53 Percent of U.S. Adults are Watching More TV Amid Pandemic

More than 50 percent of adults in U.S. homes say they are watching more TV during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey by Leichtman Research Group.

Per the study, 53 percent of adults aged 18 and above agreed (8-10 on a 1-10 scale) that they now spend more time watching TV per day, while 16 percent disagreed. The data was fairly consistent across different age, income and gender segments and SVOD and non-SVOD homes. There was a difference when it came to pay-TV subs—56 percent are watching more TV, compared to 45 percent of non-subscribers. The survey also found that 62 percent of pay-TV premium subscribers, 62 percent of pay-TV DVR subs and 59 percent of pay-TV on-demand users are now spending more time watching TV per day. Connected TV users are also watching more TV.

“Reported increases in TV viewing since the coronavirus pandemic began are consistent across demographic categories, while perceived increases in connected TV usage are more prevalent in higher-income households and among younger adults,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group. “Usage growth has played a role in boosting consumers’ positive perceptions of their streaming video, pay-TV and broadband services.”