Why We Sacrificed TV for Savings and Sanity

We finally canceled our TV cable subscription; and so far, it's been less traumatic than I expected. This is the first time I've gone without specialty channels or anything past 13 on the dial. While we've been angry with the fact our provider has been gouging customers for the privilege of enjoying American comedy specials three or four months after the original air date, our decision also had to do with weaning ourselves off of the mind-numbing programs that offered very little entertainment value.

Our subscription was bundled with internet and phone services, but there was no way to justify the supposed cost savings. Even with the package, we still ended up paying close to $100 dollars for TV alone. We now have access to a few local channels via antenna. The reception isn't as clear as digital cable, but we can easily live with that.

Most of the hundred-plus channels were left unwatched since signing up for the deal. It included The Speed Channel. We only recently sat down for a "Pimp My Ride" marathon; and while it had its moments, we weren't all that keen on sitting down for another eight straight hours of blinged-up, gold-plated overhauls of classic, worn out Honda Civics and Trans Ams anytime soon.

I've studied and worked in communications since university. As a kid, I spent more time in my parents living room watching reruns of "Three's Company" and "Polka Dot Door" than I had playing sports or even stepping outside the house. There was always something on to pass the time. I didn't even enjoy every show, but I still stayed glued to the set for shows like "Full House" and "Saved by the Bell" to tide us over until Prime Time. Entertaining? Not really.

I'll miss "The Gong Show" and "Root of All Evil", but the same shows are now streamed from The Comedy Network's website for free. For now, we'll be happier picking up the occasional previously viewed DVD (Season One of "The Sarah Silverman Program" for only 10 bucks). If anything else, our decision will probably force me to read more. Cheers!

Photo by Katherine.