There was a day when binging Netflix was not possible. I remember when Netflix was a company that sent you DVDs in little paper sleeves and what was at the top of the “queue” was a fight we had once a week. The direct to mailbox movie service's main competition was Blockbuster. The battle that transcends time, red vs blue. But we live in an ANS time, or "After Netflix Streaming" that is. A changed world. Blockbuster slain, Netflix turned its company killing potential on bigger beasts. This time, it's about more than a company. Netflix is on the verge of taking the legs out of an entire industry. The cable industry does not seem to be very afraid. Should they? Does Netflix pose a threat to the billion dollar industry.

In a survey conducted by "Cut Cable Today," it was found that over a third of Netflix users are not currently paying for any kind of television cable service. While this may not seem like a killing blow, what it does show is Netflix’s push ever forward. Just two years earlier, the same poll showed that a quarter of users did not have cable. This is a nearly ten percent increase in cable cutters. Put in perspective, that ten percent represents an increase of 13.6 million people cutting cable in just two years. If this increase in consumers choosing streaming services over traditional television persists, it could spell trouble for big TV.

Not only does the convenience of streaming win over the traditional time slot style of cable mean viewers can enjoy their content at their leisure, the actual content available on streaming is quickly surpassing anything that cable has to offer. At last year's Emmy’s, streaming services collectively scored a staggering 46 nominations and took home multiple wins. Cable is slowly but surely losing this war of attrition. There are still good cable shows. "Modern Family" is consistently good, "SNL" is a staple, and late night talk shows just can’t be reproduced on streaming services (yet). But,from drama to comedy to the newly popular superhero genre, Netflix is consistently delivering quality programming in a manner that is bordering on excessive. If network executives don’t step up to match the quality of content and ease of delivery, their ship may be a sinking one.

I do believe there will always be a place for TV. Things such as reality shows, game shows, and late night talk shows will alway have a place to hang their hat. They are beloved by millions and simply do not work without being broadcast on a regular schedule. What I am saying is there may soon be a massive decrease in the number of superfluous channels. Gone are the days of one thousand and one channel cable packages. The best TV is usually on the first five channels anyway. We are about to see having cable as a niche once again. I for one am glad. The competition has bred some of the greatest television I have ever seen. In a constantly changing industry networks are about to learn, those who adapt last lose.