

I’ve explored cultures I never knew existed, found hidden travel destinations that mainstream media never talks about, and watched deep-dive discussions that challenged my way of thinking. Even when I’m not paying full attention, I love knowing that just by letting a video play, I’m supporting a creator who’s hustling to make a living doing what they love.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I still have a soft spot for some of my old favorite sitcoms. There’s nothing like rewatching Friends or Expedition Unknown when I need some comfort TV. But here’s the thing: I don’t need cable for that.

Streaming platforms like Prime and Hulu have made it easy to revisit the classics on my terms, without sitting through endless commercial breaks or planning my day around a network’s schedule. I can press play whenever I want, binge an entire season in a weekend, or just let it run in the background while I fold laundry.

But can I say I tune in weekly to any new cable shows anymore? Not really. And I’m totally okay with that.

Because at the end of the day, I’d rather give my time and attention to real people creating something with heart than to networks chasing their next big ad deal.

And if you’ve ever caught yourself flipping through cable, feeling uninspired… maybe it’s time to switch, too.