We've actually been cable free for at least 5 years -- I lost count. We did it initially to save money, but it's had the added benefit of 'decreased' marketing to my kids. We don't deal with commercials, and the 'I want this fill in the blank' that was seen on TV.  We stream Netflix through the Wii -- we still watch shows, but I look at it as planned TV watching, instead of mindless channel flipping.  I missed sports programming as well -- it's actually gotten MUCH better in years past, as you're able to watch a lot of events online. We're big basketball fans here in Kentucky, and I was able to watch it all online this year.  You're right -- we do miss out on 'things' -- but watching The Bachelor or Desperate Housewives doesn't improve my life.