Cable channel subscribers grew for the first time in 8 years last quarter

Cable TV Subscriptions See First Growth in 8 Years, Report Finds

The number of people paying to watch cable channels has grown for the first time in eight years, according to a recent report from research analyst MoffettNathanson. In Q3 2025, pay TV operators added 303,000 new subscribers, marking a significant turnaround from the industry's decline.

The growth is attributed to several factors, including the addition of YouTube TV subscribers and traditional pay TV companies offering bundles with streaming services. YouTube TV, the largest virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD) by subscriber count, claimed 8 million subscribers in February 2024 but may have reached 9.4 million recently.

According to MoffettNathanson's report, Charter Communications saw significant growth due to its bundles with streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max, while Comcast also reported its best pay TV subscriber count in almost five years after launching a streaming bundle with Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV.

However, the overall trend for the pay TV industry remains negative. Pay TV's subscriber count declined by 10.2 percent compared to the same quarter last year, although the decline slowed down from 12.4 percent in Q3 2023 to 10.2 percent in Q3 2024. The industry still faces significant challenges, including a shift towards streaming services and declining cable viewing hours.

MoffettNathanson notes that while the recent growth is encouraging, the industry needs more sustained momentum to see long-term growth. Despite this, the report suggests that the positive result could be a sign of better times ahead for pay TV operators.

I'm telling ya, it's about time something good happened in the pay TV industry . I mean, 8 years without growth? That's like me saying I've never had a decent cup of coffee ️... not true! Anyway, back to this. The addition of YouTube TV and these bundles with Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max are total game-changers . It's no wonder Charter and Comcast saw those gains. But let's be real, the industry is still in trouble . Streaming services are where it's at now, and pay TV needs to adapt fast . I mean, who needs cable when you've got Netflix and Peacock on your doorstep? Still, this growth is a step in the right direction... fingers crossed it sticks around .

I'm not surprised to hear that cable TV subscriptions are growing again . People still want access to live sports, news, and events on their TVs . The addition of bundles with streaming services is a big deal - who doesn't love having Disney+ or Netflix included in their package? It's just a matter of time before pay TV operators catch up with the times and adapt to the changing way we consume media . Still, it's tough to see the industry as a whole doing well when viewership is declining ... Fingers crossed they can keep this momentum going!

omg, who knew paying for cable would come back in style like, it's been 8 years with no growth and now we're adding subs left and right... maybe people are just tired of their old streaming services or something? i mean, charter's bundles with disney+ hulu etc are a thing now too, so that's cool, but like, can't they all just stream together already ?

so yeah, it's not all bad news for cable tv lol! they're actually adding new subscribers again after 8 years of decline that's like, a major comeback and I guess the bundles with streaming services are helping a lot Charter Communications is killing it with Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max and Comcast's Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV bundle is also bringing in some sweet numbers but still, we gotta keep an eye on that overall trend it's not like they're going to bounce back overnight the pay tv industry still has a lot of challenges ahead of them

This is like what our politicians say about 'growth' and 'turning things around'. One day they're down 12.4% (or in pay TV terms), next thing you know, it's back up to a minuscule growth of 303,000 new subs . It's all about perception and PR at this point. They need more than just a temporary bump to say we're 'back on track'. And let's not forget those bundles with Disney+ and the like – that's like our politicians trying to tie together disparate policy threads (e.g., healthcare, education) into one neat package. It's all about spin and presentation over actual meaningful change .

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this news . I mean, cable TV subscriptions have grown for the first time in ages? That's crazy talk! I remember when I was a kid, my parents were always arguing about who got to control the remote and which channel to watch. Now, people are actually paying to watch TV again? I'm not sure if it's good news or bad, but I guess it's nice to see some growth in the industry. But, like, have you seen the prices they're charging for those streaming services? It's like, what's up with that? Anyway, I think this might be a sign of things to come... we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out

I'm kinda surprised about this news, cable TV has been on its way out for ages and most people switched to streaming services. But it's awesome to see some growth after so long! Maybe all those bundle deals with Disney+ and Hulu were just what pay TV needed to stay alive . Still, the industry as a whole is struggling, and I'm curious to see if this growth can be sustained for the long haul .

I wonder if we're just seeing a brief reprieve from the streaming storm ? Like how some people might take a deep breath and try again after hitting rock bottom, but ultimately, they still need to confront their underlying issues... in this case, the shift towards streaming services. I mean, think about it, most of these new subscribers are just adding YouTube TV or traditional bundles with streaming services – it's not like they're abandoning cable altogether . It's like trying to put a Band-Aid on a bigger wound . Will this growth stick? Only time will tell, but I'm still watching from the sidelines and waiting to see what's next...

Just saw this report and I'm kinda surprised lol . 303k new subs in Q3 2025? That's a big deal! But at the same time, industry still declining overall... like what's going on? https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/13/cab...first-growth-in-eight-years-report-finds.html

omg, i was thinking about cutting the cord and switching to streaming services but cable tv subscriptions actually growing ? i'm glad to see traditional TV companies offering bundles with streaming services tho, makes it more convenient for people like me who still wanna watch sports and movies . but at the same time, 10.2% decline in pay tv subscriber count is still a big deal . hope they can sustain this growth and make it to better times ahead

I'm loving this news! It's been ages since we've seen cable TV subscriptions grow, and it's awesome to see some major players like Charter and Comcast getting back on track. The addition of bundles with streaming services is definitely the key here - who doesn't love having Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max all in one place?! And I have to say, YouTube TV's growth is pretty impressive too... 9.4 million subscribers? That's a lot! But yeah, I'm still a bit skeptical about pay TV's long-term prospects. We're living in an era where streaming services are getting way more convenient and affordable, you know? Still, it'll be interesting to see how this trend develops. Maybe the industry can find a way to adapt and thrive alongside these new players... we'll just have to wait and see!

I'm not surprised to hear that cable TV subscriptions are growing again . I mean, people still love their live sports and events, right? But seriously, it's interesting to see how YouTube TV and these bundle deals with streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix are helping out pay TV operators. I just wish the industry could find a way to balance growth with those challenges... maybe a more sustainable model is needed ? Anyway, here's hoping we'll see more positivity for pay TV in the future