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2,287 channels
The television landscape in the United States is a vast, often overwhelming, but undeniably influential beast. It's primarily driven by a powerful commercial ecosystem, with the major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW) forming the backbone, supported by hundreds of local affiliates across the country. Cable and satellite TV expanded choices exponentially for decades, though now IPTV and direct streaming are clearly the future. Primetime generally kicks off earlier than in many European markets, usually around 8 PM Eastern/Pacific, and it's a battleground for everything from procedurals and sitcoms to reality competition shows and prestige dramas. What really sets American TV apart is its scale and segmentation. You have incredibly robust, 24/7 news cycles on dedicated channels, and a local news tradition that's fiercely competitive and hyperlocal, often featuring multiple newscasts per day. Live sports are a national obsession and a massive driver of viewership, with multi-billion dollar rights deals for everything from the NFL to college basketball. Another unique facet is the significant Spanish-language broadcasting market, with networks like Univision and Telemundo operating as fully-fledged, culturally distinct entities rather than just dubbed foreign feeds. While English is dominant, this bilingual reality is deeply ingrained in the US media fabric. Dubbing is generally reserved for children's programming, with foreign-language adult content almost always presented with subtitles. This fragmented, highly commercialized, and relentlessly innovative market has shaped global TV habits in profound ways.