"The Appeal of Background TV: Why People Leave Their Screens On"

Viewers are increasingly spending more time watching free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services like Tubi, with Tubi's viewership spiking to 1.7 percent of TV time in February 2024. The appeal seems to lie in the background noise it provides while people work or scroll through social media, offering low-stakes viewing without the pressure of keeping up with a specific storyline, as highlighted by the rise of Tubi over other traditional streaming services.